Do you know a picky eater? The sort who only eats the same foods every day and doesn’t want to try anything new? My kids were like that and I get it, there’s comfort and safety there.
What if a company behaves like that, always sticking to their old ways of handling data and not trying anything new? That does actually work for a while – don’t fix it if it isn’t broken, etc. However, long term and in this data [and AI] centric world, that’s a recipe for getting left behind. This is where the concept of data mesh can, when implemented well, positively impact your company.
Data mesh is a modern data-driven approach that aims to break down data silos within an organization and empower teams to safely take ownership of their data. In my experience, it supports creativity across teams as well as team collaboration.
A well implemented data mesh is part data modernization and part cultural shift.
Implementing data mesh isn’t just a matter of flipping a switch – you can’t just start using Snowflake or a new BI tool, for example. It first requires some strategic planning and then, usually, a cultural shift that can be challenging for companies to navigate. Each domain within your company has their own needs and preferences and in some cases there may be reticent to work with that other teams for various reasons. Some with historical president and some not.
Think of it like a family dinner. Everyone has their own preferences and tastes, but you still need to create a meal that everyone can enjoy. You need to find a way to balance the different flavors and make sure everyone feels satisfied. Implementing data mesh is similar. Each team has their own data needs and processes, but you need to find a way to bring them all together in a cohesive way that benefits the entire organization. It’s about breaking down data silos and creating a collaborative culture.
Of course, getting everyone on board with this new way of thinking can be difficult. It’s like trying to convince a picky eater to try a new food they’ve never had before. They might be hesitant at first, but if you can find a way to make it appealing and show them the benefits, they might just change their mind.
The same is true for data mesh related cultural shifts. It’s easy to get stuck in old ways of doing things and resist change. But if you can find a way to make the new approach appealing and show the benefits, you can get everyone on board.
An example that comes to mind is the empowerment of a finance or marketing team to access some [previously walled off] data directly with a tool that fits their skill level and gives them the flexibility they need. This while also freeing up a developer or analyst who previously provided that data or answers to data related questions, ad-hoc. Both groups need to trust the new process and be empowered by it.
You also need the right tools and technology to support your data mesh implementation.
This means ensuring that your data warehousing and analytics tools are aligned and that everyone is using the same fundamental tools.
It’s like baking a cake. You need the right ingredients in the right proportions, and you need to mix them together in the right way. The same is true for data mesh. You need the right tools and technology to bring everything together in a cohesive way.
But even with the right ingredients and recipe, it can still be challenging to get everything right. That’s where having a partner with experience in growing and changing company culture and data mesh can be invaluable. They can help you navigate the challenges and ensure that your implementation is successful.
In conclusion, data mesh can be a recipe for success in the modern data-driven world. It’s about breaking down silos and creating a collaborative culture that empowers teams to take ownership of their data. But implementing data mesh isn’t just a matter of flipping a switch. It requires a cultural shift that can be challenging for companies to navigate. With the right team, tools, and partner, however, it’s a recipe for success.
