Crimson Catalog: Turning Data Chaos into Clarity

Session Abstract: Indiana University is launching Crimson Catalog, a multi-phase initiative to improve data findability and reduce duplication of reporting across seven campuses, two centers, and the School of Medicine. Too often, decision-makers encounter conflicting reports, unclear definitions, and redundant dashboards, leading to inefficiencies and misinterpretation.

This session will share IU’s phased approach to building a curated catalog of high-value reports, beginning with budget model inputs, Human Resources, Enrollment, and Degrees. Using shared taxonomies, Denodo-based data views, Tableau reports, and consistent definitions in the Data Cookbook, IU is building reliable, transparent, and scalable data resources. Presenters will share governance structures, stakeholder engagement strategies, and lessons learned from early phases. Participants will leave with a practical model for improving decision-making, efficiency, and trust in institutional data.

Keywords: Data visualization, Centralization, Reporting framework, Dashboard, Data quality