Metadata Updates – What If We Got It Wrong?

Metadata is usually gathered during the development of a new database, or sometimes as an update during a change. But what happens if the business changes their mind, or realizes that what they understand about their data changes over time? A recent software upgrade provided us with a way to allow users to see their data models as well as the metadata. The effect of this was that now that they could view the models and see the metadata – they had a chance to review and challenge some of the metadata. We needed to come up with a process and method to hear their corrections, incorporate it into the model and finally – implement it physically in the data structures. Some of the challenges encountered were developing a formal process for intake, understand the ramifications of the change, and physically implementing the new metadata.

This case study is designed to walk through steps we took, describes the process we put in place and what steps we took to make it go smoothly and benefit our company by managing our licensing and costs. During this discussion we will explore:

Metadata within Data Modeling Tools
Techniques for gathering metadata in the beginning
Process Steps for making changes to existing metadata including physical changes
Costs and Benefits for this work
Tips for justifying to IT and Business Leadership

Dawn Michels is the Supervisor & Principal Enterprise Information Architect for the National Marrow Donor Program on the Enterprise Architecture Team. Prior to joining NMDP her work spanned multiple facets of data management in many industries including, Retail, Manufacturing, Medical Devices and Financial industries. Dawn's former employers include Lifetouch, Regis, Target, Andersen (Windows and Doors), Guidant Corp (now Boston Scientific), Fair Isaac Inc, Securian and General Mills, where she led the first Corp Wide DW. Dawn has spoken at fourteen International Data Conferences on assorted topics of interest, and speaks for other DAMA chapters around the country as requested. She is the current Past President of the DAMA MN chapter. Data is her passion as well as her vocation.