Data Integration

What is Data Integration?

Data integration is the process of combining multiple sources of information from databases, spreadsheets, tools, and cloud applications into one unified and consistent view. Using data integration, companies can gather the data that sits in spreadsheets, cloud systems, outdated applications, and computer desktops and pull it together into one place.

How does Data Integration work?

Data integration begins with collecting data from databases, cloud apps, spreadsheets, and programming interfaces. The data is evaluated, cleaned, standardized, and integrated and then stored in data warehouses or data lakes. The data is validated and confirmed for accuracy and consistency, and then tracked, monitored, and maintained for quality.

What are the business benefits of Data Integration?

• Eliminates data silos so teams can work together using the same data, improving analysis and accuracy for better decision-making
• Saves time by reducing manual calculations, reconciliation, and reporting
• Improves data quality by locating data in a centralized system, making it easier to identify quality issues and data gaps
• Strengthens strategic decision-making by providing an organization’s leadership with a broad view of trends, customer behavior and needs, inventory inconsistencies, and operational gaps
• Fortifies the company’s innovative and competitive advantage by streamlining operations, optimizing processes, and gathering insights to adapt to competitive and market shifts