One Meaning for Every Data Element.
When the same data item has different names, definitions and formats across systems, reporting, integration and data sharing become unreliable. ISO/IEC 11179 is the international framework for metadata registries: it defines how data elements are named, defined, classified and registered so that their meaning is clear and shared. We help you build a metadata registry and data dictionary that supports your data governance.
Data can only be trusted and shared when everyone understands what it means. ISO/IEC 11179 provides a framework for registering data elements with clear names, definitions, value domains and stewardship, which is the foundation of reliable reporting, integration and data sharing.
We help you build a metadata registry and data dictionary as a practical part of your data governance programme.
About ISO/IEC 11179
ISO/IEC 11179 is a multi-part framework for metadata registries. It is not a management system standard and organisations are not certified against it; we help you apply it as part of your data governance.
1. Our ISO/IEC 11179 Consultancy Services
Our support can cover the whole journey or only the stages you need.
A. Current-State & Maturity Assessment
We start by understanding how ISO/IEC 11179 topics are handled in your organisation today, and how mature those practices are.
- Review of existing policies, structures, processes and tools.
- Interviews with leadership, managers and key staff.
- Assessment against the principles and recommendations of ISO/IEC 11179.
- Maturity rating for each area.
- A report with strengths, gaps and a prioritised roadmap.
B. Framework Design
We design a practical framework that fits your size, sector and culture, rather than a generic template.
- Policy and governing principles.
- Roles, responsibilities and decision rights.
- Processes, methods and criteria.
- Templates, registers and tools.
- Performance indicators and reporting lines.
C. Implementation & Coaching
Our consultants work with your team while the framework is put into practice, so that it becomes part of everyday management.
- Coaching of the people who own the framework.
- Facilitation of the first workshops and cycles.
- Review of the first outputs and records.
- Adjustments based on early experience.
D. Training & Capability Building
We build the knowledge your people need to run the framework themselves.
- Briefings for the board and top management.
- Practitioner workshops for managers and specialists.
- Awareness sessions for staff.
- Guidance notes and practical tools.
E. Maturity Review & Performance Measurement
After implementation, we review how well the framework works in practice and whether it delivers the expected results.
- Independent review of the framework in operation.
- Assessment of results against agreed indicators.
- Comparison with the initial maturity rating.
- Recommendations for the next improvement cycle.
F. Integration & Ongoing Support
We connect the framework with your other management systems and stay available as your needs change.
- Integration with ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 14001 and other systems you run.
- Periodic reviews and refresher workshops.
- Support with new requirements from regulators, boards or clients.
2. Requirements We Help You Implement
Depending on your scope, our consultants support you across the key areas of ISO/IEC 11179, including:
- Assessment of current data definitions and metadata practices
- Metadata model and registry design
- Naming and definition rules for data elements
- Classification schemes, value domains and code lists
- Registration, stewardship and approval workflow
- Business glossary and data dictionary
- Integration with data governance and data quality programmes
- Training for data owners and data stewards
3. Key Documents and Records We Help You Develop
- Metadata strategy and scope
- Metadata model and registry structure
- Naming and definition conventions
- Data element and value domain registers
- Business glossary
- Registration and approval workflow
- Data stewardship roles and responsibilities
- Metadata quality rules and review records
Documentation is kept practical and proportionate: we build only what your organisation needs to work effectively and demonstrate conformity.
4. How We Deliver Our Services
Step 1: Understanding Your Objectives
We start by understanding your organisation, its strategy, and what leadership expects from ISO/IEC 11179.
Step 2: Current-State Assessment & Roadmap
We assess current practices and agree a roadmap defining:
- Scope and objectives.
- Priorities and actions.
- Owners and responsibilities.
- Timeline and milestones.
- How success will be measured.
Step 3: Framework Design
We design the policies, roles, processes and tools with the people who will use them.
Step 4: Implementation & Training
Your team applies the framework with our coaching, supported by training at every level.
Step 5: Maturity Review
We review the framework in operation and measure progress against the initial assessment.
Step 6: Leadership Review & Next Cycle
We help leadership review the results and plan the next improvement cycle.
5. Business Benefits
- Clearer decisions and accountability at every level
- Risks and opportunities identified before they become problems
- Practices aligned with recognised international good practice
- A common language between leadership, managers and teams
- Evidence of good management for boards, regulators, investors and clients
- A structured path for continual improvement
6. Who Can Benefit From This Service?
This service is particularly valuable for:
- Government entities and national data programmes
- Statistics and research organisations
- Banks and financial institutions
- Healthcare organisations and health information systems
- Organisations building data warehouses or data platforms
- Data governance and data management offices
7. Why Choose ITA?
Practical, Not Paper-Based
We build systems around how you actually work, with documentation proportionate to your size and risks.
Experienced Consultants and Auditors
Your project is led by specialists with practical experience of implementing and auditing management systems.
Clear Plan and Accountability
You know from the start what will be done, by whom and by when, with regular progress reporting.
Your Team Learns as We Work
We transfer knowledge throughout the project so that your people can run and improve the system themselves.
Integrated Approach
One system can cover several standards, avoiding duplicated documents, audits and effort.
Bilingual Delivery
We work in Arabic and English, and our training courses are available in all languages.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a project take?
It depends on the size of your organisation, its activities and the practices already in place. We give you a timeline after the current-state assessment.
Can this be combined with other management systems?
Yes. We build it into your existing management systems, such as ISO 9001, ISO 27001 or ISO 14001, so you avoid duplicated work.
9. Related Training
We can deliver tailored in-house awareness and practitioner training for your team as part of the project. Browse all training courses or our other consultancy services.
10. Request a ISO/IEC 11179 Consultancy Proposal
Tell us about your organisation, sites, scope and target dates. Our team will review your needs and send you a proposal with a clear scope, plan and fees.