A Data Management Capabilities Assessment tells you where you stand and how to reach your goals
A DCAM Assessment gives you an evidence-based picture of your data management capabilities, scored against an internationally recognized model used by organizations worldwide. EDM Resource Group is an EDM Association Authorized Partner.
What DCAM measures
DCAM 3.1 is the latest version of the Data Management Capability Assessment Model, published by the EDM Association. The DCAM framework describes data management best practices broken down into 8 components, 34 capabilities, and 101 detailed sub-capabilities. A standardized scoring mechanism measures capabilities on 6 levels based on how completely each sub-capability has been implemented.
The score allows you to compare against a worldwide benchmark, measure gaps, and plan their remediation to build the level of capabilities your business needs.
DCAM is industry, architecture, and technology neutral. In fact very little about it is technology, because data management is primarily a business function.
How an assessment works
We facilitate a series of workshops with the people who handle your data every day, where we review the DCAM model in detail and arrive at a consensus of the extent to which you've implemented each of the 101 sub-capabilities. We validate the findings by reviewing work products that provide evidence for the work actually being performed.
We interview senior management to learn more about your persistent data issues, strategic goals and data-related challenges.
We have run state agency assessments with 20 to 50 workshop participants. Participants come away understanding the model well enough to keep using it long after we leave; the assessment is an education as much as a measurement.
What we deliver
We'll deliver a detailed report that outlines the strengths, weaknesses, and capability scores and proposes a sequenced plan of action to remediate the weaknesses and achieve a target capability score. The plan often includes 6 to 8 projects to be conducted over a 2 to 4 year timeline, as well as quick wins you can complete within 60-90 days.
The critical component of the plan is that it's not just a boilerplate list of things you need to fix. It's tailored to your business needs, current challenges and capabilities and sequenced so you build the foundations before the walls and roof.
Expect a report in the 80-100+ page range that serves as a blueprint for your Data Management program for years to come. You'll refer to it continuously, keep it up to date and use it as a reference to report on your progress.
DCAM Assessment FAQ
What is a DCAM assessment?
A DCAM assessment is an evidence-based measurement of your organization's data management capabilities, scored against the Data Management Capability Assessment Model published by the EDM Association. DCAM 3.1 describes 8 components, 34 capabilities, and 101 sub-capabilities, each scored on 6 levels based on how completely it has been implemented.
Is a DCAM assessment the same as a data management maturity assessment?
Yes, in practice. Data management maturity assessment is the older, more general term; DCAM is the industry-standard capability model most organizations now use to perform one. If you've been asked for a data management maturity assessment or a data management capability assessment, a DCAM assessment answers that need.
Who participates in the assessment workshops?
The people who handle your data every day. We facilitate a series of workshops with groups of 20 to 50 participants, review the DCAM model in detail, and arrive at a consensus score for each sub-capability, validated against work products that evidence the work actually being performed. We also interview senior management about strategic goals and persistent data issues.
What do we receive at the end?
A detailed report in the 80-100+ page range covering strengths, weaknesses, and capability scores, plus a sequenced remediation plan: typically 6 to 8 projects over a 2 to 4 year timeline, along with quick wins you can complete within 60-90 days. The plan is tailored to your business needs and sequenced so you build foundations before walls and roof.
How do we compare with other organizations?
Your capability scores are compared against a worldwide benchmark of similar enterprises, so you can see where you stand, measure gaps, and set a realistic target capability level for your data management program.
Why choose EDM Resource Group for a DCAM assessment?
EDM Resource Group is an EDM Association Authorized Partner, and our founder served 12 years as Arizona's State Chief Data Officer, personally leading data management capability assessments at state agencies. Participants come away understanding the model well enough to keep using it after we leave; the assessment is an education as much as a measurement.