The digital era is not a future forecast. We are already in the middle of the digital age, where data is crucial. Data management has become an important part of business processes. Businesses use different business tools and systems to use gathered data for analysis.
The collected data don’t need to be ready for use. Very firstly, data engineers must convert the data into a usable format. This process is called the data conversion process. The data conversion process is an important part of data management. Data conversion into a usable format eliminates the probable glitches in the business process.
The data conversion process involves transforming data from one format or representation to another. It converts data from its original form to a format that a different system, application, or device can use, process, or understand. In this blog, let us learn the data conversion process in detail.
Data Conversion Process Steps
Data Analysis
Here the data engineers try to understand the source data’s structure, format, and content. It helps to remove the potential issues in the data conversion process.
Data Mapping
Data Mapping is the process of defining the relationship between source data and the target data. It determines how each element or field in the source data will be transformed or mapped to the target format.
Data Transformation:
Data transformation is the process of actually converting the data from the source format to the required format. Data transformation involves data cleaning, validation, restructuring, and formatting.
Data Loading:
After conversion, the data engineers load the data into the destination system or application. Depending on the targetted system, this may involve bulk-loading, database inserts, or other functionalities.
Data Validation:
Data validation is important because it checks for the database’s accuracy, completeness, and integrity. Data validation ensures that the destination data is correct and reliable for processing and analysis.
Testing and Quality Assurance:
The converted database needs to undergo testing and quality checks. Testing and QA involves testing the data in different scenarios and validating its compatibility with the target system.
Why is data Conversion required?
Compatibility:
Data conversion allows good compatibility between different systems, platforms, and applications. Compatibility is important for data transfer and sharing regardless of database formats and structures.
System Migration:
When transitioning from one system to another, data conversion ensures a smooth data transfer from the old system to the new one. It minimizes disruptions and ensures data continuity during the migration process.
Data Integration:
Data conversion facilitates the integration of data from multiple sources or systems. It enables organizations to combine and consolidate data for analysis, reporting, and decision-making purposes, leading to enhanced insights and a holistic view of operations.
Improved Data Accuracy:
Data conversion often involves data cleansing and validation processes. By standardizing and transforming data, organizations can identify and rectify errors, inconsistencies, or duplicates, resulting in improved data accuracy and reliability.
Enhanced Data Analysis:
Data conversion transforms raw or unstructured data into a format suitable for analysis. It enables organizations to extract valuable insights, trends, and patterns from data, leading to informed decision-making and improved business outcomes.
Vikrant Chavan is a Marketing expert @ 64 Squares LLC having a command on 360-degree digital marketing channels. Vikrant is having 8+ years of experience in digital marketing.