Data Catalog
A data catalog is a central resource for managing data inventories.
Classification
- ComplexityMedium
- Impact areaTechnical
- Decision typeArchitectural
- Organizational maturityAdvanced
Technical context
Principles & goals
Use cases & scenarios
Compromises
- Security vulnerability with insufficient protection
- Data quality issues
- User acceptance issues
- Regularly check data quality
- Train users
- Document processes
I/O & resources
- Access Request
- Data Source Description
- Metadata Updates
- Access Rights
- Data Source Reports
- Updated Query Results
Description
A data catalog enables organizations to manage and make their data accessible efficiently. It supports the documentation of data sources, management of metadata, and optimization of data preparation.
✔Benefits
- Increased efficiency in data management
- Better decision support through access to relevant data
- Optimized data analyses
✖Limitations
- Requires ongoing maintenance
- Dependent on technology
- Requires training
Trade-offs
Metrics
- User Satisfaction
Measuring user satisfaction when accessing the catalog.
- Data Completeness
Checking the completeness of data listed in the catalog.
- Analysis Speed
Measuring how quickly analyses can be conducted using the catalog.
Examples & implementations
Data Catalog at Company X
Company X has developed a data-driven catalog that facilitates access to multiple data sources.
Optimizing BI Processes
A comprehensive data catalog has led to increased efficiency in business intelligence activities.
Successful Data Analysis at Company Y
Company Y uses the data catalog to conduct high-quality analyses.
Implementation steps
Analyze data sources
Create a catalog structure
Implement data access
⚠️ Technical debt & bottlenecks
Technical debt
- Outdated technologies
- Insufficient system integration
- Lack of adaptability
Known bottlenecks
Misuse examples
- Incomplete data source description
- Poor user interface
- Ignoring data protection regulations
Typical traps
- Wrong prioritization of tasks
- Lack of testing before implementation
- Ignoring data silos
Required skills
Architectural drivers
Constraints
- • Compliance with standards
- • Technological prerequisites
- • Budget constraints