Data Architecture: A Step-by-Step Approach to Organizing Your Data
I was asked recently to build a Data Architecture, and with this ask, I realized I have never put the
elements all together to form a holistic view to present it to an audience, instead I was just acting on
individual elements that compose the Data Architecture.
So, what is Data Architecture?
Imagine you're constructing a building. Before you lay a single brick, you need a detailed plan or
blueprint that outlines how everything will fit together. This blueprint will guide where the rooms go,
how the electrical system is laid out, and where the plumbing runs. Data Architecture is the blueprint for
managing your data. It outlines how data is collected, stored, transformed, distributed, and consumed
within an entity. It ensures that data is handled in a structured and efficient manner, supporting the
organization's objectives, much like how a building's blueprint supports the functionality and aesthetics
of the finished structure.
What Does Data Architecture Involve?
Data Architecture involves several key components, including:
Data Modeling: This is like drawing the layout of each room in a building. It involves defining how
data will be organized, including the structure of the data, relationships between different data
elements, and the rules governing data integrity.
o Data Quality profiling, assessment, cleansing, processing and transformation
Data Storage and Management: Deciding on the foundation and storage rooms. This involves
choosing the right databases and storage solutions to keep the data safe, accessible, and
scalable.
o Tools and technology to be used
Data Integration: Think of this as designing the pathways and doors between rooms. It involves
combining data from different sources to provide a unified view and ensure seamless data flow
across systems.
o Same as above, tools and technology to be used
Data Governance: Setting the rules and regulations for the building's use. It involves establishing
policies and standards for data quality, privacy, and security.
o Additionally, it involves setting up and operating model
Data Consumption: Planning the accessibility and usability of the building. This involves making
data available to users through reports, dashboards, and analytics tools, ensuring that
stakeholders can make informed decisions.
o Analytics for the final users
How to Build a Data Architecture
Building a Data Architecture can be approached in several steps:
Understand Business Objectives: Before you start, you need to know what the organization
wants to achieve. This understanding will guide the overall strategy for the data architecture.
Assess Current State: Take stock of the existing data landscape, including what data is collected,
how it's stored, and how it's used. Identify gaps and areas for improvement.
Define the Future State: Based on your understanding of the business objectives and current
state, outline what the ideal data architecture should look like. This includes selecting
technologies, defining data models, and outlining governance practices.
Develop a Roadmap: Plan the steps needed to move from the current state to the future state.
This involves prioritizing initiatives, allocating resources, and setting timelines.
Implement Solutions: Begin executing the roadmap by building or revamping data models,
integrating systems, establishing governance practices, and deploying solutions.
Monitor and Iterate: Data architecture is not a one-time project but an ongoing process. Monitor
the performance of your data ecosystem, and be prepared to make adjustments as business
needs evolve.
In my specific scenario, I came up with something like this by following the above principles (obviously it
is not my real case study as it would breach the compliance, but it has a similar structure):
In conclusion, for those new to data architecture, it's important to approach it as an evolving structure,
as your data architecture can grow and change as your organization's needs evolve. The key is to ensure
that the foundation is solid, supporting expansion and adaptation over time.
