Cutter Consortium

Data Quality 114: Data Supplier Management

Length of workshop:
One-day

General Overview:
Companies and organizations use data for virtually everything. Much of that data comes from outside the organization, frequently from suppliers of market research, services such as customer care, telecom, payroll, etc., financial positions and results, healthcare providers and insurers, technology, and others. When effectively managed, organizations gain tremendous advantage from high-quality supplier data.

In this workshop, Thomas Redman will share his practical experience on how to design and implement an effective Data Supplier Management program for you. The approach and methods taught in this course have a track record of success, with organizations from a variety of industries -- all of which have already realized significant business benefits.

Leader: Tom Redman

Workshop Goals:
As a result of taking this course, students will understand the business value to be gained, learn the practical (and proven) methods needed to implement, and complete their take-home kit of tools and plan to jump-start their own data quality program. Interactive breakout sessions throughout the course are designed to reinforce the classroom teachings and help you develop "My Data Supplier Management Program" so you can hit the ground running upon completion of the workshop.

Intended Audience:
Those who acquire data from outside the organization.

Outline/At a Glance:
Victims of poor data quality: aren't we all?
  • Real-life examples of inferior quality data.
  • The pain of poor quality data? Ineffective decision-making?


The data quality primer (for more, attend Data Quality 101: Data Quality Overview)
  • What is data quality?
  • What are Information Chains?
  • How does the Customer-Supplier model apply?
  • How is a Database Like A Lake?
  • What are Second-Generation Data Quality Systems (hint: this is not a piece of software!)


So you think the politics of data aren't brutal, eh?: cultural issues
  • Why your customers may say supplier management won't work.
  • Why your suppliers may be suspicious of the "new program."
  • Why members of your organization may predict doom.
  • But, why it really can (and has) become a Win-Win proposition.


Background and approach
  • Case study: learn how this program's components actually worked together, and see the real-life business benefits that were realized.
  • Understand why experienced customers and suppliers love this program (despite their initial fears).
  • Second-Generation Data Supplier Management -- learn the characteristics.
  • Learn the road map: The Supplier Management Cycle.


Practical methods - learn the "how to" tactics
  • How to put accountability for quality in the right place: the data supplier policy.
  • Who must be involved, both inside the organization and in the supplier base.
  • How to implement data councils for leadership and management.
  • Effectively describe and communicate your data customer's needs and requirements.
  • How to properly engage data suppliers, and which ones to engage first.
  • How to assess your current situation against established standards.
  • Performance measurement and control: what gets measured gets fixed.
  • Quality improvement cycle: make success repeatable.


"My Data Supplier Management Program:" the take-home kit
  • Identify your priority data suppliers and customers.
  • List the cultural issues you'll face and how you'll overcome them.
  • Take your first steps during class: complete tools you'll use on the job.
  • Develop your specific implementation plan with the aid of experience.


For more information on bringing this workshop to your organization, contact Dennis Crowley by phone at +1 781 641 5125, by fax at +1 781 648 1950, or by e-mail at sales@cutter.com.
Data Quality 114: Data Supplier Management