How to Implement Domain Architecture, Governance Charter, and Draft Catalog in IFS Cloud Data Mesh

Domain Architecture and Governance for IFS Cloud Data Mesh

This guide is for enterprise IT leaders, ERP consultants, and data governance professionals looking to optimize IFS Cloud projects for cross-domain agility, compliance, and operational insight. Use these best practices to improve data stewardship and regulatory confidence while accelerating actionable analytics.

What Problems Does This Solve?

How can organizations achieve decentralized data management while meeting compliance obligations?
What roles and frameworks best support responsible data ownership across business domains?
How do you build a catalog that enables secure access to trusted data products in IFS Cloud?
What tools, processes, and committees should you use for ongoing governance and improvement?

Key Deliverables for IFS Cloud Data Mesh

1. Domain Architecture

Shift from centralized data silos to federated, domain-based control.
Map business domains to specific IFS Cloud functional modules.
Assign clear data product ownership and stewardship for each domain.
Use recommended tools like the IFS Scope Tool and Enterprise Book of Rules to align operations and customizations with business processes.
Enable autonomous innovation while upholding enterprise standards and auditability.

2. Governance Charter

Define data governance roles: domain owners, data stewards, cross-domain committees.
Document responsibilities for compliance (GDPR, SOC 2, industry certification), data quality, and escalation paths.
Establish decision-making frameworks and reporting cycles for cross-domain issues.
Support federated decision-making - domain teams act locally, oversight teams set standards.
Use governance automation to monitor access, lineage, and policy enforcement.
Example solution: IFS Cloud governance templates with built-in risk and compliance dashboards.

3. Draft Catalog

Central registry for all approved data products - self-serve, discoverable, securely accessible.
Capture metadata: product owner, service level, update frequency, regulatory requirements.
Enable authorized access via APIs, dashboards, and role-based controls.
Update catalog regularly through prototype validation and ongoing feedback.
Critical for user adoption, compliance tracking, and operational excellence.

Proven Implementation Workflow

Align domains and architecture using IFS Scope Tool; document rules and processes.
Form governance committees, draft charter, and enable federated oversight.
Build catalog registry; ensure discoverability and compliance by integrating real-world use data.
Validate prototypes and iterate across project phases - design, testing, live operation, continuous improvement.

Real Outcomes for IFS Cloud Teams

Rapid onboarding of business units without sacrificing compliance.
Clear audit trails and policy enforcement for internal and external regulators.
Accelerated business innovation supported by trusted, available data products.
Continuous adaptability to evolving regulations and user needs.