Data strategies are like communication strategies. You can write a very comprehensive strategic plan, but it will never become self-aware and implement itself. Fed Scoop Radio brought this interesting information to our attention in their article, “The importance of trust in building a data-centric organization.”

Another similarity is the need for both. Having a data strategy is not a plus, but a requirement these days, especially for federal agencies. That doesn’t mean it will be easy.

2020 clearly has showed us the importance of data and having an agile data strategy that enables organizations and agencies to adapt and change course quickly to continue operations.

Making the most of the data we have is key to this success. Leveraging data for better decision making involves a combination of factors, including investments into modernizing the IT systems, strengthening trust and confidence in the data and ultimately establishing cohesive data governance. That governance must include policies and processes around data sharing. Silos must come down.

Melody K. Smith

Sponsored by Data Harmony, a unit of Access Innovations, the world leader in indexing and making content findable.