Non-Invasive Metadata Governance (NIMG)
What is Non-Invasive Metadata Governance?
Non-Invasive Metadata Governance is the pragmatic approach to managing metadata as a valued enterprise asset. NIMG is based on three basic premises: 1) the metadata will not govern itself, 2) formal governance is necessary to deliver value, and 3) engaging metadata stewards in a less threatening manner is necessary to formalize accountability for data documentation. NIMG views metadata as a long-term asset that requires planning to deliver appropriate information to affected data definers, producers, and users with an immediate focus on demonstrating value while looking ahead to the potential acquisition or development of data catalogs, business glossaries, and data dictionaries.
How NIMG is Different
NIMG focuses on improving existing levels of the data documentation while maximizing the value of the investments being made in becoming data-centric and data-driven. Improving analytical capabilities, leveraging data science to innovate in leveraging their data, and protecting sensitive data assets to manage risk are three benefits of taking the NIMG approach. Inquire about how the non-invasive approach to managing metadata echoes the benefits that are found in the NIDG approach.
Applying NIMG
NIMG is applied by formally recognizing the people that are responsible for defining, producing, and using metadata across the organization and enabling them to build and follow consistent practices associated with improving how governance is applied to improving metadata quality, availability, and usefulness.
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NIMG Educational Services
KIK Consulting provides educational programs through public, private, and online courses and sessions that focus on NIMG, leveraging business glossaries, data dictionaries and data catalogs, and metadata management. KIK Consulting has worked independently and with partners to produce educational materials that are being shared within companies, throughout enterprises and agency-wide. KIK Consulting will be happy to develop a metadata educational program to match your interests and direct it toward the appropriate audiences.
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NIMG Proven Framework
The NIMG Framework is a three-tiered model to delivering metadata focusing on 1) the semantic/common business language level, 2) the data resources level that focuses on data standards, applications, information systems, and reporting, and 3) the physical level of information that includes inventories of data resources and all of the required information that is necessary to manage data and metadata as valuable organizational assets. This framework is new in 2020 and KIK looks forward to widening recognition of the model through articles, webinars, and consulting services.
Typical NIMG Deliverables
Metamodel Delivery
Metadata Tools & Templates
Metadata Stewardship
Engaging the appropriate people the right way to deliver confidence in data through the improved definition, production, and usage of trusted metadata and data documentation.
Metadata Tool Delivery
Metadata tool planning including requirements development, market/vendor/tool evaluation and selection, tool acquisition, execution of proof of concepts, and formal tool implementation.
Data Governance Approaches
Command and Control
Non-Invasive Data Governance (NIDG) is the least threatening and most effective approach to implementing a formal data governance program. NIDG is practiced by organizations of all sizes in all industries around the world with a tremendous level of success. The core tenet of NIDG is that organizations already have a level of governance taking place although the present actions are informal and often inefficient and ineffective. NIDG focuses on formalizing governance by taking advantage of existing levels of accountability while addressing the requirements of the organization to govern their data.
Traditional
There are three approaches to data governance. The command-and-control approach is the most invasive and directs people to govern data by assigning people responsibility that immediately feels over-and-above existing job responsibilities. The traditional approach is to deliver a formal program and hope that people are identified and gravitate toward the appropriate actions required to govern data. The non-invasive approach focuses on recognizing the present responsibilities people have with data and providing the tools and techniques necessary for people to improve the ways they govern the data.
Non-Invasive
NIDG is applied by formally recognizing the people that are responsible for defining, producing, and using data across the organization and enabling them to build and follow consistent practices associated with improving data quality and understanding, protection, and handling of sensitive data.
Differences
Non-Invasive Data Governance (NIDG) is the least threatening and most effective approach to implementing a formal data governance program. NIDG is practiced by organizations of all sizes in all industries around the world with a tremendous level of success. The core tenet of NIDG is that organizations already have a level of governance taking place although the present actions are informal and often inefficient and ineffective. NIDG focuses on formalizing governance by taking advantage of existing levels of accountability while addressing the requirements of the organization to govern their data.
NIDG Book
Non-Invasive Data Governance
The Path of Least Resistance and Greatest Success
Non-Invasive Data Governance: The Path of Least Resistance and Greatest Success, is the industry’s top-selling book from Robert S. Seiner (Technics Publications). In the book, Mr. Seiner shares the steps that are necessary to follow the Non-Invasive Data Governance™ approach to formally apply discipline and accountability to the most important data for your organization.
Data-governance programs focus on authority and accountability for the management of data as a valued organizational asset. Data Governance should not be about command-and-control, yet at times could become invasive or threatening to the work, people, and culture of an organization. Non-Invasive Data Governance™ focuses on formalizing existing accountability for the management of data and improving formal communications, protection, and quality efforts through effective stewarding of data resources.
The book, Non-Invasive Data Governance provides you with a complete set of tools to help you deliver a successful data governance program.
Learn how:
- Steward responsibilities can be identified and recognized, formalized, and engaged according to their existing responsibility rather than being assigned or handed to people as more work.
- Governance of information can be applied to existing policies, standard operating procedures, practices, and methodologies, rather than being introduced or emphasized as new processes or methods.
- Governance of information can support all data integration, risk management, business intelligence, and master data management activities rather than imposing inconsistent rigor to these initiatives.
- A practical and non-threatening approach can be applied to governing information and promoting stewardship of data as a cross-organization asset.
- Best practices and key concepts of this non-threatening approach can be communicated effectively to leverage strengths and address opportunities to improve.
Available Virtual Courses:
How to Build and Implement a
Non-Invasive Data Governance™ Program
This two day interactive live virtual course with Bob Seiner, of KIK Consulting & Educational Services (KIKconsulting.com) and The Data Administration Newsletter (TDAN.com), provides an alternative to the traditional and command-and-control approaches being used by many organizations. Seiner’s approach, Non-Invasive Data Governance, is practical and sensible and can be implemented by leveraging existing levels of governance already taking place in your organization.
Benefit from Seiner’s lengthy experience implementing successful Data Governance programs. Discover lessons learned from Seiner and other organizations through knowledge sharing with course attendees over an energetic two days. You won’t regret it.
Topics to be discussed include:
Day One
- Defining the Key Terms, Purpose, Policy, and Best Approach for Your Data Governance Program
- Applying the Recognized Non-Invasive Data Governance Framework
- Sharing the Approach with Management and Convincing Stakeholders (What to say/Not to say)
- Gaining Senior Leadership Support, Sponsorship, and Understanding
- How to Assess Your Present State Against NIDG Best Practices
- Building an Actionable Program Roadmap and Plan from Assessment Recommendations
- Leveraging Business Glossaries, Data Dictionaries and Data Catalogs for Data Governance
- Developing the Program Backbone – An Operating Model of Roles & Responsibilities
Day Two
- Building a Data Governance Communications Plan
- Assuring Metadata Governance and Understanding It’s Relationship to Data Governance
- How to Build and Use Proven Data Governance Tools and Templates
- Using Tools to Advance Your Data Governance Program
- Selling Data Governance to Your Organization
- Operationalizing Data Governance and Addressing Future Opportunities
- Delivering a Successful and Measurable Program Pilot
- Immediate Application of the Information Provided in this Course
NIDG Online Learning
through the Dataversity Training Center
Non-Invasive Data Governance Online Learning Plan
In the Non-Invasive Data Governance Learning Plan, instructor Robert S. Seiner examines an alternative, non-threatening approach to implementing a successful Data Governance program. The series of seven courses highlights the tools, metrics, roles and responsibilities, stewardship model, communications plan components, and application of processes required for implementing this Non-Invasive Approach to Data Governance. If all seven courses are completed, a certificate of completion will be issued.
Learning Plan: Non-Invasive Data Governance - $599.00
- Course 1: Introduction to Non-Invasive Data Governance – $99.00
- Course 2: Management Understanding of Non-Invasive Data Governance - $99.00
- Course 3: Non-Invasive Data Governance Roles and Stewardship - $99.00
- Course 4: DIY and Purchased Data Governance Tools, Templates and Metadata - $99.00
- Course 5: Application of Non-Invasive Data Governance to Processes - $99.00
- Course 6: Non-Invasive Data Governance Value, Metrics, and Measurement - $99.00
- Course 7: Non-Invasive Data Governance Communications and Awareness - $99.00

Non-Invasive Metadata Governance Online Learning Plan
In the Non-Invasive Metadata Governance Learning Plan, instructor Robert S. Seiner focuses on implementing the governance of metadata following the Non-Invasive Data Governance™ approach. This series of five courses discusses why metadata is a critical component of a successful Data Governance program and improves the return on essential data-oriented investments like analytics, data protection, Data Quality, and Master Data Management (MDM). But it won’t govern itself. If all five courses are completed, a certificate of completion will be issued.
Learning Plan: Non-Invasive Metadata Governance - $399.00
- Course 1: Concepts of Non-Invasive Metadata Governance - $99.00
- Course 2: Metadata as a Valuable Data Resources - $99.00
- Course 3: Aligning Data Governance With Metadata Governance - $99.00
- Course 4: Implementing Tools for Effective Metadata Governance - $99.00
- Course 5: Maximizing Metadata Resources with Accountability - $99.00

Business Glossaries, Data Dictionaries and Data Catalogs Online Learning Plan
In the Business Glossaries, Data Dictionaries, and Data Catalogs Learning Plan, instructor Robert S. Seiner examines the definition, development, and delivery of these resources and their associated value within an organization. Each course will focus on the critical requirements, including the appropriate metadata, while getting businesspeople to understand and use these tools within their organization. As simple and clear as these tools may sound initially, the truth is much more multifaceted. Throughout this six-course Learning Plan, we evaluate not just what glossaries, dictionaries, and catalogs mean today, but how they are constantly evolving, and why they will require ongoing refinement for a long time to come. If all six courses are completed, a certificate of completion will be issued.
Learning Plan: Business Glossaries, Data Dictionaries, and Data Catalogs – $499.00
- Course 1: The Definition and Value of Glossaries, Dictionaries and Glossaries – $99.00
- Course 2: Requirements for Glossaries, Dictionaries and Catalogs – $99.00
- Course 3: Metadata to Include in Glossaries, Dictionaries and Catalogs – $99.00
- Course 4: Get the Business to Use Glossaries, Dictionaries and Catalogs – $99.00
- Course 5: The Governance of Glossaries, Dictionaries and Catalogs – $99.00
- Course 6: Build a Business Glossary, Data Dictionary and Data Catalog – $99.00
