What does the term "data integration" mean?

The term "data integration" refers to the process of combining data from different sources to create a unified view. This is a crucial aspect of data management, as organizations often have data stored in various formats, databases, and systems. By integrating this data, businesses can obtain a comprehensive understanding of their operations, enhance decision-making, and improve overall efficiency.

Data integration enables organizations to break down silos of information, bringing together disparate data sets into a cohesive framework that facilitates analysis, reporting, and insights. This process can involve transforming data to ensure consistency and compatibility, allowing users to leverage the full spectrum of data across the organization.

Understanding data integration is essential for effective data management, as it helps organizations optimize data utilization and enhances data quality, ultimately leading to more informed strategic decisions.