A strong and effective data management strategy is the cornerstone of any successful  business in the modern world. Data governance also plays a strong role, but choosing a well-defined data governance framework is a critical step toward achieving your business’s primary objectives and goals. There are several models, however, of data governance frameworks that are not a one-size-fits-all for any business. Choosing the right one for you can be a difficult decision. Learn about a few popular data governance frameworks, and how to select the best fit for your needs.

What is a  data governance framework? Data governance frameworks are structured approaches to managing and optimizing a business’s data assets. They are meant to be a strategy to collect and store data, process data, and provide the best data security. Data governance frameworks ultimately serve to standardize data operations, improve the accuracy and consistency of data, and promote compliance. Different frameworks cater to different needs of businesses, as well as common industry standards, rules, and regulation.

There are a few common and popular data governance frameworks that many businesses use. DAMA-DMBOK is one, which stands for Data Management Body of Knowledge, created by the Data Management Association. It is widely recognized and used, covering a range of data management disciplines. DCAM is another data governance framework, which stands for Data Management Capability Assessment Model. This framework focuses on the capabilities of a business’s data management, helping businesses to assess their maturity levels and building a roadmap to data governance. Other popular data governance frameworks include ISO 8000 and COBIT, or Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies.

Choosing the right framework for your business is a critical step in data governance. Look at your business’s primary goals and objectives - how does data governance align with them? Is your focus on compliance, data quality, or your overall data strategy? What is your current data management process, and which areas need improvement? What are the regulatory requirements for data federally, state-wide, and within your industry? These are critical questions to ask yourself before you choose a framework to standardize data governance in the long-term.

By understanding the most popular frameworks available and your organization’s unique needs, you can establish a robust data governance strategy that enhances data quality, compliance, and overall operational efficiency. Embracing a suitable framework not only protects your data assets but also empowers your organization to leverage data as a strategic asset in today’s competitive landscape.