Press Release

The EDGE³ Methodology Framework

November 8, 2010| Print

All organisations have data. Whether this exists in the form of one or more databases structures across multiple environments and architecture (as is common in large enterprises) or is stored as a simple spreadsheet application with just a few uncomplicated records, data needs to be seen as an asset to the organisation.

The realization amongst organisations that data must be managed as a corporate asset has led to the explosion of Data Management (DM) as a profession for individuals as well as a profitable business proposition for consulting houses. Although many organisations are still battling to put this realization into words, and very few have managed to create a balance sheet item for data, the fact remains that without this data, the organisation is not likely to exist for long.

The early association with DAMA SA has enabled Edge Evolve to become a leader in this field in Southern Africa. Edge Evolve’s key role at the DAMA SA Inaugural Event, coupled with having their Data Management Team Leaders on the DAMA SA Board, gave Edge the impetus to begin the creation of an innovative design for a DM Framework. The team leaders obtaining CDMP’s has added further credibility to the Edge Evolve EDGE3 offering. The final active ingredient in this mix is the adoption of the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK) as the health check mechanism for the framework.

Many hours of discussion and consideration of every aspect of DM and the EDGE3 Framework was born.

The original theory for the depiction of the DM Framework as a cube is that data and the management thereof is so interconnected that any strategy or project for Data Management would be like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube. The only way this interconnection could be depicted was to “name” each side of the cube something relevant to DM. Thus the 4 “pillars” of DM were covered: People, Governance, Architecture and Quality.

Figure 1: Level 1 EDGE³ Framework

The 2 final sides were easily solved. Building a DM Framework for Edge Evolve meant that the company had to be part of the solution – thus this side was named EDGE3 and would be “populated” by the DM Team at Edge Evolve. The last side became the Realisation of the Customer Experience – enabling the DM Team to focus on the requirements that individual clients have.

The cube as depicted above became the first level of the DM Framework. However, it was quickly determined that each aspect (or pillar) of DM had much more complexity. Thus, the second level was born.

Figure 2: Level 2 EDGE³ Framework - Unwrapped

Emulating the Rubik’s cube, each side has been divided into 9 blocks. In a Rubik’s cube these blocks can be moved up or down, left or right, thus changing the smooth, even surface into a checkerboard of colours. Data Management is similarly tricky. Each of the Governance, People, Architecture and Quality “pillars” of DM are complex and complicated. The EDGE3 side has been located in the centre of these 4 pillars as the support offered by Edge Evolve for DM projects and programmes. In each of these 5 sides, the DM Team at Edge Evolve has defined the 9 blocks of the utmost significance to the relevant pillar. The EDGE3 blocks pertain to the confidence that Edge Evolve has in the framework as we ourselves have followed our own processes and recommendations. Finally, the Realisation side is the only one in which the 9 blocks will change – these relate to what the client requires. It is our experience that clients are unique in their needs and problems. Our involvement in projects with similar requirements gives us an added advantage in that our understanding of a specific requirement has been enhanced through experience and lessons learned.

The 9 components in each PILLAR side are also aligned to the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK). The DMBOK is the de facto Body of Knowledge on Data Management worldwide, and Edge Evolve is very proud to have two CDMP resources that are experts on the DMBOK.

Pillar Definitions

No discussion of the EDGE³ framework would be complete if the 4 DM pillars were not defined and commented on. In addition, it’s worth defining exactly what could be expected from the EDGE3 pillar. Some examples of the Realisation pillar are useful in assisting clients to understand how their needs will be met and managed.

The Governance pillar refers to the overall management of the availability, usability, integrity and security of the data employed in an enterprise, based on collaboration between both the Business and IT.

The People pillar focuses on any and all aspects relating to the management of people within any engagement between the Edge Evolve and their clients.

The Architecture pillar is the definition (Conceptual), design (Logical) and implementation (Physical) of the technological structures and solutions on any project or engagement.

The Quality pillar defines the overall aspects of an engagement with a client that must be planned, monitored, audited and reported on.

Edge Evolve has been involved and actively participating in Data Management projects for a number of years. During this time they have gained a reputation for soundly experienced and first class resources capable of assisting any organisation to design, develop and complete their Data Management capability. This is attributable partly to solid HR practices and obtaining the right resources at the right time for the right position. However, it has always been Edge Evolve’s custom to “practice what we preach”. Thus the EDGE³ side of the cube contains our own Data Management structure. A closer look at the 9 blocks will show that Edge Evolve has participated in it’s own Framework.

The Realisation side of the cube will change for every client. In this section, the client advises what their requirements or expectations are. These requirements are captured in the 9 blocks. If more than 9 are discovered, then a second cube side is started and continued until all requirements are captured.

What is next?

Up to this stage, the EDGE³ Framework is conceptual and idealistic. The real work begins as the Edge Evolve resources start to map the client requirements to the various Level 1 and Level 2 sections of EDGE³. Now the framework starts to become a methodology that can be used by both client and Edge Evolve resources alike. The logical depiction of this mapping clearly identifies for the client exactly what elements of the Pillars are mandatory for their realisation to become a satisfactory customer experience. The mapping will also indicate where elements of the pillars are preferred but not necessary to complete their requirements.

Figure 3: EDGE³ Framework – Realisation Mapping Example

Once the mapping is complete the Edge Evolve resources will create an initial project roadmap, using templates and tools already present in the EDGE³ toolbox. The mapping is so clear and concise, it is an easy step to identify and agree on which aspects of the methodology should be the focus of the project. With a toolbox full of various DM “goodies”, Edge Evolve resources have immediate access to the hands on experience of all DM expertise within the Group. Their ability to leverage off this expertise adds a high level of confidence for any client that their realisation will not only be met but in most instances exceeded.

Edge Evolve ensures that all DM resources are trained and practiced in the EDGE³ framework methodology. This brings to each interaction the assurance that each block in the EDGE3 framework is supported not only by the experience and knowledge of at least 30 years group experience, but that the best practices internationally have been employed to improve on the quality of our framework and methodology.

Edge Evolve remains quietly confident that they are thought leaders and highly professional in their outlook. The EDGE3 framework is currently in the process of being patented. For more information on the framework or Edge Evolve’s team of highly skilled DM resources, please visit our website www.edgeevolve.com.