Data Contracts: The Missing Piece of the Data Puzzle

//Abstract When companies explore data quality initiatives, it's common to wonder whether data contracts or observability is more critical. In this talk, we'll clarify the unique roles each plays: data contracts focus on preventing known data quality issues, while data observability detects unknown issues across the entire data system. Drawing on real-world insights, we'll show how these two approaches complement one another-think of observability as a flashlight illuminating the whole data landscape, while contracts act as a laser pointer, targeting specific areas. Attendees will learn why using both is essential for ensuring data reliability and efficiency. //Bio Mark is a community health advocate turned data scientist interested in the intersection of social impact, business, and technology. His life's mission is to improve the well-being of as many people as possible through data-especially among those marginalized. Mark received his M.S. from the Stanford School of Medicine where he was trained in clinical research, experimental design, and statistics with an emphasis on observational studies. In addition, Mark is also certified in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is currently a senior data scientist at Humu where he builds data tools that drive behavior change to make work better. His core responsibilities center around 1) building data products that reach Humu's end users, 2) providing product analytics for the product team, and 3) building data infrastructure and driving data maturity. A big thank you to our Premium Sponsors @Databricks, @tecton8241, & @onehouseHQfor their generous support!