Do I need data governance as a smaller organization?
The executive meeting starts with a discussion about whose figures are correct. Sales calculates a different revenue than finance, and no one knows exactly who has access to the customer data. Rarely has someone been careless. Usually, there is simply a lack of an agreement.
What is data governance?
Data governance is about the agreements surrounding data: who is responsible for what, what terms mean, who has access to which data, and how quality is monitored.
The word 'governance' quickly conjures images of thick policy documents and slow approval rounds. But for a smaller organization of forty to two hundred employees, a handful of clear agreements can really make a difference.
When do you need it?
There is no fixed minimum number of employees. The time has come as soon as data from more than one system comes together in one report, departments calculate with different definitions of the same figures, or you process personal data of customers, members, students, or employees.
Also, when you start with Power BI or Copilot, or if employees use AI tools themselves and paste company data into them, it is good to have the agreements in order first. Even for a smaller organization, a practical basic model may suffice.
Start with these five agreements:
- Assign an owner for each data source. This person monitors the accuracy and use of the data.
- Define the key terms. For example, describe what is meant by 'revenue', 'active customer', or 'member'.
- Regulate access rights by role. This way, access does not depend on individual persons, and it remains clear who may use which data.
- Conduct regular quality checks. Especially check the data that frequently appears in reports.
- Make agreements about the use of AI tools.. Briefly specify which company data employees may and may not enter.
Well-structured governance does not feel like extra rules or a blockade for users. Quite the opposite: figures are more often correct, terms are used consistently, and it is clear which information is reliable. As a result, employees need to check less and can trust data more quickly.
Axelio sets this up from the Microsoft environment you already have, in small steps and with clear explanations for the users. Axelio is ISO 27001 certified.
Discover where you can take the first steps
Would you like to receive more information about how data governance can be implemented within your organization?