Jonathan Reichental

A wide range of tools is available that are designed to help big businesses and small take advantage of the data science revolution. Among the most essential of these tools are Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, SQL, and the R and Python programming languages.Comparing Microsoft Power BI and ExcelMicrosoft markets Power BI as a way to connect and visualize data using a unified, scalable platform that offers self-service and enterprise business intelligence that can help you gain deep insights into data.

You’ve decided that a smart city initiative is right for your community. You now have a bold and ambitious vision. It’s time to get started so that you can actually realize this vision. You must initiate a process of translation to move from your smart city vision to a set of actions. For this, you need a plan.

Beginning the journey to create a smart city is a bold and courageous first step. The risks and costs are high, and positive outcomes aren’t guaranteed. Most cities that haven’t yet committed to a strategy may be able to detect an element of inevitability that the day will soon come. Evolving needs and community expectations will demand it.

To be effective at their jobs, staff in an organization want to find the data they need quickly, and they want it to be high-quality data. This means the data needs to be accurate and current. Leaders want data to provide the basis for rich insights that enable timely and informed data-driven decision-making. ©Andrey Popov / Adobe StockThe legal department requires data to be handled by everyone in a manner consistent with laws and regulations.

You can’t buy a data governance program off-the-shelf. That’s actually good news. Organizations must implement a program relative to its level of interest, as well as its needs, budget, and capabilities.Even a modest effort can produce meaningful results. Glancing at all the areas in the figure below may seem overwhelming, but not all of these elements need to be addressed (certainly not at first), and there are different degrees in which each can be pursued.

In general, the definition of a data governance tool is one that assists in the creation and maintenance of policies, procedures, and processes that control how data is stored, used, and managed.No doubt, many aspects of data governance are complex, particularly in larger organizations. Fortunately, as expected from a competitive marketplace, where there is opportunity, you will find providers and their software solutions only too willing to help.

This Cheat Sheet summarizes two important aspects of data governance: creating policy documents and the responsibilities of a data governance council.Creating data governance policy documentsA policy is an agreed-upon approach for guiding decisions to reach certain outcomes. Policies steer day-to-day actions in support of an organization’s philosophy, strategy, and the requirements of the marketplace, including laws and regulations.