In an age of exponential data growth, AI disruption and escalating regulatory pressure, data management can no longer be a back-office function. It is a core strategic capability and asset. That’s why the EDM Association’s release of DCAM® v3 couldn’t be more timely. In this blog, we outline why it should be on the radar of every data leader today.
Why DCAM v3 Matters Now
Across the enterprise, data is multiplying – across platforms, regions, teams and technologies. But with this growth comes complexity: fragmented governance, inconsistent terminology, low data literacy and a constantly shifting compliance landscape.
DCAM v3 is built to address these challenges head-on. As the most advanced version yet of the Data Management Capability Assessment Model, it provides a clear, practical and future-proof framework for managing data as a true enterprise asset.
DCAM v3 isn’t just an update, it’s a blueprint for data maturity in the AI era.
What’s New in DCAM v3
Backed by more than a decade of global practitioner input, DCAM v3 introduces significant framework updates to keep pace with today’s data environment:
- AI Demand and Readiness: Is your data usable, secure, and trusted for transformative digital initiatives?
- Data Volume Explosion: Are you able to manage exponential growth across formats and sources?
Terminology Confusion: Does your business have a shared understanding through glossary and metadata standards? - Low Data Literacy: Do you educate users at all levels to understand, access, and apply data effectively
- Compliance Complexity: How are you navigating regulations from GDPR to AI with integrated governance?
The Business Case: From Framework to Competitive Advantage
DCAM v3 isn’t just a model. It’s a catalyst for transformation. When embedded effectively, it helps organisations:
- Build Trusted, High-Quality Data: Essential for analytics, AI, and regulatory reporting.
- Align Data to Strategy: Elevating data from IT asset to business enabler.
- Scale with Confidence: Enabling agile operations across distributed, hybrid environments.
- Improve Data Literacy: Creating a shared language and culture of data across functions.
- Navigate Compliance: With built-in alignment to global regulatory standards.
How Ortecha Supports Your DCAM Journey
At Ortecha, we work with large and complex organisations to deliver pragmatic, enterprise-scale data transformation. As advocates for structured, strategic approaches, we see DCAM v3 as a vital tool for:
- Benchmarking current capabilities
- Building a scalable data strategy
- Enabling AI-readiness and cloud transformation
- Strengthening regulatory resilience
And for those looking to take DCAM from theory to practice, the EDM Association’s Data Excellence Program offers a guided path to measurable improvement, complete with progressive credentials and industry recognition.
Ready to transform your data?
If your organisation is navigating change, modernising infrastructure, r preparing to scale new digital initiatives, now is the time to evaluate where your data capabilities stand.
As a Diamond Certified DCAM Partner and one of six founding members of the EDMA Data Excellence programme, Ortecha can help you translate the promise of DCAM into meaningful, measurable progress.
Get in touch to explore how we can support your journey towards data excellence.
TALK TO AN EXPERT
If you’re interested in hearing more about how DCAM can help you on your data journey, get in touch!
