ABC Unveils Data Repository as Element of Governance Revamp


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Quick Read

  • ABC integrates data via Snowflake’s data warehouse.
  • A project in three phases aims to improve data governance.
  • The initiative emphasizes accountability and defined responsibilities.
  • ABC’s data governance scheme includes foundation, enablement, and embedment stages.
  • More than 4000 employees have been educated on data governance.
  • Future objectives entail “data governance by design” and automation.

ABC’s Data Transformation Journey

ABC Unveils Data Repository as Element of Governance Revamp


Alison Burgis with Guillaume Jaudouin, Altis Consulting, at Gartner Data & Analytics Summit

Altis Consulting

Embracing a Cloud-Based Platform

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has made a crucial advancement in its data management plan by adopting Snowflake’s cloud-based data warehouse. This decision is part of a three-phase project intended to operationalise ABC’s data governance and offer a comprehensive view of its essential data assets.

Tackling Data Governance Issues

Although ABC had a data governance framework established, it faced significant challenges concerning data discoverability, quality, and accountability. Data was kept across numerous isolated platforms, complicating management processes. Furthermore, unclear accountability and differing levels of data governance maturity were recognized as major obstacles.

Organized Method for Data Governance

ABC’s governance effort is organized into three phases: foundation, enablement, and embedment. The foundation phase laid the groundwork for essential frameworks and accountability models, including a data governance council and a hub-and-spoke data operating model. This model encompasses 18 data owners tasked with lifecycle management within their areas and 15 stewards who serve as data custodians.

Advancements and Looking Ahead

After 18 months, the program has achieved all goals, promoting a cultural transformation within ABC. With 4000 employees trained in data governance, the broadcaster is now prioritizing the integration of governance practices by design and investigating automation possibilities in data quality monitoring.

Summary

ABC’s integration of data into Snowflake’s cloud-based data warehouse is a crucial aspect of its data governance reform. This initiative seeks to address current data governance challenges by creating a structured framework and accountability models. As the program evolves, ABC continues to weave governance practices into its daily functions, with future plans focused on proactive quality management and automation.

Q&A Session

Q: What was the primary objective of ABC’s data governance initiative?

A: The main objective was to operationalise data governance by establishing a centralized view of ABC’s data assets and confirming accountability and clear responsibilities throughout the organization.

Q: What were the primary challenges encountered by ABC in data governance?

A: ABC faced challenges including data discoverability issues, extended time-to-insight, lack of accountability, and varying degrees of data governance maturity.

Q: How is ABC organized to manage data governance?

A: ABC utilizes a hub-and-spoke data operating model, featuring a central governance council and distributed accountability among 18 data owners and 15 stewards.

Q: What future strategies does ABC intend for its data governance?

A: ABC aims to incorporate “data governance by design” within its operations and seek automation opportunities in data quality monitoring and metadata management.

Q: How many staff members have been acquainted with data governance at ABC?

A: More than 4000 employees have completed tailored introductions to data governance.

Posted by Matthew Miller

Matthew Miller is a Brisbane-based Consumer Technology Editor at Techbest covering breaking Australia tech news.

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