How do you update your data catalog?

1 Identify data sources and changes

The first step to update your data catalog is to identify the data sources and changes that you need to document. Data sources can be databases, files, APIs, streams, or any other type of data input or output. Changes can be structural, such as adding, deleting, or modifying tables, columns, or relationships; or semantic, such as changing the meaning, usage, or quality of the data. You can use data discovery and profiling tools to scan your data sources and detect any changes automatically, or you can rely on manual methods, such as reviewing documentation, logs, or code.

3 Define data terms and policies

The third step is to define the data terms and policies that apply to your data sources and changes. Data terms are the names, descriptions, and attributes of your data entities, such as tables, columns, or fields. Data policies are the rules, standards, and guidelines that govern your data quality, security, privacy, and compliance. You can use data glossary and dictionary tools to create and manage your data terms, or you can use data governance and stewardship tools to define and enforce your data policies.

4 Annotate and enrich data metadata

The fourth step is to annotate and enrich your data metadata with additional information and context that can help you and other users understand and use your data sources and changes. Data metadata is the data about your data, such as its type, format, size, source, or owner. You can use data annotation and enrichment tools to add tags, labels, comments, ratings, reviews, or feedback to your data metadata, or you can use data quality and validation tools to measure and improve the accuracy, completeness, consistency, and timeliness of your data.

5 Publish and share data catalog

The final step is to publish and share your data catalog with your intended audience and stakeholders. Your data catalog should be accessible, searchable, and browsable by anyone who needs to find, understand, or use your data sources and changes. You can use data catalog and portal tools to publish and share your data catalog online, or you can use data integration and delivery tools to export and distribute your data catalog in various formats, such as CSV, JSON, XML, or HTML.

6 Update and maintain data catalog

Updating your data catalog is not a one-time activity, but a continuous process that requires regular monitoring, review, and maintenance. You should update your data catalog whenever there are new data sources, changes, terms, policies, or feedback that affect your data assets. You should also review your data catalog periodically to ensure that it is accurate, complete, relevant, and up-to-date. You can use data catalog and governance tools to automate and schedule your data catalog updates and maintenance, or you can use data audit and reporting tools to track and measure your data catalog performance and quality.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?