Introduction

A governance structure is the backbone of any successful IFS Cloud Data Mesh implementation. It clarifies who is responsible for what, how decisions are made, and which rules must be followed. This structure ensures that complex data projects run smoothly, with no gaps in accountability and consistent adherence to standards.

In IFS Cloud, governance shifts from a fully centralized model to a federated approach. Business teams manage their own data but operate within company-wide rules. This balance fosters innovation while maintaining compliance and security.

The Role of Governance in IFS Cloud Data Mesh

What Governance Structure Means

Governance in IFS Cloud projects establishes oversight bodies, such as steering committees, and assigns critical roles like domain owners and compliance stewards. It defines processes for decision-making, problem-solving, and tracking progress. This is especially important in a federated model, where authority is shared between central teams and business units.

The goal is to empower teams to manage their data independently while ensuring alignment with company rules and security policies. Standards like data contracts and compliance policies tie everything together, creating a cohesive framework for data management.

How IFS Cloud Methodology Uses Governance

IFS Cloud projects progress through several stages, each with unique governance requirements:

• Scoping: Solution architects and stakeholders define data ownership and initial rules.
• Implementation: Committees ensure data processes and contracts meet expectations and legal requirements.
• Go-Live: Governance processes support ongoing quality, compliance, and change management as teams deploy and operate the system.

Key Components of the Governance Structure

Committees and Processes

• Committees provide direction and keep business units aligned.
• Core documents outline processes and rules for risk management and change management.
• Technology tools like the IFS Scope Tool and Data Catalog enforce rules and enable real-time compliance checks.

Federated Governance for Scalability

Federated governance allows business units to manage their data according to shared standards while central teams oversee compliance and security. This approach offers several benefits:

• Autonomy: Business units adjust data management practices to meet their needs, accelerating decision-making.
• Compliance: Company-wide security and compliance standards apply to all data, regardless of its source.
• Efficiency: Shared tools, such as data catalogs and APIs, ensure consistency and reduce manual effort.

Teams can innovate faster, collaborate more effectively, and reuse data without confusion or redundant work. This balance of control and flexibility supports both compliance and innovation as the company grows.

Governance Roles in Data Mesh

Executive Sponsors

Executive sponsors, such as the Chief Data Officer (CDO) or Chief Information Officer (CIO), ensure company-wide support and resource allocation for governance initiatives.

Data Governance Managers

Data governance managers or a central council set company-wide standards and maintain alignment across teams.

Domain Data Owners

Domain data owners are accountable for the quality, security, and compliance of their data.

Data Product Managers

Data product managers oversee the design and improvement of specific data products, ensuring they meet business needs.

Domain Data Stewards

Domain data stewards handle daily operations, including cataloging and documenting data to ensure accessibility and usability.

Technical Platform Teams

Technical platform teams provide the tools and automation needed to enforce governance standards across all teams.

Federated Governance Committee

A federated governance committee aligns practices and resolves cross-team issues, ensuring smooth collaboration and compliance.

Conclusion

In IFS Cloud Data Mesh, governance roles and processes work together to give business teams the control they need to innovate while ensuring critical rules are never overlooked. This balance supports scalability, compliance, and rapid innovation, making governance a cornerstone of successful data management.

FAQ

What is the role of governance in IFS Cloud Data Mesh?

Governance establishes oversight bodies, assigns roles, and defines processes for decision-making, problem-solving, and progress tracking. It ensures teams manage their data autonomously while adhering to company-wide rules and security standards.

How does federated governance support scalability in IFS Cloud?

Federated governance allows business units to operate independently while adhering to central rules. This approach speeds up decision-making, ensures compliance, and enables teams to share and reuse data efficiently, fostering innovation and scalability.

What are the key roles in IFS Cloud Data Mesh governance?

Key roles include executive sponsors (e.g., CDO or CIO), data governance managers, domain data owners, data product managers, domain data stewards, and technical platform teams. Each role ensures data quality, security, compliance, and alignment with company standards.

What tools are used to enforce governance in IFS Cloud Data Mesh?

Tools like the IFS Scope Tool and Data Catalog automate compliance and provide visibility into data processes. These tools help teams follow rules consistently and resolve issues quickly.

How does governance evolve across the IFS Cloud project stages?

During scoping, roles and rules are defined. Committees ensure compliance during implementation, and governance processes support ongoing quality, change management, and compliance as the system goes live.