Definition: A periodic table of data is an idea for arranging an organisation's data into a visual table, grouped and colour-coded by area such as people, payments or time. Like the chemistry periodic table, its position-based layout is meant to help people predict how a piece of data relates to others.
So what? When a new data source arrives, mapping it against an existing periodic table of data shows quickly where it fits, what it extends and where new opportunities lie. That can guide analysis and testing before days are spent on investigation.
Examples: Colour-coding mortgage data into areas like people, payments and arrears, with shades for variations. Overlaying a new online retailer's data on the table to see which payment and customer elements already match.
