Why data standards matter & why they’re important

Data is considered the new oil for modern businesses that’s why futuristic organizations have already adopted robust data integration strategies. However, simply integrating or having the data isn’t what gives a competitive advantage.  

The key to success is effective organization and efficient processing, as well as making the organizational data available for various teams. This can be achieved with properly placed data standards. This article discusses why integration of right data standards will be the key to success, and its roles in data access and governance.  

Data standards101  

Data standards are referred to as the predefined, agreed-upon guidelines and specifications for how data should be placed, formatted, structured, and exchanged between systems and organizations. These predefined standards promote consistency, accuracy, and data democratization within organizations. By adhering to the right data standards, organizations can seamlessly integrate data quality and support efficient data governance practices.  

Key aspects of data standards include data formats (e.g., XML, JSON) metadata specifications (Dublin Core, ISO 111971), and communication protocols (e.g., HTTP, FTP). These standards play a critical role in enabling the right data sharing and collaborations, reducing the data risks, and ensuring the relevant compliance and regulatory requirements. In the context of industries, such as healthcare, finance, and telcos, data standards are key to obtaining data interoperability and driving innovation.  

How data standards drive organizational success 

For organizations that work around opportunities, these predefined data standards provide a wide range of benefits. Data standards are key to maintaining data quality which is necessary for better and more insightful decision-making. Moreover, these defined standards are necessary for reducing redundancy and enhancing reliability.  

However, some of the distinct features of having data standards in place are:  

=> Data standards are defined, designed, and implemented by industry experts to solve various business problems.  
=> For some organizations, this might be a complex and expensive process, but once in place successfully, they provide entire organizations with a standardized format to follow. 
=> They foster better data understanding and transparency for the data, which can also be reused.  
=> Facilitate technology changes, migrations, and upgrades with minimal disruption.  
=> Can be used to map unstandardized data much more efficiently.

Data standards play a critical role in ensuring consistent access to data across various systems and platforms. By defining common formats and protocols for data exchange. This consistency reduces the risk of errors and improves the efficiency of the data retrieval process.   

In the increasingly interconnected digital landscape, interoperability between different systems is essential. In an increasingly interconnected digital landscape, interoperability between different systems is essential. Data standards such as RESTful APIs and JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) facilitate seamless communication between disparate systems. These standards enable applications to access and share data regardless of the underlying technology stack, fostering a more integrated and functional ecosystem. 

• Improving Data Security 

Data access standards also contribute significantly to data security. Standards like OAuth and SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) provide robust frameworks for authentication and authorization.  

• Streamlining Compliance 

Adhering to data access standards helps organizations comply with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 for information security management provide guidelines for securing data access and protecting sensitive information.  

Data architects, data analysts, business users, and other employees should be well-versed in the data standards applied in this process. 

To learn more about data governance, read our Guide to Data Governance.  

In a nutshell 

In conclusion, data standards are the backbone of a well-structured and efficient data management system. They ensure consistency, accuracy, and accessibility, which are crucial for making informed business decisions and maintaining regulatory compliance. By establishing clear guidelines for data access, usage, and governance, organizations can improve collaboration, enhance data quality, and reduce operational costs.  

Adopting and adhering to data standards not only streamlines processes but also future-proofs the organization against the rapid advancements in technology and data analytics. Embracing these standards is not just a best practice but a strategic imperative for any data-driven enterprise aiming for long-term success. 

Unlock the full potential of your data with Systems Limited

Our comprehensive Data Management services ensure the highest standards in data quality, governance, and security. Leverage our expertise in data architecture, data warehousing, and data integration to streamline your operations and make data-driven decisions.  

Trust Systems Limited to transform your data into a strategic asset and drive your business forward in the competitive landscape. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve excellence in data management and beyond.