Ensure smooth data transition in mergers with effective governance strategies that mitigate ownership and access risks.

First of all, to discover the critical data elements and to ensure the business and technical stewards are identified well. with a clear understanding of the data's quality and their flow map across the systems the team will be able to analyze the impact whenever the migration or merge happens, taking into consideration the security rules in terms of access rights, roles, and the regulations that need to be considered well to avoid any compliance risk

Last updated on Aug 8, 2024

You're facing data ownership and access risks in a merger. How can you ensure a smooth transition?

Mergers and acquisitions can be a tumultuous time for data governance. Ensuring a smooth transition of data ownership and access is critical to the success of the merger. You must navigate the complexities of integrating disparate systems, aligning different data management practices, and maintaining compliance with regulations. This article will guide you through the essential steps to mitigate data governance risks and facilitate a seamless integration process.

1 Assess Risks

Begin by conducting a thorough risk assessment to identify potential issues in data ownership and access control that could arise during the merger. This step involves mapping out all data assets, understanding their value, and determining who has ownership and access rights. You also need to review compliance obligations for all data sets to ensure that the merger does not result in breaches of data protection laws or other regulatory requirements. A clear understanding of these elements will help you plan for a transition that safeguards data integrity and privacy.

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Saad Jasim

Data Governance Head at Asiacell | IEEE Senior Member | COBIT2019
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First of all, to discover the critical data elements and to ensure the business and technical stewards are identified well. with a clear understanding of the data's quality and their flow map across the systems the team will be able to analyze the impact whenever the migration or merge happens, taking into consideration the security rules in terms of access rights, roles, and the regulations that need to be considered well to avoid any compliance risk

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Matthew Cawsey

Director, Product Marketing & Strategy. Data Leader | Data Vision & Strategy | Data Transformation | Data Governance | Data Management | Speaker | DAMA UK | PMC Certified | LinkedIn Top Data Governance Voice
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People and Data are the two most critical assets in mergers. To protect data, conduct a thorough data inventory, assessing ownership, sensitivity, and compliance. Your Data Governance council should establish clear data ownership and access policies, ensuring robust security measures. After determining which applications and systems you will go forward with, plan for migration/integration of data while maintaining quality and consistency and addressing data redundancy. Prioritize employee training and ongoing monitoring. Initially local and global data governance policies can co-exist. Effective communication, data governance, and risk management are essential for a smooth transition.

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Ajibola S.
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A merger presents opportunities for expansion, growth, and innovation. Reviewing each party's strengths and weaknesses ensures the new team maximizes human resources and optimizes assets and values. People: Begin with a comprehensive review from the perspectives of the team and clients. Identify differences between the teams' potentials. Identify ownership and team structure. Process: Adopt and refine existing processes, and create new ones for managing access, privileges at different levels, governance, and compliance strategies. Focus on security, sensitivity, risk management, and authorization. Business/Technology: The technology or business landscape determines what is possible. Utilize appropriate tools for administration and security.

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2 Data Mapping

Data mapping is an indispensable part of the merger process. It involves creating a comprehensive inventory of all data assets from both companies. You need to understand the types, locations, and dependencies of the data you're inheriting. This knowledge allows you to identify redundancies and gaps, ensuring that critical data is neither duplicated nor overlooked. By meticulously mapping data, you set the stage for a more informed integration process that respects the nuances of each company's data ecosystem.

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Malini Vittal

Empowering Sales and Marketing through Data, AI, and Tech Innovation | CDO and CAIO | AI/Data Coach | Trusted Advisor to C-Suite | Advisory Board | Startup Advisor | Dynamic Speaker | Ex- Gartner AI/Data Expert | CHIEF
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Absolutely, data mapping is key for a smooth merger integration. Here's a streamlined approach with some use cases: Identify Data Sources: List all databases, applications, and data warehouses from both companies. Define Data Models: Understand each company's data structures and relationships. Map Data Fields: Align similar fields from both datasets, noting differences. Standardize Formats: Ensure consistent data formats and units. Use ETL Tools: Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes help automate data consolidation.

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3 Integration Plan

Developing a robust integration plan is crucial for addressing data ownership and access challenges. This plan should outline the methods for combining data repositories, harmonizing data formats, and ensuring consistent data governance policies post-merger. You'll want to prioritize data sets based on their importance to business operations and compliance requirements. Establish clear timelines and responsibilities for each step of the integration to maintain order and accountability throughout the process.

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4 Policy Alignment

Aligning data governance policies between merging entities is a complex but necessary step. You must reconcile differences in data handling, privacy standards, and access controls to create a unified set of policies that meet the highest standards of both companies. This may involve updating or developing new policies that reflect the combined entity's values and regulatory obligations. Effective policy alignment minimizes confusion and sets a clear precedent for how data should be managed moving forward.

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5 Access Controls

Revising access controls is essential to protect sensitive information during and after the merger. You need to establish who will have access to what data, under which conditions, and through what methods. Implement role-based access controls (RBAC) to ensure that only authorized personnel can access specific data sets. This step not only helps in maintaining data security but also in demonstrating compliance with industry regulations that mandate strict data access protocols.

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6 Ongoing Monitoring

Finally, it's important to establish ongoing monitoring mechanisms to ensure that data governance policies are being adhered to and that the integration is progressing as planned. This includes regular audits, real-time monitoring of data access, and reviews of how data is being used and by whom. By keeping a vigilant eye on these areas, you can quickly identify and rectify any issues, ensuring that data governance remains strong throughout the merger and beyond.

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You're facing data ownership and access risks in a merger. How can you ensure a smooth transition?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess Risks

2 Data Mapping

3 Integration Plan

4 Policy Alignment

5 Access Controls

6 Ongoing Monitoring

Data Governance

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You're facing data ownership and access risks in a merger. How can you ensure a smooth transition?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess Risks

2 Data Mapping

3 Integration Plan

4 Policy Alignment

5 Access Controls

6 Ongoing Monitoring

Data Governance

Rate this article

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