Let’s Talk
Let’s Talk

Data Catalog 101: Creating ValueHeading

📅 May 3, 2023 | 📂 Blog Posts

Over the past several years, the difficulties of data management have steadily intensified. That’s been due in large part to the complexities of big data, cloud hosting, self-service analytics, and tightening regulations. As a result, effective data management has become a top priority for most organizations. But getting there can be a challenge. One essential tool for overcoming these challenges is a data catalog.

Why a data catalog?

Data catalogs were originally introduced to help data analysts find and understand data. Before then, most data analysts worked blind. That is, without visibility into data-set contents, or their quality and usefulness. That meant analysts had to spend much of their time finding, understanding, and re-creating data sets that already existed. With the advent of data catalogs, these issues resolved, because they offered analysts a new way to manage their data inventories and expose their data sets.

Since then, data catalogs have added new functions, becoming more popular and increasingly important. Modern data catalogs continue to meet the needs of data analysts, but their reach has expanded. Today they’re also vital components of data stewardship, curation, and governance.

By touching nearly everyone who works with data, data catalogs create value in new ways, including:

  • Faster analytics
  • Easier collaboration and reuse
  • Increased trust in data
  • Direct answers to business questions with support for natural language queries

Data catalog value

For those just getting started with data cataloging, consider the value opportunities described as fundamental concepts when making the business case for a data catalog. Those already underway with data cataloging can employ these opportunities to maximize its reach and impact. Those working to sustain and grow data cataloging can measure data catalog success with metrics such as:

  • Data analysis time
  • Ratio of time spent in data preparation vs analysis
  • Data catalog ROI
  • Frequency of shared data and shared analysis
  • Levels of trust in data and analysis

Success story
Paradigm worked with the largest US auto lender to enable an enterprise-wide data catalog. This promoted business understanding and adoption of data for management decisioning, reducing audit exposure and lowering project costs.

  • 18% efficiency increase
  • 23% business adoption increase
  • 2-month reduction in acquisition integration

So, what’s next? Data cataloging is an investment that goes beyond software licensing and includes the cost of people time, and projects. Set time with one of our experts to explore the value of a data catalog and ROI possibilities for your organization.

Recent Posts

Executive Perspective: Why Securing Your Data is the Key to Winning with AI

Aug 20, 2025 |

As CXOs, we’re all focused on leveraging AI to drive efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. The conversation often starts with infrastructure (GPUs, LLMs, and copilots), but let’s be clear: AI doesn’t run on GPUs. It runs on data. And if our data isn’t secure, nothing else matters. Unsecured and unclassified data undermines trust, exposes us to risk, and jeopardizes the very AI strategies we’re betting our futures on. It’s not about chasing the next shiny tool; it’s about building a foundation that allows AI to scale safely, responsibly, and securely.

Quantifying the Value of Data in Financial Services

Jul 22, 2025 | ,

In the financial services sector, data is a critical asset that drives profitability, risk management, regulatory compliance, and competitive edge. However, measuring its value remains challenging for many CFOs across sectors of the financial services industry regardless of organizational size or country of operations. CFOs rely on accurate data for forecasting, budgeting, and strategic planning. Quality data leads to better decision-making, optimized capital allocation, and swift responses to market changes. It is also vital for risk management, regulatory compliance (e.g., BCBS 239, Basel III, AML/KYC), and avoiding fines and reputational damage. “Fit for Business Use” data also supports customer retention, personalized services, and improved revenue stability. Data-savvy CFOs leverage insights for long-term growth.

AI Starts with Data: Go From Hype to Results

Jun 26, 2025 |

AI continues to dominate the conversation in business. From executive meetings to strategic roadmaps, AI is no longer just a trend but a real driver of transformation. The challenge is that while nearly every organization is talking about AI, very few are prepared to use it in a way that delivers measurable outcomes and lasting impact. The difference between hype and outcomes almost always comes down to two things: the quality of your data and your organization’s readiness to execute.

Exciting Updates from Informatica World: Paradigm Embraces the Future of Agentic AI

May 29, 2025 |

The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead means embracing the latest innovations in data management and artificial intelligence. At this year’s Informatica World, Paradigm is thrilled to share the groundbreaking advancements unveiled by Informatica, centered around their latest agentic AI solutions on the Intelligent Data Management Cloud (IDMC) platform.

Modernizing PowerCenter: The IDMC Way – Better, Faster, Cheaper

Apr 23, 2025 |

For many organizations, Informatica PowerCenter has been the workhorse of their data integration for years, even decades, reliably driving ETL processes and populating data warehouses that feed BI reports. However, this longevity often leads to a complex environment that can hinder agility and innovation.

Boost Growth with Data-Driven Hiring for Boutique Consultancies

Apr 1, 2025 |

Consistency is key to a boutique consultancy. Delivering quality services day in and day out, even as client demand fluctuates, relies heavily on having the right talent at the right time. Perhaps one of the largest operational challenges for small and mid-sized consulting firms, though, is matching recruitment cycles with cyclical demand. Without scalable, data-driven talent practices, consultancies can suffer from misaligned capacity, lost revenue streams, and stalled growth.

Strategies for a Successful Journey in Building the Dream Team

Mar 11, 2025 |

In the whirlwind world of project management, the success of a project often hinges on the strength and consistency of the team behind it. Imagine embarking on a journey where building a high-performing project team is not just about assembling a group of skilled individuals; it’s about fostering collaboration, trust, and a shared sense of purpose. Based on my personal experiences, let me take you through this journey with some strategies I use to help you build and lead a high-performing project team.

The Ultimate Guide to AI-Enhanced APIM Analytics for Enterprise Success

Feb 19, 2025 |

Enterprises increasingly rely on Application Programming Interface (API) Management (APIM) to streamline their operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive innovation. Azure API Management is a comprehensive solution enabling organizations to manage, secure, and optimize their APIs efficiently. However, beyond API management, APIM analytics – particularly when integrated with AI and data analytics – empowers senior executives with critical insights for real-time decision-making.

Why PMOs that Leverage Power BI are More Successful

Jan 30, 2025 |

Project Management Offices (PMOs) are increasingly turning to Microsoft Power BI as a game-changing tool to enhance their project management processes. By leveraging data visualization and analytics, PMOs can make informed decisions, streamline reporting, and improve overall project outcomes.