A data steward is a crucial role within any organization that deals with a significant amount of data. This individual is responsible for overseeing the company's data assets and ensuring that they are of the highest quality. Data stewards are tasked with monitoring all data collection activities, organizing and preparing data according to corporate standards, and fixing any data corruption issues that may arise. They also play a key role in transferring data across different applications and platforms, ensuring that information is accessible to those who need it.
One of the primary objectives of data stewards is to use data to inform decision-making within the company. By analyzing and interpreting data, these individuals can help the organization better understand its customers, target the right audience with marketing efforts, and improve business processes. Data collection and ownership guidelines established by data stewards help to maintain and enhance organizational performance, while also safeguarding sensitive information and educating employees about data privacy best practices.
In many organizations, there are typically four types of data stewards, each with a specific focus and set of responsibilities. These include:
1. Data Object Data Managers: These individuals are responsible for managing reference data related to specific business entities within the organization. 2. IT System Data Managers: These data stewards handle data associated with one or more IT systems, ensuring that information is accurately collected and stored. 3. Process Data Managers: These stewards oversee data processing activities throughout various business processes, often requiring a deep understanding of computer systems and technology. 4. Business Data Managers: These individuals focus on managing both reference and transactional data that is essential for carrying out core business functions within the organization.
The duties of a data steward are diverse and can vary depending on the specific needs of the organization. Some common responsibilities include:
1. Implementing Data Security: Data stewards are responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of organizational data, ensuring that it is current and error-free. They investigate database errors and develop data-control policies to protect sensitive information and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations.
2. Data Process Design: Data stewards play a key role in designing data processes within the organization, determining how data is collected, inputted, and shared among different departments and databases. Standardizing data interaction practices can help prevent issues such as data duplication or corruption.
3. Conventional Data Operations: Data stewards oversee the entire lifecycle of a dataset, from its creation and storage to its processing and transmission. They develop and implement data management policies, maintain institutional data glossaries, and ensure that all important data is properly documented and described.
4. Data Lineage Monitoring: Data lineage involves tracking the origin and usage of data within the organization. By tracing data back to its source, data stewards can identify errors and inconsistencies, helping to improve data quality and accuracy.
5. Maintaining Data Quality: Data stewards are responsible for establishing data quality rules, processes, and internal control systems to ensure that data elements meet specific criteria and standards. They regularly monitor data quality, address any issues that arise, and take corrective actions to maintain the integrity of the data.
Overall, data stewards play a critical role in ensuring that organizational data is accurate, secure, and accessible. By overseeing data operations, implementing data security measures, and maintaining data quality, these individuals help organizations make informed decisions, improve business processes, and protect valuable data assets. With their unique set of skills and expertise, data stewards are indispensable members of any organization that values the importance of data management.