Michel Leite de Ávila, CDO of Neoway
In a time of debate on usage, privacy and responsibility for data management, Neoway, an ABES associate company and specialized in Big Data, Analytics and Business Intelligence solutions, has just taken an important step in its market strategy with the achievement of the DMM - Data Management Maturity certificate, issued by the CMMI Institute (CMMIInstitute.com), a global leader in the development of best practices in people, processes and technology. "ANDThis seal recognizes the seriousness and responsibility employed by the company in all its activities related to data, becoming a reference in this area throughout Latin America”, Points out Michel Leite de Ávila, CDO of Neoway. The executive granted an interview to the ABES portal about the fact that the company is the first in the region to achieve this certification and the impacts on management.
How does data governance translate into practice?
At Neoway, the Data Governance Program can be noticed through different points of our performance: constant awareness of the entire company about the value and importance that data has for Neoway's business, through lectures, training, among others actions; clear definition of roles and responsibilities with the data, including special roles such as Data Owner, Data Steward and CDO; implementation of policies, processes, plans and metrics in line with the company's business objectives; formation of the Governance Committee, to discuss issues related to the maintenance and evolution of the program, at least once a month; in addition to monthly data quality assessments, with objective reports and corrective actions.
How did the company mobilize employees to engage in the process?
Governance should not be treated as a project. It is a gradual and solid cultural change, which encompasses the entire organization. For this type of program to start running, before reaching employees, it is essential to adhere and support the board and presidency, so that the whole organization "feels" that this matter is serious and has priority. At Neoway, the initiative came from the CEO himself, and this has already given birth to our governance program with a winning DNA.
I can enumerate some of the main actions: 1) work to raise awareness of the benefits of the program, in all aspects that could "sensitize" each employee; 2) identification and empowerment of professionals who are already responsible for the organization's data, granting them a greater level of autonomy and responsibility in their tasks; 3) creation of specific corporate governance objectives, through the use of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), and association with the activities of each team with at least one of these objectives.
What assets are classified as “critical data”?
Neoway's data policy determines that all data involved in the company's solutions are critical and, therefore, must be treated with the same rigor, in compliance with established quality standards and procedures. There is no set of information that is left out of the Data Governance Program or has a lower priority.
What are the differences that this certification will provide Neoway in the national market?
There are several differentials, but we were concerned with having a light, agile and non-bureaucratic model. The company can guarantee data management totally focused on business results; total transparency in the production of data, allowing customers to know the origin of the information, when it was captured and what treatments were applied; and offer security assurance in all stages of data processing.
How are the company's plans to open an office in the United States and other countries in Latin America?
We started our international expansion plan in 2016, focusing on Mexico, Colombia and the USA. Our priority is to provide successful growth results for our financial services, construction and retail customers, which we consider to be the industries most transformed by intelligence in the use of data.
How does this certification position Neoway in the face of the debate on data management and respect for privacy?
In a global scenario, Neoway is positioned as the first company in Latin America to be evaluated and to receive the maturity seal in data management. This seal recognizes the seriousness and responsibility employed by the company in all its activities related to data, becoming a reference in this area throughout Latin America. Regarding the protection of data privacy, we are present at the main events and debates on the subject, including suggesting changes to the texts of the bills. We are partners of one of the best teams of lawyers in this area in Brazil, to observe and address all legal aspects that revolve around our data.
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