Since 2010, data interactions have increased by 5000%,¹ with data stores expected to reach 200 zettabytes by 2025.² This explosion of data offers unprecedented opportunities for insights and growth, but it also introduces complex challenges when it comes to managing, protecting, and intelligently using this vast resource. 

Data Governance Has Never Been More Important

While the need for data governance seems like a no-brainer on the surface, implementing and managing an effective data governance program is easier said than done. Despite the clear benefits, many organizations face a minefield of obstacles that stymie their best data governance efforts, including: 

• Siloed data: When data is confined to isolated systems across different departments, it not only makes it infinitely harder to enforce consistent data policies, but also undermines data security measures and obstructs your ability to comply with regulations.

• Lack of executive buy-in: Effective data governance requires strong leadership to champion initiatives. Without the support and understanding from top management, your data governance program will likely flounder, lacking the necessary resources, visibility, and momentum needed for success.

• Undefined roles and responsibilities: Without clearly defined accountability, your data governance initiatives can suffer from mismanagement and neglect, leading to data quality issues and regulatory non-compliance.

• Resource constraints: A powerful data governance program needs adequate resources to fuel it, such as sufficient funding, cutting-edge technology, and skilled personnel. Without these crucial pieces, your data governance initiatives may stall or fail altogether.

• Keeping pace with emerging technology and requirements: If your existing data governance framework isn’t equipped to adapt to new tools, data types, or compliance standards, you’ll struggle to create and sustain a robust data governance program that has the agility to evolve.

Strategies for Overcoming Data Governance Challenges

Once you’ve identified the challenges impeding your data governance efforts, you can begin implementing tailored strategies to address them. Below are five practical approaches to help you overcome these hurdles:

1. Create a data-driven culture: It starts with your people. Train and educate team members at all levels to ensure everyone recognizes the importance of data governance. Engage them in ongoing communication about your governance processes.
2. Secure executive support: Actively engage with company leaders to gain their backing. Demonstrate the tangible benefits of data governance, such as better decision-making capabilities, improved regulatory compliance, and cost savings related to more efficient data management.
3. Clarify roles and responsibilities: Assign clear and specific roles to team members across departments to ensure everyone knows their part in managing, using, and protecting data. Regularly review and update these responsibilities as the landscape evolves. 
4. Use technology: Invest in reliable tools that support data visibility, quality, and compliance across all systems. Automate where possible to reduce human error, streamline processes, and cut costs.
5. Establish strong policies and procedures: Develop comprehensive data governance policies that address data access, quality, and security. Ensure these policies are well-documented, easily accessible, and enforced consistently across the organization. 

Not sure where to start? At Melillo, we have extensive experience helping businesses consolidate, standardize, and govern their data. Contact us here to learn more about how we can help you develop and execute a tailored data governance strategy that aligns with your goals and regulatory requirements—so you can reap the full benefits of your data assets.

1 https://earthweb.com/blog/big-data-statistics

2 https://cybersecurityventures.com/the-world-will-store-200-zettabytes-of-data-by-2025/