Implementing Data Governance (DG)

Project Description

A large multinational energy operator wanted to set up a company wide Data Governance framework and a standardised approach to data management for its different business segments. Flare was engaged to design the initial data governance and standards.

Flare’s Approach

Flare developed a data governance framework and a data standard and guideline hierarchy that allowed the client to consistently manage its data.  The framework was developed by interviewing individual stakeholders and gleaning existing best practice in this area. Gaps were then filled using industry best practice to create the finalised framework. The framework consisted of new data ownership roles and responsibilities, both at the business segment and country level, a new Data Governance Group (DGG) to oversee DG, and appropriate messaging and communications to the business. A full Terms of Reference was created for the DGG to ensure that it had defined responsibilities and tasks to undertake.

The standards and guidelines hierarchy consisted of three levels:

  • Company level Data Management Standard – one standard to cover all major elements of data management at the company level. Created a consistent approach to Data Management.
  • Company level Data Management Guidelines – Supports the main DM standard and provides greater detail on content and implementation.
  • Business segment Data Type Standards – specific standards that cover individual or groups of data types.

The data management standard was based on existing best practice from the company and gaps were filled with industry best practice and using Flare’s experience. To support this standard, a number of data management guidelines were also produced. These supplied more details about specific elements of the standard, including metadata, master data, data quality management, data ownership and data sharing. Each guideline contained the level of detail required to provide the business segments with enough information to start implementation, plus details of the best approach to implementing the standard and associated guidelines.

The intention was that each business segment would then create their own specific standards based on individual or groups of data types.

Flare worked with key business stakeholders to create the final deliverables and built on the company’s existing best practice where possible.

Benefits/Outcomes

After adopting the new Data Governance framework and standard and guidelines the company started to realise a number of benefits:

  • Adoption and a growth in understanding of the company level standard.
  • Creation of business segment data management strategies based on achieving the minimum expectations as set out in the company standard and guidelines.
  • Adoption of new data ownership roles.
  • Formal creation of the DGG and initiation of meetings to discuss priorities and a roadmap for the future.

Only three months after completion, the company started to see a noticeable change in attitudes and a desire in each business segment to adhere to the standard and guidelines and make a difference to the way that data management is seen and undertaken.

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