What is a Maturity Model?

A Maturity Model is a framework that is used as a benchmark for comparison when looking at an organisation's processes. It is specifically used when evaluating the capability to implement data management strategies and the level at which that company could be at risk from said strategies.

Within a data governance audit, a Maturity Model will be used to map the level at which an organisation is at in regards to its existing data management processes and procedures. The more mature an organisation is against this benchmark, the less at risk it is in terms of risks associated with poor data management practices.

Examples of areas in data quality where you could use a Maturity Model to benchmark yourself include:

• Data quality as a whole, including your capture and cleanse processes.
• Data governance ranging from data ownership, to technology in place.
• Regulation readiness – with the GDPR in effect, you could gauge if you are ready to comply with its main subject areas.

What does a Maturity Model provide?

A Maturity Model can be described as a structured collection of elements based on maturity within an organisation. A Maturity Model may provide the benefit of a community's prior data management experiences, a common language as well as a shared vision and a framework for prioritising actions.

Why are Maturity Models useful?

By benchmarking yourself against the performance of other companies and in comparison to the ‘ideal’ situation, you can quickly identify where you are performing well and where you are lagging behind in that particular area. This then allows you to create an action plan that prioritises your most risky areas over the areas you perhaps are in a better situation.

With our GDPR Data Maturity Curve for example, you can see which articles your data can thrive under in the GDPR, and which articles you might be at risk from.