Enterprise Data Management: The Foundation for Successful Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is in full swing, revolutionising business models, processes, and interactions across all sectors. However, to fully leverage the potential of digital transformation, companies require a solid foundation for managing their data. This is where Enterprise Data Management (EDM) comes into play – the basis for securely, efficiently, and strategically utilising data. But what exactly is Enterprise Data Management, and why is it essential for success in the digital era?

What is Enterprise Data Management?

Enterprise Data Management involves strategically shaping the use of data within a company – from planning through policies to practical implementation. The aim is to establish clear guidelines for the organisation and protection of data, ensuring that data is always available, accurate, and secure. EDM is more than a technical task; it encompasses organisational and cultural aspects that are crucial for success in digital transformation.

Why is Enterprise Data Management So Important for Digital Transformation?

Data is the heart of digital transformation. It forms the foundation for modern decision-making, innovations, and processes. Without thoughtful data management, an abundance of information can quickly descend into overwhelming chaos, severely limiting a company's flexibility and competitiveness. Structured EDM enables the use of data as a valuable resource while minimising risks such as data privacy breaches.

Benefits of Comprehensive Enterprise Data Management

An effective EDM offers tangible benefits for companies:

For sustainable Enterprise Data Management, it is crucial that strategies, policies, and processes interlink and are continuously adjusted. The Intero Enterprise Data Management Framework (IEDMF) provides companies with a structured approach to systematically build and develop EDM.

The IEDMF is divided into three areas:

Data Strategy: Defining a data strategy is the first step, establishing major objectives that are aligned with the corporate strategy.

Data Governance: Based on the strategy, policies are defined that need to be considered in implementation.

Data Management: This level ensures that the policies are integrated into the day-to-day management of data.

A practical example: Corporate objectives determine the data strategy, which provides the basis for the data governance policies, subsequently implemented in data management.

The Intero Data Management Framework not only divides into levels but also provides an overview of central practice-related topics: architecture, organisation, data protection and security, data quality, data ethics, and analytics. These topics are essential for most companies and require specific measures. Each of these topics is applied at all three levels of the IEDMF. For instance, in the area of "architecture," a strategy for the employed architecture can be developed, architectural policies can be established, or concrete implementation measures can be carried out. There are often interdependencies between topics; for example, if a data protection strategy directly influences architectural policies.

The IEDMF goes a step further by identifying the essential aspects and practices for each level and topic area. This creates a clear overview of the diverse measures in enterprise-wide data management. This matrix does not claim to be exhaustive but demonstrates how various aspects can be classified within EDM.

Implementing EDM presents challenges, from system integration and employee training to adapting to new legal requirements.

• Transparency: Often, companies lack transparency at all levels. Typically, a systematic EDM has yet to be introduced, resulting in structures and processes that have developed over time. Creating transparency around these structures, processes, responsibilities, and measures is essential for EDM. Only then can a holistic approach lead to success. Additionally, it is vital that new results are documented and communicated effectively to ensure that the entire company works together.
• Integration and Interoperability: Companies deal with a vast array of different data, systems, roles, responsibilities, processes, and structures. When defining EDM, it is essential to ensure that all components interlink and that goals and processes are applied within EDM.
• Sustainability: EDM is not a one-off activity; it is a continuous process. Due to new regulatory requirements or technologies, it is necessary to periodically adapt the EDM. It must also be ensured that the EDM is fit for future requirements and appropriate processes are implemented to review and optimise the EDM. Moreover, for sustainability, it is critical that the EDM is embedded throughout the entire organisation. Measures must be defined within EDM, such as training programmes to ensure the establishment of EDM in the corporate culture.

• Resources and Expertise: Resources for implementing EDM are typically limited, and the introduction of EDM requires extensive expertise. Therefore, it is necessary to find an approach that ensures success in implementing EDM with the available resources.

   

Approach to Developing and Implementing EDM

1. Create a Project Plan: Here, a concept is created for achieving the goal with available resources.
2. Preparation: Establish transparency regarding the current situation, existing processes, requirements, and objectives.
3. Fill the IEDMF: The IEDMF is defined in an iterative process. Based on the empty framework, the matrix is filled according to individual needs, considering best practices. Accompanying stakeholder management is required for iterative information gathering.
4. Create an Implementation Roadmap: The roadmap for introducing EDM is established. To ensure sustainable embedding within the organisation, change management measures are necessary.