An Operational Level Agreement (OLA) is used for detailing collaboration principles, escalation, and
dispute resolution processes between MDM and its data suppliers. Here’s why:
Purpose of an OLA:
Collaboration Principles: Defines how MDM teams and data suppliers will collaborate, including
roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols.
Escalation Processes: Outlines the steps for escalating issues when standard resolution mechanisms
are insufficient, ensuring timely and effective problem resolution.
Dispute Resolution: Specifies methods for resolving disputes between parties, fostering a
cooperative and constructive working relationship.
Other Documents:
Business Requirements Document: Defines business needs and requirements but doesn’t typically
focus on operational collaboration.
Metadata Catalog: Describes metadata and data dictionaries, not collaboration principles.
Warranty: Provides guarantees on products or services, irrelevant to operational collaboration.
Operations Run Book: Details operational procedures and workflows, not specifically focused on
collaboration and dispute resolution.
Reference:
Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK), Chapter 8: Data Quality Management
DAMA International, "The DAMA Guide to the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK)"
