When it comes to the realm of data, ETL carries quite a bit of weight. Standing for Extract, Transform and Load, these are three components of data collection that permit transfer from the database to the warehouse. In other words, ETL makes it so that data is refined and able to be consumed and analyzed easily and quickly. This means that it should come as no surprise that this entire sector is made up of components that make the entire process more efficient according to Visual Flow.
The advanced ETL solution and up-to-date niche tools are created by the best professionals to ensure that every level works in the highest order. With modern technology and methods aiding it, ETL is an area that all businesses should look at. Let’s check the entry points to advanced ETL solutions.
The importance of ETL
The importance and value of these processes lie in the general consumption of data. This is especially the case for those running businesses that are highly dependent on data collection. Data in its raw form can’t be seen with devices of any sort and has to be refined. Once processed, the readymade data is taken to unified repositories such as data warehouses where access is easy.
These processes also make sure that the verification of data is equally simplified, making overall data collection consistent. Based on what we have seen thus far, an idea of ETL has been put in our heads. However, there is a bit more to how this works. The following is a detailed look at each aspect of ETL:
Extraction
This is the process in which raw data is taken from a singular or various sources. For businesses, data can come in many forms all from an equal amount along the stages of production. They often use a myriad of devices to obtain this data and this ranges from internet and factory sensors to anything concerning sales.
When this raw data is obtained, it isn’t able to be read because it comes in alternate formats such as JSON and XML. It is then funneled into other singular repositories where it is refined and then stored.
Transformation
Depending on what the specific needs of a business are, data has to be turned into something that you can read. This process involves raw data being turned into a form you can read in many ways. The most common of these are as follows:
- Standardization ─ this turns raw data into the same type when refined
- Cleansing ─ this makes sure that all errors are taken care of
- Augmentation ─ this is the gathering of data from multiple places
- Mapping ─ this is the formation of complete data models by putting multiple elements together.
With all these aspects put in place, data is made easier to understand as well as refined. This means that it will stay both readable and consistent.
Loading
This is the process in which all the readymade data is stored for proper consumption and analysis. Ideally, it should be so that said data is easy to not only analyze but share with departments, duplicate and make ready for the public.
Available ETL solutions
Because data is so important, you shouldn’t be surprised that a large number of tools claiming to make the process smoother exist. The following are just a few such tools that allow you to do just that:
Talend Data Integration
This is an open-source solution that is built mainly to match as many sources as possible. This is because the platform already comes with various integrations built into it. In its many forms, this particular platform offers many tools that also help with aspects of data management and overview.
Informatica
This is an advanced platform that is renowned for the number of quality features it has. Of these features, its most useful would have to be the PowerCenter, which is designed to manage cloud data.
Though it does cost a lot compared to other tools, the Informatica PowerCenter is quite worth it. The worth comes mainly because of its management capabilities and scalability.
Stitch
Similar to Talend, Stitch is also an open-source ETL, but it sets itself apart due to its paid tier levels that deal with specific advanced problems. In addition to this, it simplifies the whole process by creating work pipelines as well as bringing in automation.o It’s so similar to Talend that it outright purchased Stitch no more than four years ago.
FlyData
This is a platform that bases itself on cloud technology and essentially integrates data in real-time. It is almost unanimously considered to be the fastest and most reliable ETL tool.
This also applies to its ability to have data be duplicated into many forms irrespective of type, which is faster than any other platform. With all this mentioned above, you can see why FlyData is highly rated and equally sought after.
Integrate.io
This platform bases itself in the cloud in a similar way that FlyData does. What separates them is Integrate.io’s incorporation of the ELT model; which stores the data before it is processed. This unique feature means that it is in a better position to bring various data sources together.
This is furthered by the accompanying capacity to build pipelines and a generally easy interface. This particular ELT model is quite popular because of how relatively easy it is to operate. When you add scalability and security, the popularity is very obvious.
Final thoughts
As far as how many ETL solutions there are, you shouldn’t be shocked to know that there are far more in 2022. However, the above helps generalize how the others that may be offered are likely to work. Each of these tools is pretty much specialized for a type of business practice and figuring that out is up to you.
There is no question that as the field of data collection as a whole gets more advanced, ETL and even ELT will do the same. The supporting tools will suit any business and become the best solutions that help to gain profit in the long-run.
