Achieve Data Value with Alation’s Data Culture Body of Knowledge

This week, Alation launched the Data Culture Body of Knowledge (DCBOK), a resource designed to assist customers on their journey toward improved data maturity. Drawing on lessons learned from hundreds of organizations, we wrote the DCBOK as a guide to building your data culture.

At Alation, our vision is to create a curious and rational world. We believe that fostering this environment depends on easy access to and understanding of data.  For that, we have collectively spent thousands of hours speaking with organizations of all types about how to foster a data culture, a culture of data-driven decision-making. We’ve written previous blogs and whitepapers about our learnings around data culture and the best approaches to weaving data into the organizational fabric. We’ve also defined a Data Culture Maturity Model and built an assessment based on it to help individuals understand where their organizations are on their data culture journey and what they can do to mature. 

Now, with the release of the DCBOK, we are adding a tool that customers have long requested: a manual detailing how to improve your data culture. This body of knowledge goes beyond Alation and discusses how to truly drive a data program built around, but not limited to, Alation.

How the DCBOK differs from the Alation Body of Knowledge

Almost 4 years ago, I downloaded the Alation Body of Knowledge (ABOK) and went to Kinko’s to have the tome printed and bound. It was a great introduction to Alation best practices and implementation. Since then, I’ve met numerous customers and partners who have similarly used the ABOK as a roadmap in their Alation journeys (several have pointed to the printed pages). 

As we’ve grown, we’ve found that many conversations with customers extend beyond technology usage to encompass the design, initiation, and maturation of data programs that drive lasting change in organizational data culture. We’ve also learned that this journey is not a static, linear path but a dynamic and iterative process.

It was thus natural that the next step for our Body of Knowledge would go beyond an update; instead, it would be a complete redesign, broadening the scope to data culture and thinking about customers’ journeys as a unifying thread. We’ve changed the content and we’ve improved the digital experience.

We hope this will serve as a guide that is not limited to what the technology itself can do but rather what we've found to be essential in the most successful deployments, adoptions, and growth with our customers as they achieve their business goals..  By drawing on these experiences, the DCBOK provides valuable guidance and best practices to help you develop data programs that nurture a strong data culture, advance data maturity, and drive meaningful business value with Alation.

How to use the DCBOK

Whether you're just starting out or seeking to optimize your existing data programs, the DCBOK offers practical guidance to support your organization’s goals and ensure long-term success. Elevate your data strategy with its step-by-step adoption guide, core concepts, and key metrics for success.

Since every organization's data program and level of data maturity differ, the recommendations and best practices outlined within the DCBOK should be tailored to meet each organization's specific needs and guided by the Data Culture Maturity Model.

The DCBOK offers a detailed roadmap to guide the alignment, planning, launch, and maturation of your data program with Alation.

The DCBOK is divided into three main chapters: Core Concepts, The Adoption Guide, and Measurement Matters.

• Core Concepts: This chapter covers the fundamentals of an Alation program, providing an understanding of data maturity, customer journey, data culture, and the roles within an organization’s data program.

• The Adoption Guide: This guide helps organizations evolve their data culture with Alation, based on their current position in the Alation customer journey. It offers critical concepts, ways of thinking, and actionable steps for each stage of the journey.

• Measurement Matters: This chapter focuses on the key metrics and measures an organization can use to assess the success of a data program. It also covers how the Alation program supports the overall data initiatives and the value of Alation on operations and strategic goals.

The DCBOK is the result of collaborative efforts from an incredibly cross-functional team of Alationauts. These same team members are already considering future versions, and we are eager to hear your feedback on this resource.

Conclusion

The release of Alation’s Data Culture Body of Knowledge marks a significant milestone in helping organizations build and mature their data culture. By offering a comprehensive guide that goes beyond just technology, we are empowering our customers with actionable insights and best practices that drive real, lasting change. Whether you're at the beginning of your data journey or looking to enhance an existing program, the DCBOK provides the tools, strategies, and metrics you need to succeed.

As we continue to evolve in our mission to create a curious and rational world, we invite you to leverage the DCBOK as a roadmap to elevate your data maturity and transform how your organization approaches data. With the DCBOK, you're not just learning about Alation—you're learning how to build a thriving data culture that delivers meaningful business value.

We look forward to your feedback and can't wait to see how you apply these principles to your own journey.