How to POC a Data Catalog: 5 Best Practices

Data catalogs can significantly enhance data management by reducing the time spent searching for datasets and improving governance compliance, but implementing them effectively requires a methodical approach. A proof of concept (POC) is crucial to understanding their value and identifying the right tool for your organization. Select Star has helped numerous clients navigate this process with best practices such as defining clear success criteria, engaging stakeholders early, setting a time limit for evaluation, using production data, and tracking time and insights. These steps ensure a successful rollout by aligning the tool with business needs, obtaining necessary buy-in from various teams, and validating key features like metadata ingestion and lineage mapping. By following these guidelines, organizations can accelerate data catalog adoption and make informed decisions without lengthy implementation delays.