Chapter 1 - The Asset Called Information

Abstract

This chapter discusses how formalizing the management of data can increase the efficiency of enterprises. For a businessperson, the key concept is managing the asset. Managing implies setting goals, planning, directing, and supervising the execution of a plan. Managing implies governance to make sure one manages the asset in a uniform manner across the enterprise. It means being aware of compliance and risk management. The enterprise information management (EIM) program provides an effective platform for creating flexibility. The bottom line for an EIM program, which must be reinforced from time-to-time, is supporting the business with clear, documented, and effective data and information. The business user needs this as badly as anyone in information technology. One needs to treat information as an asset. That means examining other disciplines like accounting and supply chain management and implementing a new philosophy without disrupting day-to-day operations. EIM is a program that allows measuring the contribution against the costs incurred to handle and distribute the information assets.