What is data integration? Definition, benefits and more

Data integration is the process of combining data from various sources into a single, unified view for analysis and management. It involves extracting data from disparate sources, transforming it into a standard format, and loading it into a target data warehouse or database. The most common techniques are ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) and ELT (Extract, Load, Transform). Data integration solutions include specialized platforms like Fivetran that automate the process, allowing analysts to focus on analysis and reporting. Benefits of data integration include improved accuracy, collaboration, time-saving, and resource optimization. Businesses can leverage customer data integration for better customer experience and higher profits.