Most enterprises generate massive amounts of data, and that data is typically monitored in some form or fashion. Not all data monitoring processes are created equal, however, and taking a business process approach to monitoring will ultimately yield the best results.
BackOffice Associates, a company that specializes in information governance and data quality processes, recently published a blog post highlighting some of the main elements successful business process data monitoring should encompass. According to the company, an effective approach should not just involve monitoring, but delivering the correct information to the best people at the most critical time.
The company posits that by using data processes efficiently and effectively to monitor data, companies can approach six sigma levels of data quality. Six Sigma is a common theory when it comes to process developments and improvements, made popular by Jack Welch, who made it the center of his leadership strategy at General Electric. Six Sigma’s techniques and tools are a good fit for monitoring data quality processes as the strategy seeks to improve the quality output of the process by identifying and removing factors that cause errors. The method also uses a set of quality management methods and metrics that can benefit an entire organization.
When it comes to applying Six Sigma to business process data monitoring, an important factor is to create data standards that are focused on all aspects of data. These include not only quality but relevancy, completeness, informational value and retention. When standards have been identified, they must then be instantiated into a tool that consistently checks data against this set of standards.
Another important step in the business process approach to data monitoring is to select the people who will be responsible for certain portions of data and include them in the monitoring process. This ensures data standards are adhered to and any violations quickly resolved. This also gives employees an understanding of the positive impact of good data on overall business processes.
Finally, in order to make the entire monitoring process effective, data must not only be delivered to the proper people, but at the correct time and in the right format. Making sure all of these parameters are met will ensure smooth business operations and timely correction of any issues. And this ultimately lets businesses glean the most value out of their data monitoring and information governance processes.
Edited by Rory J. Thompson