Retail manufacturer establishes data governance approach

Client background

The client is a well-established manufacturer and retailer specializing in underwear, sleepwear and sportswear for men, women and children. Known for its long-standing commitment to quality and product innovation, the company operates across multiple channels, requiring efficient management of critical business data to support operations and strategic growth. 

Client business challenge

Ahead of a major Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) migration, the client faced significant challenges in managing and governing critical datasets across its application and reporting platforms. Data was being accessed and used by multiple teams for different operational purposes, but without consistent standards, definitions or ownership. 

Key challenges included: 

• Lack of a formalized data governance framework. 
• Inconsistent data definitions leading to reporting discrepancies. 
• Limited communication and collaboration between business units regarding shared data assets. 
• Need for improved master data management (MDM) to ensure accuracy, consistency and integrity during and after the ERP migration. 

Strategy and solution

Baker Tilly collaborated with the client to design and implement a scalable data governance program that would not only support the ERP migration but also strengthen data quality and usability across the enterprise. Key initiatives included: 

• Developing a data governance charter: Establishing a foundation for governance activities, with a focus on item master data, policies and best practices. 
• Defining roles and responsibilities: Identifying data owners and stewards responsible for maintaining and enforcing governance standards. 
• Implementing governance policies and standards: Covering data security, technology platforms, collaboration protocols, master data management and data quality assurance. 
• Creating documentation and metadata resources: Establishing clear definitions of critical data elements and ownership, supporting consistency in reporting and analytics. 
• Training business and IT stakeholders: Equipping key roles with the skills and processes to sustain governance initiatives long-term. 

Baker Tilly also facilitated the formation of a Data Governance Committee, ensuring continuous oversight and improvement of the program beyond the project’s completion. The initiative was executed collaboratively with both IT and business stakeholders, incorporating strong change management practices to drive adoption and ensure success.