Weary homeowners often rush into a new purchase because they’re tired of living in chaos. But moving the same clutter into a new space rarely solves the problem.

It can feel the same with your data.

With the clock ticking on a new initiative, it’s tempting to pack up your bad data and take it with you. But that can be a costly mistake.

Thankfully, there’s a better way.

In this series, we’ll show you how to get your data house in order with a “Love It or List It” approach. So, either way, you end up on top.

Tired of clutter and chaos?

When you hear terms like data governance or data migration, it’s easy to start thinking very technical. It helps to picture something a bit more…concrete.

Think of your environment as your data house — and it’s driving you crazy.

If you’re familiar with the show Love It or List It, then you know the dilemma. Homeowners are fed up because:

  • Their space is outdated and no longer meets their needs.
  • They’ve run out of room — or at least they think they have due to the clutter and mess.
  • No one really agrees on how to make the space work.
  • They feel overwhelmed by choice, unsure of where to go or how to solve their problems.

Then, the experts—an interior designer and realtor—step in. By addressing the home’s issues, the designer persuades the owners to “Love It” and stay. Or the realtor finds a home listing that’s so perfect, they decide to “List It” and move.

Either way, the homeowners end up on top. The value lies in the process. By getting organized, they gain equity and a fresh outlook that sets them up for success, whether they choose to stay or sell.

How does this apply to your data?

When a house is cluttered and chaotic, the problem usually isn’t the building — it’s the items inside. We tend to hoard our possessions and keep things that we don’t need or have any use for. The same applies to data.

Moving to a new MDM or PIM platform won’t necessarily solve your issues. In fact, it could create new ones. In most cases, you’ll have a shiny new system, but you’ll fill it with the same data you had before — and carry on with the same bad habits. The outcome? More clutter and chaos.

So, whether you stay in your current environment or implement something new, it’s critical to get your data house in order.

Renovate your data in 3 key areas

When homeowners decide to renovate—or search for a new space—they typically focus on the kitchen, bathrooms, and main living space. Why? Because these areas make the biggest impact, both in quality of life and the value you get down the road.

In the same way, data quality, governance, and migration make a huge difference in the value you get from your data — now and in the future.

Data Governance

At the heart of a renovation are the budget and boundaries that guide the process. They aren’t there to hold you back. In fact, well-defined parameters help you focus and make fast, strategic decisions. Regulations also ensure your space remains a safe place to live.

Data governance works in the same way. Having a framework to govern your data frees you to make decisions faster and with confidence. With a structure in place, you can be more explorative and empower people to make changes flexibly, rapidly, and with less risk.

Data Quality

Let’s talk about raw materials — the essential element of any home. For an organization, data is the most valuable raw element you have. You can’t build systems or initiatives without it.

Creating a framework for data quality is an essential step.. You’ll need to consider how you’ll collect and organize the right data for your needs; then implement quality controls to keep it relevant, accurate, and reliable.

Data Migration

Finally, when you set up a new home, your furnishings must be fit for purpose. It’s not just about how to pack it all up; it’s about ensuring everything fits nicely into the new space.

In the same way, data migration and data quality are closely linked. Migration may involve moving your data, but the complexity comes from defining standards and creating a framework that retains (or improves) the quality along the way.

Will you Love It or List It?

Like the experts in Love It or List It, Amplifi steps in to help you figure out the root of your data mess. Then, we’ll guide you along your data journey, whether you:

Love It…

If you clean up your data, implement the right processes, and establish a governance framework, staying with your current environment might be the right choice. Plus, by making tactical changes now, you’ll be positioned to thrive once you eventually move on.

or List It…

If you’ve decided to migrate to a new MDM or PIM, it’s important to get it right the first time. Because much like a new home, if your new system isn’t the right fit for your business, it can be costly and time-consuming to fix.

The most successful MDM projects include not only great technology, but also the people and processes that surround your data. Who will own the data? How will decisions be made? Do you have data definitions in place? Is there a framework to keep data from degrading over time?

The good news is that you can get your data house in order before or during an MDM implementation, without the process slowing you down. You can also leverage a data quality assessment to build a business case for MDM, or fix issues that popped up after implementation.

Take the next steps

Much like buying or renovating a home, investing in a data management system requires key objectives and specific expertise. The best place to start? Consulting the experts.

Amplifi can help whether you’re just beginning your data management journey, need to migrate to a new MDM or PIM, or have already started and you’re facing hurdles early on.

Start the conversation with our data management experts by emailing [email protected] or visiting our contact page.