Build data capability you can prove, not just promise
DCAM® shows you how well your organisation really manages data and how to make it stronger.
- Cut the guesswork and see your data capability
- See the gaps and fix what's holding you back
- Know your strengths and prove progress
DCAM: The evidence behind data excellence
DCAM® (Data Management Capability Assessment Model) is the global framework from the EDM Association that lays out everything that organisations need to consider when they are managing their data – from data strategy and architecture to quality and governance.
It’s more than a scorecard. It’s a shared language, benchmark and practical plan that helps you solve any business challenges that need data you trust. You get a quantitative measure that shows exactly where you are on your journey and where your are delivering value, making it easier to secure funding for your programme.
Download the Guide
Data Leaders Guide to Implementing DCAM - all you need to know.
Why does it matter?
Better data practices don’t happen by accident and as data gets tricker to manage you need more than checklists.
Adopting DCAM is about making your data work:
- See where you are today across governance, standards, controls and strategy
- Compare your organisation against global industry peers
- Show measurable progress that proves the value of your data programme
- Build a clear, phased roadmap for improvement
Whether you’re in finance, retail, gaming or government, DCAM helps you build data capability in a world where AI, regulation and innovation all depend on trust.
What do you get?
A complete DCAM programme is a clear path towards data excellence. Here’s what you get in an end-to-end project:
How the assessment works
Building a measurable data strategy with DCAM
A client project we’re proud of.
A Big 4 bank used DCAM to track real progress across a three-year transformation.
The bank’s Chief Data Officer was leading a major transformation programme but lacked a clear picture of where their Data Management capabilities stood or how to measure improvement. We used the DCAM framework to set a solid baseline, define realistic targets, and keep delivery on track.
The impact:
- Visibility and control: Established a measurable baseline and regular six-month reassessments to show tangible progress.
- Focus that delivers: Defined DCAM targets adopted at board level, with programme milestones mapped directly to them.
- Sustainable capability: Built internal understanding and accountability by coaching teams on DCAM and embedding it into everyday practice.
Why choose Ortecha?
We’re not just implementers of DCAM – we’re part of the story and helped shape it.
As a Diamond Certified DCAM Partner and founding member of the Data Excellence Program by the EDM Association means that you get:
- Insider knowledge of how DCAM really works in practice
- Proven methods to embed capability, not bureaucracy
- Practitioners deeply involved in the development of new versions and related best practices
- An experienced team who've led 40+ assessments across multiple industries
- Training that sticks - over 2,500 students taught and counting
There is no doubt I have real experts working with my team… passionate about Data Management.
— Chief Data Officer, Big 4 UK Bank
Common questions
It’s the global standard for data management capability used by hundreds of data teams around the world.
DCAM lays out everything, end to end, that organisations need to consider when they are managing their data well. It looks at 101 essential data management capabilities including strategy, standards, quality, architecture, AI and culture.
Most DCAM assessments take 8-12 weeks, depending on your size and overall scope.
Not at all. As long as data and data management matters to you, DCAM applies. We’ve worked with banks, insurers, charities, retailers and public bodies.
Each data framework has a purpose.
- DCAM: Measures your capability to do data management.
- CMDC: Focuses on controls for data in the cloud and your readiness for scalable automation.
- DAMA: Measures how well you manage data across the lifecycle.
Using them together forms a maturity and control ecosystem - and we can help you navigate all three, separately or together.
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