Metadata is crucial for data teams as it provides information about the data they provide, such as which tables are most relied upon by end users or the definition of a specific metric. It helps solve problems like inbound requests and incident management. The "people, process, technologies" framework can be used to manage metadata effectively. Two main categories of metadata-driven tools (MDTs) exist: data discovery and data observability tools. When evaluating MDTs, consider factors such as automation, integration, and how it fits into your organization. Various MDT offerings are available, from open-source to commercial options.