Authored by Lauren Jackson | Senior Manager
and Mary Marc | Senior
Establishing an effective data governance framework is the key to accurate and reliable data. High-quality, well-governed data sets the stage for successful enterprise transformation, insightful reporting, and AI readiness. Today, we’re sharing SC&H’s proven data governance framework. This framework drives impactful results for our clients, improving data integrity by up to 80% and saving 30+ hours per month in manual tasks. Here’s our step-by-step process.
Data Governance Framework Components
Implementation of this framework is designed to work in three phases:
Phase 1: Framework Development
Phase 1 involves the development of all foundational materials, workflows, and roles required to govern master data. During this phase, SC&H will lead the charge and adapt the standardized framework for each customer’s unique requirements.
Step 1: Creating necessary roles to govern your master data (and keep it governed)
To make sure the framework has the right resources in place, assign Business Owners, Data Custodians, and any other identified roles for the business per data element.
The Business Owner is the subject matter expert of the assigned data element and approves all changes to the master data. Data Custodians maintain the integrity of the master data and enforce the data governance framework. Create standardized documentation to explain each role and their specific responsibilities throughout the data governance process.
Step 2: Storing Master Data & Governance Documentation
Store all master data and the materials needed to govern it in a secure, centralized location that everyone in the business can access. The master data should be stored in a standardized, formal document that will be the main source of implementing changes until incorporated into a Master Data Management (MDM) tool. This document and all data governance materials should be kept in the same secure location.
Step 3: Developing Data Governance Foundational Materials
Make sure everyone using the master data understands it by creating clear, standardized documents that define each data element, and the levels of detail required. Include a glossary to explain master data elements and any other necessary information. Documentation identifying the data elements that are mandatory versus optional is also required:
- Mandatory data includes master data that is foundational to the data structure and required in ALL target systems.
- Optional data includes supplementary data that helps define master data further and may not be required in all target systems.
Step 4: Configuring Data Governance Materials to Target Systems
The goal of any MDM tool is to ensure that master and supplementary data is correctly implemented into the business’ system architecture. As part of the data governance documentation and data classification, identify all target systems that will intake this information. For smooth data integration, the MDM tool needs to be compatible with all target systems. That means all documentation created in Phase 1 needs to be configured or enhanced based on the target system’s needs.
Step 5: Developing Master Data Maintenance & Auditing Materials
The ability to trace any changes made to the master data end-to-end is important for data governance. Track all changes by documenting modification requests and logging approved changes. Store this documentation in a central location for easy access.
- Change request log: Formally documents all requests for modifications to the master data and required approvals
- Metadata change tracker: Formally documents any approved changes that have occurred in the master data to date
Phase 2: Training & Transition
Phase 2 focuses on transitioning the data governance materials and processes developed in Phase 1 to the business’ Data Owners and Custodians. SC&H will create, present, and distribute documentation outlining the data governance inventory and processes to the owners and custodians in three steps:
- Data governance inventory: Create memo that outlines all materials used to govern the master data and intended usages
- Process flows: Develop process flows for maintaining the master data. This includes expected tasks of each governance role in the process
- Training and transition: Conduct necessary walkthroughs of all materials to ensure business owners and custodians are prepared to transition.
Phase 3: Enterprise Training & Distribution
Inform the remainder of business users (outside of the Data Owners and Data Custodians) of the new data governance framework to ensure everyone understands and adopts the new standards. Your approach can vary depending on the point of time in which they are implemented. The image below highlights the expected processes based on two points in time of transformation.
SC&H Can Help Your Business Elevate their Data Integrity
Building a data governance framework on your own, while keeping up with your regular workload, is nearly impossible. We get it. That’s why our three phased approach – developing foundational materials, providing targeted training, and distributing knowledge – equips your team to manage data confidently and accurately. By partnering with us, you will not only protect your data but also enhance the decision-making across your organization.
Still curious on how we can support your transformation journey? Contact our team today!
