What is Data Processing? Definition and Stages - Talend Cloud Integration (2024)

Without data processing, companies limit their access to the very data that can hone their competitive edge and deliver critical business insights. That's why it's crucial for all companies to understand the necessity of processing all their data, and how to go about it.

What is data processing?

Data processing occurs when data is collected and translated into usable information. Usually performed by a data scientist or team of data scientists, it is important for data processing to be done correctly as not to negatively affect the end product, or data output.

Data processing starts with data in its raw form and converts it into a more readable format (graphs, documents, etc.), giving it the form and context necessary to be interpreted by computers and utilized by employees throughout an organization.

Six stages of data processing

1. Data collection

Collecting data is the first step in data processing. Data is pulled from available sources, including data lakes and data warehouses. It is important that the data sources available are trustworthy and well-built so the data collected (and later used as information) is of the highest possible quality.

2. Data preparation

Once the data is collected, it then enters the data preparation stage. Data preparation, often referred to as “pre-processing” is the stage at which raw data is cleaned up and organized for the following stage of data processing. During preparation, raw data is diligently checked for any errors. The purpose of this step is to eliminate bad data (redundant, incomplete, or incorrect data) and begin to create high-quality data for the best business intelligence.

3. Data input

The clean data is then entered into its destination (perhaps a CRM like Salesforce or a data warehouse like Redshift), and translated into a language that it can understand. Data input is the first stage in which raw data begins to take the form of usable information.

4. Processing

During this stage, the data inputted to the computer in the previous stage is actually processed for interpretation. Processing is done using machine learning algorithms, though the process itself may vary slightly depending on the source of data being processed (data lakes, social networks, connected devices etc.) and its intended use (examining advertising patterns, medical diagnosis from connected devices, determining customer needs, etc.).

5. Data output/interpretation

The output/interpretation stage is the stage at which data is finally usable to non-data scientists. It is translated, readable, and often in the form of graphs, videos, images, plain text, etc.). Members of the company or institution can now begin to self-serve the data for their own data analytics projects.

6. Data storage

The final stage of data processing is storage. After all of the data is processed, it is then stored for future use. While some information may be put to use immediately, much of it will serve a purpose later on. Plus, properly stored data is a necessity for compliance with data protection legislation like GDPR. When data is properly stored, it can be quickly and easily accessed by members of the organization when needed.

The future of data processing

The future of data processing lies in the cloud. Cloud technology builds on the convenience of current electronic data processing methods and accelerates its speed and effectiveness. Faster, higher-quality data means more data for each organization to utilize and more valuable insights to extract.

As big data migrates to the cloud, companies are realizing huge benefits. Big data cloud technologies allow for companies to combine all of their platforms into one easily-adaptable system. As software changes and updates (as it does often in the world of big data), cloud technology seamlessly integrates the new with the old.

The benefits of cloud data processing are in no way limited to large corporations. In fact, small companies can reap major benefits of their own. Cloud platforms can be inexpensive and offer the flexibility to grow and expand capabilities as the company grows. It gives companies the ability to scale without a hefty price tag.

From data processing to analytics

Big data is changing how all of us do business. Today, remaining agile and competitive depends on having a clear, effective data processing strategy. While the six steps of data processing won’t change, the cloud has driven huge advances in technology that deliver the most advanced, cost-effective, and fastest data processing methods to date.

Become a data processing master.

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