How can non-technical users understand data lineage information?

Data lineage is an unsolved problem. Let me be clear, there are tons of tools on the market that provide great solutions, but the solution that business people understand best is still a classic "PowerPoint". Different needs require different types of solutions (e.g. impact analysis, data traceability, version control, understanding…), but sometimes, being passionate about the topic, we try to set up the perfect solution. For business people, we opt for a simple approach, invest the money in engaging people and helping them understand the conceptual lineage (and sometimes a bunch of interviews is better than trying to understand a spaghetti lineage)

Business like simple presentation! Any thing, which feels complex, technical, Business is going to lose interest. For our use cases, Non-Technical users preferred Business Linage as it was simple to understand and grasp. In Business Linage, one prefers to focus on Business critical process and connections. Its a abstract view, filtering all technical details. Its in addition to technical linage, so if necessary, tracing data flow is available to most granular level.

Think of metadata as your data's best buddy. It's like the helpful signs in a big library, showing you where to find the right books. Metadata gives context and descriptions to your data, making it easier to discover, understand, and use. It also helps keep your data in check by tracking its history and use, which is a big deal for following rules and keeping things safe. Plus, it's like the language that different systems and departments can understand, so your data can easily hang out with others. In a nutshell, metadata is your data's wingman, making it super easy to make smart decisions, be creative, and get things done faster.

Think of stakeholder feedback as a GPS for data lineage – it's like when you use GPS to find your way on a road trip. When people using the data give feedback, it's like having passengers in the car telling you if you're on the right track, if there are potholes, or if you missed a turn. This feedback helps make the map (data lineage) more accurate and easier to follow. It's like having someone in the car who knows the best route, making sure you get to your destination (data insights) faster and without getting lost. So, stakeholder feedback is like having travel buddies on your data journey, helping you reach your data goals smoothly.

By investing in learning about data governance, lineage and data literacy, non-technical users can reap significant rewards. Education equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to access and utilize data effectively. This, in turn, leads to improved decision-making, compliance, and innovation, making it a wise and valuable investment.