Schneider Electric has demonstrated that successful data transformation depends as much on people as technology. Through a structured stakeholder engagement model built around shared accountability, practical enablement, and executive sponsorship, the company has embedded data maturity across a global organisation while positioning data as a driver of business performance.
Enterprise data strategies often fail not because of technology, but because they struggle to gain sustained engagement across diverse business functions. Schneider Electric tackled this challenge by developing a Data Maturity and Enablement Model that turns data governance into a collaborative business discipline.
Anchored in the DCAM industry standard, the programme combines a structured Data Maturity Playbook with practical training, governance, and engagement mechanisms that enable business leaders, data professionals, and delivery teams to work towards shared objectives. Rather than relying on central mandates, the initiative focuses on building capability, accountability, and trust across the organisation.
Building engagement through shared ownership
At the heart of the programme is a federated operating model that recognises the different priorities of business, governance, and technical stakeholders while giving them a common framework for collaboration.
Schneider Electric established three interconnected networks:
- Data Offices
- Data Domains
- Data Delivery Teams
These are supported by a shared language, evidence-based maturity assessments, and practical how-to guidance. Advisory boards, expert communities, onboarding programmes, and quarterly business reviews ensure data maturity is discussed as part of wider business performance rather than as a standalone governance exercise.
The approach places emphasis on enablement. In partnership with the Chief AI Office, Schneider Electric introduced structured learning, internal trainers, and certification programmes that equip teams with the knowledge required to build trusted, reusable data foundations while supporting AI adoption at scale.
By continuously refining the Playbook through stakeholder feedback, the programme has evolved alongside business priorities, ensuring governance remains relevant, practical, and focused on delivering measurable outcomes.
“An impressive, human‑centred approach to engagement that builds belief rather than relying on mandate.” – Judges’ comments
Delivering enterprise-wide impact
The initiative has established a consistent approach to data maturity while strengthening engagement across Schneider Electric’s global data community. Key outcomes include:
- 32 Data Offices, 34 Data Domains, and 37 Data Delivery Teams completing maturity assessments.
- 3,169 evidence submissions supporting fact-based maturity evaluation.
- 103 improvement plans created across the organisation.
- 50% of participating teams actively progressing towards their target maturity levels.
- Enterprise-wide adoption of a common maturity framework based on the DCAM industry standard.
- Global training and certification programme developed in partnership with the Chief AI Office.
The programme has also demonstrated how stakeholder engagement can translate directly into business value. Within Schneider Electric’s Iberia business, the Data Office applied the model to support the Market Advisor initiative, identifying commercial opportunities hundreds of millions, with 43% of successful opportunities coming from new customers. This illustrates how trusted data, strong governance, and close business partnership combine to accelerate commercial performance.
The initiative has changed perceptions of governance. By framing it as an enabler of better decision-making, reduced risk, and faster delivery, Schneider Electric has encouraged stakeholders across the organisation to see data maturity as a business advantage rather than an administrative requirement.
An engaged stakeholder organisation
Schneider Electric’s Data Maturity and Enablement Model continues to evolve as the organisation refines how data maturity supports strategic priorities. Ongoing workshops, executive engagement, and community feedback ensure the framework remains aligned with changing business needs while strengthening its connection to measurable outcomes.
By combining structured governance with practical enablement and sustained stakeholder engagement, Schneider Electric has shown that enterprise data transformation succeeds when people are empowered to participate. The result is a distributed leadership model that embeds trusted data across the organisation and provides a strong foundation for future innovation, AI adoption, and business growth.
