By definition, a tool exists to improve something you are…
““By definition, a tool exists to improve something you are already doing. If you're not doing formal data governance yet, or if you are doing it poorly, then casting about for a tool to help you deploy DG is a waste of time. This flies in the face of typical IT philosophy, where the tool is usually acquired first. This is a notoriously silly thing to do. However, our work always has us putting the brakes on a tool selection project. It is easy to buy a tool and install it. However, most of the time we witness new tools for data management sitting unused or poorly deployed. This is because no one has mastered the process the tool is supporting.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Tools should support existing processes, not replace them; selecting tools without mastery leads to wasted resources and inefficiency.
In simple terms: Tools must fit the process.
Key Takeaway
Master the workflow before buying tools.
Themes
process improvement
tool selection
efficiency
IT philosophy
governance
Mood
pragmatic
critical
Type
Enterprise:1
Politics:0
Time:1
Waste of time:1
Tool Exists:1
Deploy Dg:0
Tools Data:0
Tool Supporting:1
Definition Tool:0
When to use this quote
- IT management
- consulting
- training
- change management
Key Concepts
project management
data governance
organizational behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it appropriate to choose a tool first?
- How can you align tools with process maturity?
A Different Perspective
The advice may not apply to startups where tools drive process creation.