Pinpoint: A virtual user conference Register today
Smarty

The importance of a data governance framework

The importance of data governance framework main image
Andrew Townsend
Andrew Townsend
 | 
March 9, 2023
Tags
The importance of data governance framework main image

We're thrilled to share a sneak peek of one of the sections in our latest ebook, "Data Governance: An Executive's Survival Guide." This guide is a must-have for anyone with a database, and we have packed it with an abundance of critical points and examples that will enlighten and entertain you.

One of the most valuable assets businesses have is the digital data we work with every day. As more and more data is collected and used, it's important to have a system to manage it effectively. Enter data governance frameworks.

What is a data governance framework?

Much like other aspects of our lives, a data governance framework provides rules and guidelines for collecting, storing, and using data in a business. This framework helps to streamline and scale core governance processes, making it easier to maintain compliance and support collaboration as data volumes grow.

Data Governance: An Executive's Survival Guide ebook

Why does a data governance framework matter?

Having a data governance framework in place is crucial for the success of your operations. It allows your business to define and document standards, accountability, and ownership, making it easier to maintain high-quality data. In fact, 67% of respondents in a Profisee-sponsored Harvard Business Review Analytics Services report say that data governance is essential for achieving high-quality enterprise data.

Example of a data governance framework

If you're wondering how to create a data governance framework, the Data Governance Institute provides a helpful template. The term "data modeling" is often used interchangeably with "data governance framework" and can also refer to the visual representation of the framework. This representation can help to better understand how everything fits together.

Gimme a data governance checklist

The complete list of data governance program components is available in the ebook that's available for free, but we'll give you a glimpse at the top four.

Mission and Vision: Define the mission and vision of the data governance program using compelling language.

Goals, Metrics, and Funding Strategies: Include SMART goals to measure the program's success and explore funding options with stakeholders.

Rules: Outline data-related policies, standards, compliance requirements, business rules, and data definitions. Address gaps and overlaps in definitions.

Decision Rights: Identify who has the decision rights for data-related decisions, including when new rules are created. Establish the decision rights for the data governance program.

You can read more about each of these components, and the other six points in the full ebook.

Download the free ebook today

Data Governance: An Executive's Survival Guide ebook

Subscribe to our blog!
Learn more about RSS feeds here.
rss feed icon
Subscribe Now
Read our recent posts
Tariffs are high. Your address accuracy should be higher.
Arrow Icon
Tariffs are spiking. Shipping costs are climbing. Margins are shrinking. You can’t control global trade policy, but you can control how efficient and accurate your operations are in response. Most ecommerce teams, logistics planners, and data managers miss one of their best cost-saving opportunities: addressing accuracy. Bad address data isn’t hidden. It sits in your systems, shows up in carrier returns, and quietly drains profits every day. When tariffs rise to 15 to 50 percent in some product categories and import volumes are falling, every shipment becomes more expensive, every delay costs more, and every lost customer hurts more.
Pinpoint: The Smarty virtual user conference, because the world is better validated
Arrow Icon
November 2025 | 100% online | 100% awesomeJoin us this November for the Smarty Virtual User Conference, a two-day event packed with insights, tools, laughs, and $1000 worth of prizes. This event is for you, whether you’re optimizing delivery accuracy, improving compliance, or just trying to figure out if your neighbor really has a breakfast nook. What to expect:2 days, 12 hours of content, zero fluffLive sessions from address data prosHands-on demos of Smarty’s latest tools and pluginsGiveaways galore, like gift cards, swag, and even a chance at a massive LEGO setHidden Easter eggs throughout the event (no, seriously—find them and win)An after-party with games (shoutout to Brady Amundson)Tailored tracks for every roleFor developers:Roll up your sleeves.
Welcome to the Address Zoo #1 | Override & underride city addresses
Arrow Icon
The benefits of reliable, easy-to-implement address data are straightforward. Actual addresses, on the other hand, aren’t always so cut and dry. If you’re looking to become an expert in everything that begins or ends with an address, this series is for you. We’ll demystify the types of addresses that have developers scratching their heads and introduce you to the tools keeping your address data best-in-class. Come one, come all, and enter the wonderful world of peculiar addresses! Let’s see what’s on exhibit.

Ready to get started?