What is Data Governance?

Introduction to Data Governance

Poor data quality is an issue that continues to plague CRM systems. However, with the ever-increasing value placed on quality data, especially with the advent of AI, ensuring your Dynamics 365 Sales (CRM) system is free of duplicates and contains quality data is essential to the success of your business.

Establishing a strategic Data Governance Program will ensure high-quality data is maintained and help maintain compliance with industry and government regulations.

What is Data Governance?

Data Management Association International (DAMA) defines data governance as the exercise of authority and control over the management of data assets.

Gartner defines it as the specification of decisions, rights, and an accountability framework to ensure the appropriate behavior in the valuation, creation, consumption, and control of data and analytics.

No matter the definition, we will explore the fundamental data governance principles and review some of the Data Governance Best Practices to help you successfully implement a data governance program.

Why is Data Governance Needed?

Let’s explore some of the main benefits organizations should consider implementing a data governance program.

Security

• Internal – Security across departments
• External – Government regulation compliance (GDPR, CCPA / CPRA, others)

Avoiding Inconsistent Data Silos

• Sales numbers differ across systems – due to poor integration rules
• Record types not clearly defined (Customers vs Prospects) etc.

Improved Data Quality

• Poor decisions are made based on poor data
• A defined process ensures proper guidelines/policies are followed
• More effective AI for better decisions, marketing and efficiency

More Efficient Systems

• Less work for IT staff 
• Can move resources to other areas to support business

Consistency (Trust in data)

• Single source of the truth (Customers, orders, products, etc.)
• Across all systems (Front office/Back office)