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A well-implemented data catalogue is essential for streamlining operations, improving data access, and fostering trust across an organisation. However, securing adoption and engagement from users presents challenges. CDOs shared advice on key considerations for selecting the right tooling and business user engagement when building a centralised data catalogue.

The Importance of a Centralised Data Catalogue

A centralised data catalogue plays a pivotal role in enabling organisations to manage data assets efficiently, streamline access, and foster trust in data-driven decision-making. However, organisations are looking to these tools to address the diverse needs of data specialists and business users, ensuring both can derive value from the solution.

Key Considerations When Selecting a Data Catalogue Tool

1. Define the Catalogue’s Purpose

Organisations must clearly articulate the primary objectives for implementing a data catalogue. Whether the focus is on consolidating data assets for improved transparency or enabling user engagement for informed decision-making, defining the purpose ensures alignment with business priorities.

2. Prioritise Integration With Legacy Systems

Effective integration with existing systems is critical, particularly for organisations with complex or legacy-rich infrastructures. The selected tool must also address data quality issues to provide a solid foundation for data governance.

3. Balance Functionality, User Experience, and Cost

No single tool is likely to address all technical and business needs comprehensively. Evaluating potential solutions for functionality, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness—while recognising budget constraints—is essential.

4. Differentiate Metadata and Data Catalogues

Different stakeholders require different capabilities. Metadata catalogues typically support technical teams managing data lineage, while business users benefit from accessible, user-friendly catalogues that simplify navigation and comprehension of data assets. Clearly understand the requirements of both audiences.

5. Standardise Data Definitions

Establishing and harmonising data definitions at the outset ensures consistency and clarity. This process lays a strong foundation for trust and successful adoption across the organisation.

Strategies for Engaging Business Users

Securing business user engagement is often as critical as selecting the right tool. Successful strategies include:

1. Managing Expectations

Business users may encounter challenges if the tool feels overly technical or unintuitive. Setting clear expectations, combined with tailored training, can mitigate frustration and drive adoption.

2. Developing a User-Centric Approach

Understanding business users’ workflows and designing the catalogue around their needs ensures a seamless user experience. This involves defining personas, mapping user journeys, and prioritising intuitive design.

3. Integrating the Catalogue Into Daily Operations

For the catalogue to become an integral part of business processes, it must align with daily workflows. Demonstrating how it supports routine tasks and enhances efficiency builds reliance on the tool.

4. Establishing Data Domain Ownership

Engaging business users as data domain owners creates accountability and aligns data management with organisational priorities. This approach fosters collaboration and ensures the catalogue remains relevant and well-maintained.

5. Maintaining Data Quality

A data catalogue is only as effective as the quality of its content. Regular updates and proactive management of data and metadata are essential to sustaining user trust and engagement.

Exploring the Dual-Catalogue Approach

Given the diversity of user needs, many organisations find success with a dual-catalogue strategy. This involves maintaining distinct catalogues for technical and business users—each tailored to its audience. While technical catalogues focus on metadata management and data lineage, business catalogues prioritise accessibility and usability.

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