Data observability and data testing are crucial for maintaining high data quality, as manual inspection is insufficient to catch all potential errors in data, such as formatting issues, off-by-one errors, or time zone-related anomalies. Data validation, which involves verifying the quality and consistency of data at its source, is essential before integrating it into a broader data collection system. Automation is strongly recommended for this process, as it enhances efficiency, accuracy, and scalability while minimizing human error. Tools like Datafold and dbt are popular choices for automating data validation, offering features like cross-database data diffing and source-level data tests to ensure parity between source and target systems. Effective data validation extends beyond the initial transfer to encompass the integrity of data within production environments, where its accuracy and reliability are crucial for real-time applications and decision-making. Automation ultimately streamlines data validation, making it more efficient and reliable than manual methods.