When it comes to populating your data catalogue, should you prioritize sheer quantity of entries, or meticulously focus on quality? ask Neil Burge on LinkedIn. While I have seen both strategies taken, my experience firmly leans towards quality being the crown jewel.

I’ve seen first hand the pitfalls of prioritizing quantity.

Users overwhelmed by wading through a vast data dictionary brimming with over 40 million entries, yet lacking vital context, lineage, or clear ownership.

The quantity approach defeats users, leaving them lost in a labyrinth of information with no clear path to insights.

Instead, focusing on quality allows you to curate a valuable collection, not a data graveyard.

Why Quality Wins:

Remember, a data catalogue is like a library. You wouldn’t want shelves overflowing with irrelevant books.

1. Clarity Over Clutter: A quality-driven approach ensures each entry provides meaningful context, clearly outlining what the data represents, its source, and its intended use. This eliminates confusion and empowers users to quickly understand the data’s relevance to their needs.

2. Value Drives Engagement: When your catalogue focuses on high-value data elements, it becomes a trusted resource, not just a metadata repository. Users actively engage with the catalogue, knowing they’ll find relevant, reliable information to drive informed decisions.

3. Trust Breeds Transparency: A commitment to quality fosters trust in the data, encouraging users to share and contribute information openly. This collaborative approach further enriches the catalog and ensures its continued relevance.

4. Efficiency Triumphs Over Waste: By prioritizing quality, you avoid wasting resources on cataloguing irrelevant or inaccurate data. This leads to cleaner, more manageable data infrastructure, saving valuable time and effort in the long run.

So, how do you achieve metadata quality?

It’s not about throwing away data, but about prioritizing and building a foundation. Here’s how:

1. Identify Key Objectives: What are your primary business goals? Start by cataloguing data elements directly related to these objectives. This ensures immediate value and relevance.

2. Prioritize Data Stewards: Focus means that data stewards are engaged. This fosters accountability and ensures data accuracy and consistency.

3. Standardize and Document: Establish clear definitions, formats, and access controls for your data. This creates a common understanding and prevents confusion.

Building on Quality:

Now, don’t mistake this for advocating against comprehensive data coverage. The beauty of a quality-driven approach lies in its scalability.

After establishing a solid foundation of valuable data elements, you can organically expand your catalogue over time, ensuring consistent quality as you incorporate new information.

Prioritize the curated collection of valuable resources, and your users will thank you for providing a clear path to discovery and insight.

Do you have experience with data catalogues?

Share your thoughts on the quality vs. quantity debate in the comments below!