Magnificent Taj Mahal and agonizing truths about your information organization

How many employees and vendors does it take for your organization to do reporting? Is it 10? 50? 100? greater than 100? You will be surprised by the staggering number of people - working everyday - across the organization collecting, modifying, integrating, modifying (again), aggregating and modifying (once again) their data using corporate applications, departmental systems, mighty spreadsheets and the occasional calculator to provide their customers with "what happened" reporting.

Then for valid reasons an important report or two does not reach the target audience by certain time. Let us say, the risk exposure report to the Chief Risk Officer by 8a.m. and decisions are made without the accurate knowledge of market risk, credit risk or operational risk.

Then there are errors that creep in from data modifications, conflicting data from violent disagreement over fundamental definitions (such as net income) and from mismanaged information delivery. Reports reach executives who do not need that information or worse, they reach managers that are not empowered to take actions.

The cycle repeats, the next day, this time with other variables in the mix.

Add to this, reporting on "how did it happen" and "what can be done" reporting and you see where I am going with this. Want to play Sherlock Holmes and find the money drain in your organization?


It took about 20,000 people and 23 years to build the magnificent Taj Mahal. Even today, people around the globe watch it with awe and admiration.

Is the rest of your organization looking in awe at your information management organization - particularly the reporting and analytics group - for creating a world class marvel or are they agonizing over eroding value of their investments over the years?

Data organizations and world class museums

The magnificent British Museum draws millions of visitors each year. I have had the opportunity to visit this finest collection twice. 2 million years of human history; ancient and living cultures all in one reputed landmark. Wow !

The museum of the world, for the world, British Museum says it with pride .. " In the collections of the British Museum the world can write new histories that it needs to understand its past and shape its future" (Source: British Museum)

I draw parallels to organizations managing data and information.

The museum engages people of all backgrounds (and ages) in an almost unprecedented way. The stories and their interpretation unlocks cultural, situational and territorial dimensions in the context of today. You don't have to be a museum lover to absorb the amazing information and a window to your experiences of tomorrow.

Your organization has internal data and data acquired from third party providers. The museum has acquired assets, touring exhibitions and loans from other institutions. You have collaborative projects to address operational and tactical needs. The museum has similar collaborations with National Geographic, curators and researchers around the globe. You have strategic alliances with partners, vendors and the academia. The museum has worldwide reach for its collections, acquisitions, doctoral studentships and a strategy for the future.

Our data organizations share identical dimensions of collecting, integrating, packaging, delivering, governing and improving the value of assets. We must engage our employees, partners and vendors to collectively benefit from unlocking the values of these information assets.. and encourage them to contribute, enrich the experience and benefit from the outcome.

Is your data and business intelligence organization a stodgy collection of artifacts or is it a British museum ?