What is ISO-IEC 30161:2013?

ISO/IEC 30161:2013, titled "Information technology - Software engineering - Evaluation of software product quality - Data product quality model (DPQM)", is an international standard that provides guidance on evaluating the quality of software data products. This standard was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and it defines a model for assessing the quality of data products in terms of characteristics such as accuracy, completeness, consistency, and integrity.

The Importance of Evaluating Data Product Quality

In today's digital era, where vast amounts of data are generated and utilized, ensuring the quality of data products has become crucial. Poor data quality can lead to erroneous analyses, ineffective decision-making, and unreliable outcomes. By using ISO/IEC 30161:2013, organizations can establish a consistent framework for evaluating the quality of their software data products, enabling them to identify and rectify any shortcomings and improve overall data reliability.

The Characteristics of Data Product Quality Model

The DPQM defined in ISO/IEC 30161:2013 consists of seven quality characteristics:

Accuracy: The degree to which data products correctly represent the intended information.

Completeness: The extent to which data products include all the required and expected information.

Consistency: The coherence and uniformity of data products across different elements.

Integrity: The assurance that data products are protected against unauthorized modifications or tampering.

Availability: The accessibility and usability of data products when needed.

Timeliness: The relevance and currency of data products for decision-making.

Usability: The ease with which data products can be understood, interpreted, and utilized.

Benefits of Implementing ISO/IEC 30161:2013

By adopting ISO/IEC 30161:2013, organizations can gain several advantages:

Better decision-making: Improved data quality enhances decision-making accuracy and effectiveness, leading to better business outcomes.

Increased customer satisfaction: Reliable data products improve customer experiences and satisfaction levels.

Enhanced data governance: Using a standardized model helps establish robust data governance practices and ensures compliance with relevant regulations.

Process optimization: Evaluating data product quality highlights areas that require improvement, enabling organizations to optimize their software engineering processes.

Competitive advantage: Demonstrating commitment to data quality can give organizations a competitive edge in the marketplace.