---
title: "Map CDOs to Processes and Business Units"
url: https://ott.earth/map-processes/
author: "Pavel Ott"
source: https://ott.earth/
license: CC BY 4.0
---

# Map CDOs to Processes and Business Units

> Align each CDO with the business processes and organisational units that create, use, or manage it — ensuring clear ownership, highlighting gaps or overlaps, and confirming compliance with standards.


## 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.