ETL – Extract Transform & Load

So, what is ETL – Extract Transform & Load?

ETL – Extract Transform & Load are database functions and are broken down as follows.

• Extract – this is identifying and reading from different data sources. For example, a database, FTP, file, stream etc. whether live or static
• Transform – cleansing & shaping the data into a structure that can be efficiently queried
• Load – blending all the data into a new database as a single source

This is how we do ETL – Extract Transform & Load

Perception work from left to right using Agile methodology. Therefore, to understand all the organisations needs we perform an Agile Requirements Workshop with stakeholders. Following the workshop, we would be able to plan and size the effort required to deliver the output on the right. Our ETL Extract Transform & Load tools, processes and methodology will ultimately allow curated connections to all your data. As a result, you will have one version of the truth. Our deep experience on shaping and forming data is second to none, with some of the world’s most well-known brands trust us to enable them at every level.

Automation of ETL Processes

The Real Value

Of course, in today’s digital world, data is everywhere. So, it can be a challenge to bring it all into one place and can take some businesses weeks to reconcile. We help our clients blend their data sources and manage the process to optimise performance and efficiency. We assist by automating processes systemically so that your best people have more time to add value in other areas. New data sources continually arise as systems change and new processes emerge in this evolving landscape. So, validated error free data that can be trusted by the whole organisation.

ETL Functions

Firstly, we find all the in-scope data sources. Secondly, we output on the right with something visual & insightful in a dashboard, report, or aggregation. In addition, it may be represented in software, a User Interface (UI) or Business Intelligence (BI) tool. Once ETL tasks are completed and tested the UI or BI tool like Tableau can connect and query your new analytics database. However, knowing the end goal will allow us to understand how the ETL functions need to be executed. In other words, we need to know what the output is to be to cleanse, shape and model the data for output on the right.

The ETL process encompasses various steps in the data preparation phase. This can vary largely across organisations and within organisations. A critical step in most analytical projects involves getting access to the data. The data may come from one or multiple systems, some of it living in Excel, some in a HR system or some in an SQL database. Regardless of the origin of the data, overall, the goal will be to bring it together in a meaningful way. Truly providing you with a cohesive source of information. Finally laying the foundation which can inform you about the performance of your organisation.

The Second Step in ETL – Extract Transform & Load

Data has now been extracted from the various systems. Second, it will need to be transformed in such a way that meaningful analysis can take place. Namely, the transformation stage involves a process of cleansing, validating, shaping, and modelling. After, the data can be analysed and consumed by the business to provide data-driven insights.

The Final Step in the ETL – Extract Transform & Load Process

Time to make the data available to the visualisation or business intelligence tools. At last, we now load the data seamlessly and in a timely fashion. Also, you might want to schedule updates or connect to live data however we can advise and arrive at an approach that works for you. Of course, steps will be automated wherever possible. Consequently, providing effortless access to the most relevant and up-to-date information. Ultimately, you will want one environment with all your consolidated data. Additionally, the original source of the data loses relevance as you gain one view of where your organisation stands. This source can then be interrogated, explored, and leveraged to answer questions and uncover insights. With ETL Extract Transform & Load you can embrace the silo and democratize your data making it available to all (with the right credentials of course).

In conclusion, ETL – Extract Transform & Load will therefore remove the disparate and unwieldy report factory, thereby removing the need to manipulate data into shape in order to meet all your reporting requirements. Subsequently, data connections will always be in the right shape and form. Indeed, you will no longer spend copious time manipulating multiple Excel sheets to see and understand your data.