How to select the perfect lightweight data catalog solution for your business

Setting up a data catalog for a medium or small company can be a great way to improve data governance and enable more accessible access to data across the organization. Here are some steps you can follow to set up a data catalog for your company:

1. Identify the key stakeholders: Involve key stakeholders in setting up the data catalog. This could include data analysts, engineers, and business leaders who will use the data catalog regularly.

2. Determine the scope of the data catalog: Decide which data assets should be included in the catalog and how to organize them. You may consider collecting the data by business function, source, or domain.

Using a spreadsheet as a data catalog can be a quick and straightforward way to start cataloging your data assets, especially if you have a small number of data assets and a limited number of users accessing the catalog. However, there are a few potential drawbacks to using a spreadsheet as a data catalog:

1. Limited scalability: Spreadsheets can become unwieldy as data assets and users increase. It may become difficult to search for specific data assets or keep track of updates as the catalog grows.

2. Limited collaboration: Spreadsheets are not designed for collaboration, so multiple users may find it difficult to access and update the catalog simultaneously.

3. Limited metadata capabilities: Spreadsheets do not have robust metadata capabilities, so capturing all relevant information about your data assets may be challenging.

4. Limited security: Spreadsheets do not have built-in security features, so it may not be easy to control access to the data catalog and ensure that only authorized users can view or update it.

Using a spreadsheet as a data catalog may be sufficient for a small organization with simple data governance needs, but it may not be the best solution for a larger organization with more complex requirements. In those cases, a more robust data catalog tool may be worth considering.

Alternatives that may be worth looking into are open source. Here are two data catalog solutions that are lightweight and suitable for medium or small companies. Here are a few options to consider:

1. CKAN: CKAN is an open-source data catalog platform designed to be easy to use and customize. It includes data preview, search and filtering, and integration with many data storage systems.

2. Metadata: Metadata is another open-source data catalog platform that is designed to be lightweight and easy to use. It includes data lineage tracking, quality checks, and integration with various data storage systems.

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a data catalog solution for a small or medium-sized company. Here are some of the most important criteria to look for:

1. Scalability: Choose a solution that can scale with your company as it grows. You don't want to outgrow your data catalog solution or have to migrate to a new one in the future.

2. User-friendliness: Look for a solution that is easy to use and understand, especially if you have a non-technical audience. A solution with an intuitive interface and good documentation will make it easier for users to get up and running.

3. Metadata capabilities: Make sure the solution has robust metadata capabilities, including the ability to capture and store relevant information about your data assets. This will make it easier to understand the context and use of your data.

4. Integration with other tools: Consider whether the data catalog solution integrates with other tools and systems that your company uses, such as data storage systems or data analytics platforms. This will make it easier to use the data catalog solution in your daily workflows.

5. Data governance features: If data governance is a priority for your company, look for a solution with features such as data lineage tracking, data quality checks, and data access controls.

6. Cost: Consider the cost of the data catalog solution, including any upfront fees and ongoing maintenance or subscription costs. Make sure the solution fits within your budget and provides value for the price.

Overall, the best data catalog solution for your small or medium-sized company will depend on your specific needs and resources. It may be helpful to create a list of your priorities and requirements before evaluating potential solutions. A little research (Google, anyone?) will go a long way in identifying low-cost solutions, but keep in mind that there are compromises, as mentioned earlier. Incept Data Solutions can also assist with our Tool Selection service.