Where do you start your typical DQ initiative?

You should start by understanding the quality of the existing data. This is best done by conducting a formal objective Data Assessment. Place a stake in the ground and determine the current quality of an aspect of your data that is critical to your business processes. Conduct a Data Assessment and measure the quality of the Data.

On completion of the assessment you will be able to:

• Provide accurate, complete measures of the current quality of the data
• Report statistics and findings in summary scorecards and detailed tables
• Identify the problems that exist within the data
• Identify actions that can be taken to further analyse and improve the quality

When presenting your results:

• Start with the end in sight
• Interpret the results where possible and relate to business :
  • What risks exist due to the problems identified?
  • What costs are being incurred due to these issues?
  • What potential benefits would fixing the problems provide?
• Identify which areas are being impacted by the problems and should support improvement activity being implemented
• Consider who will benefit from Data Quality improvement, directly and indirectly
• Report the statistics graphically where possible for ease of understanding