Gagnamiðum

Gagnamiðum is an Icelandic term used in information management to refer to a set of metrics used to evaluate data assets within an organization. The concept combines gagn-, meaning data or information, with miðum, a word related to measures or metrics, and is commonly translated as data measures or data metrics. The term denotes a structured approach to assessing the usefulness, quality, and availability of data.

In practice, gagnamiðum support data governance by providing objective indicators of data quality, accessibility, and value. They help prioritize data improvement efforts, guide data stewardship responsibilities, and communicate data health to decision makers. Gagnamiðum are typically defined within a data governance framework, with baselines, targets, and a regular reporting cadence. Dashboards, data catalogs, and governance portals may present gagnamiðum to stakeholders across an organization.

Common examples of gagnamiðum include data completeness rates for critical datasets, data accuracy rates, timeliness of data delivery, cross-system consistency, and the traceability of data lineage. They may also cover data discoverability and the ease with which data can be accessed for legitimate use. Organizations often tie gagnamiðum to data quality rules, metadata standards, and policy requirements, while recognizing that metrics should reflect real use and decision-making value rather than merely ticking boxes.

Notes on usage and scope indicate that the term is primarily encountered in Icelandic-language contexts, appearing in standards, white papers, or enterprise systems literature related to data governance and data quality. As with any metric set, the effectiveness of gagnamiðum depends on clear definitions, governance ownership, and alignment with organizational goals.