Define Governance Structure for IFS Cloud Data Mesh Implementation
Data Strategy

Governance Structure in
IFS Cloud Data Mesh

A governance structure is the backbone of any successful IFS Cloud Data Mesh implementation. It ensures complex data projects run smoothly with clear accountability and consistent standards.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Governance establishes oversight bodies, assigns roles, and defines processes. It ensures teams manage their data autonomously while adhering to company-wide rules and security standards.

It allows business units to operate independently while adhering to central rules. This speeds up decision-making, ensures compliance, and enables teams to share data efficiently.

Key roles include executive sponsors (CDO/CIO), data governance managers, domain data owners, data product managers, data stewards, and technical platform teams.

Tools like the IFS Scope Tool and Data Catalog automate compliance, provide visibility into data processes, and help teams follow rules consistently.

During Scoping, roles and rules are defined. During Implementation, committees ensure compliance. At Go-Live, processes support ongoing quality and change management.