Augmented Data Catalogs, A Must Have Enterprise Architecture Tool

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Being able to organise and arrange enterprise data and metadata well underpins strong data governance, and in turn, strong enterprise architecture. Smart catalogs are coming into their own in providing a holistic view of data across the organization. 

Data catalogs have progressed rapidly in recent years. Traditionally, catalogs contained metadata types such as technical, operational, usage etc, plus business context focusing on glossaries, policies and data dictionaries. 

Today’s data catalogs offer even more functionality. They can automate manual tasks by augmenting data using AI and machine learning (ML) capabilities. As Gartner recognises, “in their ability to use ML” data catalogs can “[..] simplify, inform, augment and even automate various metadata management tasks”.  

Gartner believes these augmented data catalog attributes are fast becoming “an Enterprise must-have for data and analytic leaders.” [1] Augmented data catalogs enable data-driven use cases that support business transformation. 

Future Proofed with Graph Databases 

A preferred back-end for the modern data catalogs is the knowledge graph (graph database). One of the reasons for this is that graph databases provide a “future-proofed foundation not only for storing and enriching cataloged assets but also as the most valuable, meaningful fuel for AI and ML automation and insight generation.” [2]

Ask ABACUS Machine Learning 

When deciding which augmented data catalog to use, assessing Machine Learning features is key, recommends Gartner. 

“Ask ABACUS” machine learning uses predictive analytics and natural language processing (NLP). Proposed values appear in cells, with each suggestion weighted with a confidence interval.  Once accepted by the enterprise architect, values are then added to your repository, and as your data grows and becomes more comprehensive overtime the ABACUS ML engine learns and adapts to the enterprise aided by a highly configurable graph database, especially “when business users enrich it with more context.” [3]

Gartner also identifies some broad categories of metadata management which it regards as vital to “reduce time to insight for data and analytics use cases” which are “Discover, [..] Contribute, Govern, and Consume.” [4] 

Access & Collaboration  

Data accessibility and collaboration are fundamental to user buy-in; as is accessing information in distributed environments, and in the hybrid workplace. No organisation wants to see key data and related processes trapped in silos.  

ABACUS enables access to architecture data and analytics from within MS Teams, Confluence, Google Sheets, Service Now. Customized workspaces allow users to embed team projects, providing collaborative editing and live updates as content changes. Also, Enterprise Architects and key stakeholders can stay updated with chat integration and email notifications. By embedding ABACUS catalogs in Teams with Single Sign On, business users needn’t even be aware they’re using an additional tool. 

Customize Catalogs for Compliance 

For data governance to remain strong over time, users are much happier  and architects see improved compliance  when it is straightforward to customize a data catalog, structuring and naming the data as they see fit. 

This can be set up in ABACUS using groups and roles, which enable dashboard workflows and projects to be permissions-based.  

To report and present persuasively, particularly on-screen to global or remote teams, architects need to set up dashboards which tell clear data stories addressing business outcomes. This might mean pulling together a dashboard which offers a specific KPI in a simple view, or can be filtered to drill-down into the detail, or provides a simplified diagram which stays current, because it updates with any changes to the data catalog itself. 

 

For more information on how ABACUS can help connect your enterprise, please speak to our team who will be more than happy to arrange a personalized demonstration. Alternatively, please schedule a demo:

 

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[1] https://www.gartner.com/doc/reprints?id=1-1ZM4VXM4&ct=200804&st=sb

[2] https://www.cio.com/article/3389751/how-knowledge-graphs-create-data-driven-cultures.html

[3] Ibid

[4] Ibid

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