What is Data Mapping and Why You Should Do It?
It’s likely that you’ve heard about data mapping, which is a crucial process if you have worked with data at some point in your life. Read on to learn everything about data mapping.
What is Data Mapping?
In simple terms, data mapping is a process wherein you match fields from one information pool to another pool manually (and at times automatically as well).
Why do you Need Data Mapping?
The following are 3 of the most important reasons you need data mapping.
Data Integration
Data integration is an important reason why you require correct data mapping. Both the target and source ought to work on the same data model for a data process to finish successfully and correctly.
All data should share the same schema when you consolidate data from several sources to come up with a comprehensive view.
If not, you will squander too much effort and time adapting that information. Enter - data mapping! Data mapping removes this process by providing the system with processed data.
Data Migration
Data Migration is about moving data from one system to another system. However, before you can do this, you need to adapt and translate data so that the platform you are sending the data to knows what it is and where to store it. But that’s not all; there is more to the story!
Data mapping is crucial in data migration as it makes sure every byte, megabyte, and gigabyte arrives where it needs. You run the risk of getting corrupted data or inaccurate results if you move data just for the sake of moving.
Furthermore, having the right data mapping practice will make sure that all your data is safe and secure.
Data Preservation
The final pillar of why you should do data mapping is data preservation.
At some point, you will have a lot of data that is either useless, or you lack the space to store it. Hence, you decide to preserve the data for use at some point in the future. You export your data to an external hard drive.
Several years on, you realize the data you have is very precious and pull out your hard drive to copy and import the data to your local system. However, your system pops up a message saying that the data format is obsolete! What this means is that you have a hard drive crammed with data you cannot use.
Now, this where data mapping makes its mark!
If you map your data correctly, all you will need is a simple transfer tool to shift your data and then later, a mapping tool to store every data item in its proper place.
Techniques of Data Mapping
There are essentially 3 ways you can use to map your data: automatically, semi-automatically, and manually. The following table highlights advantages and the disadvantages of each method.
Conclusion
The information in this article should be enough to get you started with data mapping. We can help you out if you need to shift your data from one platform to another. Moreover, we also have you covered if you are concerned about a lack of skill in data mapping. Simply send us a message, and we will send over one of our leading specialists to assist you.
This is a brief summary of the piece we’ve posted on our Help Desk Migration blog. To get more insight into the data mapping and its benefits, please check out the “What is and Why You Should Do Data Mapping” page.
