Information-governance best practices curb fruitless data hunts

A survey of more than 1,000 middle managers by New York-based Accenture delivered disturbing confirmation of what has long been suspected: They're spending a lot of time searching for information that's necessary to do their jobs—and all too often not finding what they are seeking.

“The survey validates our concerns around information management in general,” says Gregg Todd, senior executive of Accenture's information management group. “Many respondents say it is easier to find information on their competitors than internal information about their own companies.”

Part of the problem is the flood of information that companies generate, which complicates the search, Todd stresses. On average, respondents say they search, at minimum, three sources to find what they need.

“Only 16 percent of respondents use a collaborative work space like an Internet portal,” says Todd. “Most store the information in email accounts, instant messages, or personal PCs. This affirms Accenture's push with clients for greater information governance.”

Topping the list of information best practices is breaking down the silo mentality that exists in most enterprises.

“IT is an enabler,” explains Todd, “but good governance requires that both groups—business and IT—pay attention to the way information is stored and distributed.”

The even bigger challenge involves accommodating all the ways that information is made available. Says Todd, “Today there's an exponential increase in the way information is generated, and it just has to be managed so as to separate the noise from what has value. It's something every company must deal with.”