S1 - 24 | Keeping Your Systems Safe: Why Visibility Is Non-Negotiable

Ever thought a tiny piece of information could hold someone’s life in the balance? In this episode, we explore the deeply human side of data lineage. My guest is Jan Ulrych, a data consultant and integration architect who helps organizations map and protect their data flows. We discuss the tragedy of a single data error that cost two children their lives, and how the right processes—and the right map—could have prevented it. But it’s not just about preventing the worst; Jan shares insights on how data lineage accelerates decision-making, boosts efficiency, and helps enterprises stay ahead in fast-moving markets.

About Jan Ulrych

• Over a decade of experience in data management.
• Part of Manta, a leading automated data lineage platform.
• Has worked with global brands such as DHL, Moody’s, and Thomson Reuters.

What You’ll Learn

• The Real-World Impact of Data Errors: How a simple yes/no flag in a registry can lead to unimaginable consequences.
• Data Lineage Fundamentals: Why you need a clear map of every data flow—from source to consumption.
• Business Drivers for Lineage: Time to market, operational efficiency, and agility in today’s data-driven organizations.
• Automation vs. Manual Mapping: Why relying on humans alone won’t scale, and how Manta scans existing code to build a dynamic map of data flows.
• Future of Data Lineage: Ethics, compliance, and the expanding scope of metadata management in an ever-connected world.

Why It Matters

Data lineage isn’t just a technical exercise—it’s about trust. Whether you’re a CFO trying to cut costs, a CDO prioritizing ethics, or a data scientist chasing insights, lineage lays the foundation for accurate, efficient, and ethical data use.