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In today’s world, data has become a critical asset for organizations of all sizes. As companies generate more data, they need to ensure they have an efficient system in place to store, manage, and analyze it. This is where data architecture comes into play.
Data architecture is a framework that defines how data flows through an organization’s systems and processes. It encompasses the different technologies, policies, and procedures used to collect, store, and use data effectively. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of data architecture and how it works.
Data architecture can be thought of as a roadmap for an organization’s data ecosystem. It starts with data sources, which can include various applications, devices, and files. These data sources flow into the operational data layer, which consists of databases that collect internal and external data points.
Once the data is collected, it needs to be ingested and staged, which involves data profiling, policing, and data quality management. This is done in the data ingestion and staging layer, which includes master data and reference data.
The next step in data architecture is data integration and transformation. This involves integrating different data sources and transforming them into a format that can be used for analytics. This layer includes various processes such as data virtualization, data preparation, data curation, and ITO processes.
Finally, the data is ready for analytics and is stored in the analytics data layer. This layer consists of data warehouses, data lakes, and data marts. It is used by data analysts and consumers to consume the data that has been collected throughout the process.
The last layer in data architecture is the BI and analytics layer. This includes the BI and reporting applications, data science applications, self-serve data preparation tools, and data visualization. This layer enables organizations to use data to gain insights and make informed decisions.
Data architecture is critical for organizations because it provides a framework for managing and using data effectively. It ensures that data is collected, stored, and used in a consistent and organized manner. Data architecture also helps organizations to maintain data quality, security, and integrity.
Data architecture enables organizations to:
Data architecture is a critical component of any organization’s data management strategy. It provides a framework for managing and using data effectively, ensuring that data is collected, stored, and used in a consistent and organized manner. By implementing a robust data architecture, organizations can optimize their data usage, improve data quality and integrity, and gain insights that lead to informed decision-making.
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