The Periodic Table of Data

Sitting by the fire this Christmas morning thinking about data governance systems (DGS), and I couldn’t help but visualize raw data (or “original records” in GXP language) as elements in the periodic table.  That periodic table is what hooked me as a kid on the scientific path.  It was a turning point for me, as everything we see, taste, smell and even think is based on various combinations of these basic elements combining and interacting in truly impressive fashion.  It’s amazing.. 

We might think of raw data within our organizations in a similar manner.  Every action we take, decision we make, and corporate strategy we implement should be based on the exact same pattern of combination and interaction.  The problem is most of our data remains in the “periodic table” format – with few combinations and interactions.  We see data as individual elements in the table, and then make decisions largely on ‘theory’ of what the data is telling us.  The problem here is that theory is not the most effective way of making scientific judgements surrounding medical products.  Best would be to run the experiment – see how the data ‘combines and reacts’ through analysis and/or visualization.

One of the earliest and simplest visualization tools is the control chart, thought to have been first used extensively in the 1920’s at Bell Telephone Laboratories.  This tool uses two elements (e.g., defects vs. date) and combines these elements together to form a more complex compound that can perform some useful function for quality and the business, such as hydrogen and oxygen combining to form water – which has incredible function.  Alone, these elements have little function in the world, but combined they change everything. Finding the most useful combinations in our data sets can result in function, and putting these functions to work through continuous improvement is what will separate the great companies of the next generation from the rest.  But how do you do it?

Data Value via the DGS.  From data -> risk -> value using the tools outlined in ICH Q8, Q9 and Q10.  Are you ready?

Pete