Activities

  1. Link CDOs to business processes.
    • For each CDO, identify all business processes (e.g., Order Fulfillment, Payroll, Student Enrolment) that create, update, or consume it.
    • Document how the CDO flows through these processes (creation, modification, usage, reporting).
  2. Map CDOs to organisational units.
    • Assign each CDO to the business units or departments responsible for its stewardship and quality (e.g., Finance, HR, ICT).
    • Clarify who owns, manages, and consumes each CDO.
  3. Spot gaps, duplicates, and inefficiencies.
    • Identify where processes rely on ad-hoc or inconsistent data.
    • Highlight any CDOs that are duplicated or missing across units.
    • Note where standardised CDOs could replace bespoke or legacy data objects.
  4. Deliver a process-centric view.
    • Create a visual map or matrix showing CDOs, their related processes, and responsible units.
    • Use this map to streamline operations, reduce errors, and improve decision-making.
  5. Assign and document ownership.
    • For each mapped CDO, assign a dedicated owner (Data Owner or Steward) responsible for its ongoing quality and compliance.

Objective

Align each CDO with the business processes and units that create, use, or manage it.

Outcome

A visual map showing how data flows through the organisation, who owns each CDO, and where improvements or standardisation are needed.

Key Stakeholders

  • Process Owners / Business Unit Leads — Map CDOs to business processes and validate flows.
  • Data Owners / Custodians — Assign stewardship and ensure data quality.
  • Enterprise Architecture Team — Create visual maps and ensure alignment.
  • IT Operations — Identify systems and integrations impacted by CDO mapping.
  • Change Managers — Support adoption and process changes.