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Data Architecture

What is Data Architecture?

The design of an organization's data structures, policies, and standards that govern how data is collected, stored, and used.

Governance

What the standards actually require on data architecture

Requirements naming data architecture across 6 standards, quoted from the control text.

Set up and keep up the organization's data architecture (data models, structures, dictionaries, reference data and how they relate) as the information and constraints Data-Related Support gives Implementation under 5.2 b).

iso-8000-data-quality::61:7.2 · 7.2 Data Architecture Management (DRS.1) →

Establish the practice: the architecture team and its charter, the artefacts it produces (enterprise data model, data flow designs, roadmaps), the standards it applies and how it engages projects.

dama-dmbok2-data-management-body-of-knowledge-2nd-edition::DA.2.1 · DA.2.1 Establish data architecture practice →

A data architecture function, formally set up and supported, concentrates on defining and modelling data content: the design of data structures, definitions of meaning and metadata, logical data domains and models, under clear inputs and outputs, roles, collab...

edm-council-dcam-data-management-capability-assessment-model::3.2 · 3.2 Data Architecture Approach →
BCBS 2391 control

The bank designs, builds and maintains data architecture and IT infrastructure that fully support aggregation and reporting in normal times and in stress or crisis while still meeting the other Principles.

bcbs-239::P2 · Principle 2: data architecture and IT infrastructure →

The framework's risk data aggregation and reporting policies, procedures and processes, appropriate to the bank's size, complexity and risk profile and supporting supervisory reporting, should provide for the design, implementation and maintenance of a data ar...

occ-heightened-standards-12-cfr-part-30-appendix-d::II.J.1 · II.J.1 Data architecture and IT infrastructure for risk aggregation →

Sensitive data should be accessed through agency or central whole-of-government secured platforms where practicable, with ICT and data security measures, access control and access logging, using the central document collaboration platforms and the Government D...

singapore-government-instruction-manual-on-ictss-management-im8::DSP-18 · Access sensitive files on secured platforms →

Questions people ask about data architecture

What is Data Architecture?
The design of an organization's data structures, policies, and standards that govern how data is collected, stored, and used.
Why is Data Architecture important for compliance?
Data Architecture is a key concept in Governance. Understanding data architecture helps organizations meet regulatory requirements, reduce risk, and demonstrate due diligence during audits. Our compliance platform maps 1,016 frameworks with 316K cross-framework control mappings.
Which compliance frameworks address Data Architecture?
Data Architecture appears in the requirement text of ISO 8000 - Data Quality, DAMA-DMBOK2 - Data Management Body of Knowledge (2nd Edition), EDM Council DCAM - Data Management Capability Assessment Model, BCBS 239, OCC Heightened Standards (12 CFR Part 30, Appendix D). Across these standards we have identified 17 controls that name it directly, each linked to the control text on the compliance platform.
Where can I learn more about Data Architecture?
Explore our compliance framework pages to see how data architecture applies across different standards and regulations. Our implementation guides provide step-by-step guidance, and the compliance platform offers AI-powered analysis of how this concept maps across 1,016 frameworks.

See how Data Architecture applies across compliance frameworks

Our platform maps 1,016 frameworks with 316K cross-framework control mappings. Explore how this concept is addressed across standards.

Written and maintained by Gerard Blokdyk, The Art of Service.