Why You Need A Data Catalog

Before I can cover why having a data catalog is important, it is necessary to explain what data catalog is. Essentially, it is a repository of metadata on information sources from across the venture, including data sets, business intelligence reports, visualizations, and conversations. At the start, data catalogs were primarily used to help individuals more quickly find and understand data. Presently, data catalogs are used to address a broad range of data intelligence solutions.  

 

There are varying types of data catalogs and features which they offer. I will briefly expand on a few of (in my opinion) the most useful data catalog tools. First and foremost, a search feature. Being able to search for specific information, especially in everyday language, rather than coded terms, it essential to efficiency.

Similarly, a business glossary is a very important tool. A business glossary defines key concepts and terms utilized by the enterprise. It can serve as a common vocabulary for an organization, ensuring the correct terms are used consistently across any situation. 

 

 

Metadata management is the core element of a data catalog. It provides information and context for data assets stored across the enterprise. It lays the foundations for describing, inventorying, and understanding data for a number of purposes.

Additionally, a data linage chart can help you see these insights in a visual representation. Illustrative reports can be vital in helping understand how analytics change over time. I am very much a visual learner, so this is an essential feature for me.

Data catalogs, while always important, are becoming increasingly pragmatic as the business world leans more into remote workforce efforts. The data catalog helps ensure that data stakeholders aren’t working in isolation even as they are stationed independently. This is key for collaborative ventures. 

Now that we have covered all the most common benefits of a data catalog, it is important to state that not all data catalogs are created equal. Just as with any product or service, you have to do your research and make sure you are choosing the best option to fit your needs. While I can't make the choice for you, I can suggest a company to start with.

Alation data catalog service includes all of the features I touched on and more. There excellence is backed by independent reports. In 2020 Alation was recognized as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Metadata Management Solutions. It was the fourth year in a row that they were awarded the distinction.

Alation has been recognized in several other case studies, as well. Including those by Neilson, Forrester, AbbVie, New Relic, and more. Though these studies serve as a marker for Alation's value and reliability, the real evidence is in the countless satisfied customers that rely on their services to keep their enterprise operating at is highest efficiency.

When considering all the factors, it would be hard to deny that Alation is among the most desirable options for data catalog services, as well as many other business solutions, including Cloud Data Management, GDPR and CCPA Compliance Software, and more.