Ad-hoc data quality processes don't cut it.

• Author: Swartz, Nikki
• Position: UP FRONT - Survey - Brief article

Ad-hoc methods of ensuring the quality of information just aren't good enough; yet, according to a recent survey from Harte-Hanks Trillium Software, few organizations currently have a total-business strategy in place to ensure data quality.

However, the survey also indicated that many of those organizations plan to increase the involvement of senior executives--a move that will improve data quality significantly, says the data-quality solutions provider.

The survey of 216 information professionals found that 51 percent of organizations represented handle localized data quality initiatives ad hoc, and a mere 14.5 percent of those surveyed were tackling data quality using a coordinated management-led enterprise strategy.

Most of those surveyed seemed to realize there was room for improvement: 75 percent said data quality tackled strategically, according to a multidivisional or enterprise-wide plan, represents a "best practice," and 79 percent stated that senior management will become more involved in data quality governance within two years.

"According to the survey...