Governance Structure in
IFS Cloud Data Mesh
The Shift to Federated Governance
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 goal is to empower teams to manage their data independently while ensuring alignment with company rules. Standards like data contracts and compliance policies tie everything together, creating a cohesive framework.
What Structure Means
- Establishes oversight bodies and steering committees.
- Assigns critical roles like domain owners and stewards.
- Defines processes for decision-making and tracking.
Governance Across the Project Lifecycle
1. Scoping
Solution architects and stakeholders define data ownership, initial rules, and domain boundaries.
2. Implementation
Committees ensure data processes and contracts meet expectations and legal requirements.
3. Go-Live
Governance processes support ongoing quality, compliance, and change management during operations.
Key Components of Governance
Committees
Provide strategic direction and keep business units aligned.
Core Documents
Outline processes and rules for risk and change management.
Technology Tools
Tools like IFS Scope Tool and Data Catalog enforce rules in real-time.
Why Federated Governance?
Federated governance allows business units to manage their data according to shared standards while central teams oversee compliance. 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.
Governance Roles in Data Mesh
Executive Sponsors
Ensure company-wide support and resource allocation (e.g., CDO, CIO).
Governance Managers
Set company-wide standards and maintain alignment across teams.
Domain Data Owners
Accountable for the quality, security, and compliance of their domain data.
Data Product Managers
Oversee the design and improvement of specific data products.
Domain Data Stewards
Handle daily operations, cataloging, and documenting data.
Technical Platform Teams
Provide tools and automation to enforce governance standards.
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.
