Independent data marts are frequently created when an organization pursues short-term, department-specific objectives instead of an enterprise data strategy. Is this characterization accurate?

Introduction / Context:
Data mart architectures can be independent (built directly from operational systems) or dependent (sourced from a conformed enterprise data warehouse). This question probes why independent marts often appear in organizations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Different departments have immediate reporting needs and budgets.
• Enterprise modeling and conformance require time and coordination.
• Independent marts trade speed for long-term integration.

Concept / Approach:
When business priorities are short-term, teams frequently spin up stand-alone marts to meet local KPIs fast. Without conformed dimensions and shared definitions, these marts drift, creating “spreadmarts” and inconsistent metrics across the enterprise. While they can deliver quick wins, they complicate cross-functional analytics later.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare “Customer” metrics across finance and sales marts. If definitions or totals differ, the organization likely has independent marts created for short-term goals rather than a coordinated enterprise model.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Tying the phenomenon to cloud or schema type misses the governance driver.
• Claiming independent marts require enterprise models contradicts the definition.

Common Pitfalls:
Proliferation of conflicting truth sources, duplicate ETL, and higher maintenance. Establish a roadmap for conformance to regain consistency while preserving agility.

Final Answer:
Correct