A data steward is a critical role within an organisation that focuses on overseeing and managing data assets and quality. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that all data collected is accurate, consistent, and follows corporate standards. Their duties encompass a range of tasks, including fixing data corruption, transferring data between applications, and addressing any data-related issues that may arise within the company.
One of the primary functions of a data steward is to use data to inform decision-making within the organisation. By leveraging data effectively, companies can target the right audience, streamline transaction processes, and improve overall performance. Data stewards also play a crucial role in upholding data privacy and security standards, educating employees on best practices to help protect the company's reputation.
Within different organisations, data stewards may go by various titles and be responsible for different aspects of data management. For example, data object managers focus on handling reference data for business entities, while process data managers oversee data processing centers and require a strong understanding of computer systems. Business data managers, on the other hand, are responsible for managing both reference and transactional data for various business functions.
In terms of job duties, data stewards are responsible for a wide range of tasks that contribute to the overall health and integrity of the company's data assets. From implementing data security measures to designing data processes to overseeing conventional data operations, data stewards play a critical role in ensuring that data is accurate, up-to-date, and easily accessible throughout the organisation.
One key aspect of a data steward's role is implementing data security measures to ensure that sensitive information is protected at all times. By establishing data-controlling policies and enforcing institutional guidelines, data stewards help to create a secure environment in which data can be used and shared appropriately. They also work to establish data curation procedures that align with the company's data life cycle requirements, balancing transparency with privacy to protect the company's interests.
In addition to data security, data stewards are also responsible for designing data processes that facilitate the efficient gathering, processing, and sharing of data within the organisation. By developing clear data interaction standards and implementing data entry and sharing protocols, data stewards help to streamline data management processes and reduce the risk of duplicate or corrupted data entering the system.
Another critical aspect of a data steward's role is monitoring data lineage, which involves tracking the origin and usage of a particular piece of data within the organisation. By understanding where data comes from and how it is being used, data stewards can identify errors, inconsistencies, and potential areas for improvement. This information is crucial for maintaining data quality standards and ensuring that data remains accurate, reliable, and up-to-date.
Overall, data stewards play a vital role in managing and maintaining an organisation's data assets. By overseeing data security, designing data processes, monitoring data lineage, and maintaining data quality standards, data stewards help to ensure that data remains a valuable asset that can be used effectively to inform decision-making, target the right audience, and drive business success. Their talents lie in their ability to navigate complex data landscapes, identify patterns and trends, and communicate data insights effectively to key stakeholders within the organisation.