Basically metadata is a set of data that gives information about another set of data. It is critical to manage the information and it requires meticulous planning for correct implementation. There are ways to handle this sort of information like through an Enterprise Metadata Management. This provides you with a platform to manage the metadata and also provide you additional information and more context to other data assets of the organization in question.
Due to the diversity of metadata, it is used in so many ways with a wide range of user types as well. It is extremely important that the metadata of any organization is well managed that’s why there is a need to implement robust and flexible measures to the management system. So why is the metadata important?
Contains important information
It goes without saying that metadata contains very important information. It is like a catalogue that defines and identifies resources which are categorized according to a certain criteria. It efficiently safeguards the information.
Proper organization
Living in a data based world, it is important to diligently organize electronic resources. The use of metadata helps in building of properly organized system and filtering information according to similarities as well as distinguishing them.
Improves understanding
It improves the understanding of the information hence allowing effective levels of interoperability. It also makes it easier to exchange data among many systems even if they have different operating platforms, data structures and interfaces as well. By doing so it provides a vast network for resource searches.
Protects resources
Metadata provides a safe environment for resources and their future accessibility. This is very crucial as digital information is very fragile and very susceptible to corruption and alteration. With metadata it is possible to track down its lineage for archiving and presentation purposes.