Foundations of Data Strategy: Ownership, Accessibility, Usability

By Matt Curtis
Feb 21, 2024

Data quality is a critical aspect of building a successful data strategy, and it goes beyond just the accuracy of the data. A comprehensive data quality check should assess three key levels of data quality to serve the business effectively: data ownership, data accessibility, and data usability.

Data Ownership

Conversations with stakeholders provide insights into the types of data required to solve their problems. However, knowing if that data is available and who owns it is equally crucial. Prioritize addressing the most significant problems with the Pareto principle in mind, as 80% of the work will come from 20% of the data. Additionally, assess what data is missing but necessary, as external data may need to be procured and included in the data strategy.

Data Accessibility

Data professionals and the organization must have straightforward and managed access to the data, irrespective of its location. Quality data should be accessible from a single point of entry, across various data sets, and have appropriate controls in place. Ensuring seamless data accessibility empowers teams to make informed decisions and drive business growth.

Data Usability

For data to be usable, fields must be clearly defined, and the business must adhere to those definitions. If data is not well-documented or if different geographies use disparate processes for the same source system, data usability will suffer. Misaligned or inconsistent business rules within a single table can also hinder data usability. When data usability is compromised, trust in the information generated by the data team diminishes, making it challenging to provide real business value.

Assessing data ownership, accessibility, and usability provides valuable insights into data readiness and gaps that need to be addressed. By ensuring data is accurate, available, and usable, data professionals can generate reliable insights that drive informed decision-making and deliver true business value. A robust data strategy must prioritize data quality to maximize its impact on the organization's success.

Conducting a thorough data quality check is an integral part of any successful data strategy. By paying attention to data ownership, accessibility, and usability, SMBs can harness the power of data to make better decisions, enhance operational efficiency, and drive digital transformation. Remember, data quality is not just about having the right data; it's about making the data right for your business's needs. Prioritize data quality, and your data strategy will become a formidable tool for success in today's data-driven landscape.

Catch Up With Other Posts in This Series:

Identifying the Business's Biggest Needs

Sifting Through the Programming Languages

Data Maturity Is Not a Monolith

Leveraging Quick Wins for Long-term Success

Hungry for more?

Discover more ideas to improve your business

Experiment and Iterate: Tailoring Transformational Success

Explore the pivotal "Experiment and Iterate" stage in the digital transformation journey. Learn how organizations capture, implement, measure, and communicate early best practices to accelerate their unique transformational odyssey. Discover how these practices become the foundation for ongoing success, fostering a culture of transparency and adaptability.

Leveraging Behavioral Economics for Successful Digital Transformation and Change Management

Discover how integrating behavioral economics and change management principles can enhance digital transformation success. Address biases, enhance communication, and engage employees effectively.

Sculpting the Vision: The Cornerstone for Transformation

Explore the essential first step in the digital transformation journey - "Sculpting the Vision." Learn how organizations formulate a strategic imperative that guides every aspect of their transformation. Discover the importance of understanding the 'why,' identifying pain points, and engaging key influencers to pave the way for digital innovation and competitiveness.

Book a Meeting & Find Balance with a Data Strategy
Let's make your vision a reality
Bring harmony to your business
Start Now