Chapter 10. Case Study: Strategic Data Transformation at ZEISS
In this chapter, we explore the data strategies and infrastructure at ZEISS, a leader in the optics industry. We engage with Markus Morgner, head of the Enterprise Data Foundation; Sascha Saumer, a senior data engineer; and Gert Christen, who manages the Microsoft BI platform. These members of the ZEISS data team offer insights into the evolution of their data systems, strategic shifts, and the implementation of innovative technologies.
The discussion begins with an examination of the significant shift towards a centralized data strategy initiated in 2021. This strategic pivot aimed to consolidate scattered data practices into a streamlined, cohesive model, enhancing efficiency across the company’s various segments. Markus Morgner details the transition from a decentralized setup to a federated model that not only strengthens core control but also empowers individual segments with greater autonomy.
Further, Sascha Saumer and Gert Christen delve into the technical aspects of ZEISS’s data platforms, highlighting the transition to cloud technologies and the adoption of the data mesh concept. They explain how the company tailors its data handling to meet diverse business needs through a combination of centralized and decentralized approaches.
This chapter not only sheds light on the technicalities of managing large-scale data systems but also reflects on the broader implications for data governance, integration, and sharing ...