Extract, Transform and Load or popularly known as ETL is a process that first extracts data from multiple data sources, transforms it into a consistent data type, and then loads it into a centralized location generally a Data Warehouse. ETL Testing, in simple terms, is the process of Verifying, Validating, and Certifying data. It also ensures to eliminate duplicate records and data loss.
ETL Testing ensures that data gets loaded from disparate sources to a centralized location of your choice in strict accordance with transformation and validation rules. People often get confused between ETL Testing and Database Testing. ETL Testing varies from Database Testing and is not the same. ETL Testing is performed on Data Warehouses to acquire useful information for Business Intelligence.
Importance of ETL Testing
Listed below are the key reasons why ETL Testing is an important aspect for any business model that is using ETL (Extract, Transform, and Load) in any way:
Identifying Problems at an Early Stage:
ETL Testing allows you to test the entire process as soon as data is extracted from the source. Before the data is stacked in the data repository, testers can spot flaws in the source data. With ETL Testing, they can also detect inconsistencies or ambiguities in the data when compared to the Data Transformation and Integration rules set by the organization.
Facilitating Data Transfer in Bulk:
ETL Testing validates that bulk data has been transported completely and reliably to the new destination. Multi-national companies, in particular, may benefit from ETL Testing since they routinely use Data integration and Migration processes that necessitate data transfer from one location to another.
Reducing Data Loss and Duplication:
ETL Testing is an effective method for authenticating and validating data which in turn minimizes data loss and duplication. ETL Testing ensures that data is exchanged from multiple sources to the centralized location while adhering to the rules of Data Transformation.
Importance of ETL Testing according to Business Division
The need for ETL Testing differs based on the business division of the company. It is majorly used in 3 major domains of any organization:
- Development
- Operations
- Legal
1. Development
Listed below are the ETL Testing requirements for the Development department:
Ensuring Code Quality:
ETL Testing is an important aspect for the Development Team to assure code quality. There is no particular method to determine if the process is created to the specification mentioned by the client. ETL Testing guarantees that the code developed and the data produced via that is of the highest quality.
Saving Valuable Development Time:
In case, ETL Testing requirements are not met, there are chances that the client might find some data errors. This will cause the Development Team to work on the code all over again, wasting valuable development time. Therefore, ETL Testing helps the Development Team be on track with the project deadline.
Backtracking Errors:
ETL Testing helps the Development Team to find the root cause of any data issues or errors. It helps them backtrack the issue and find the source of the problem.
Saving Capital:
ETL Testing ensures that data errors are identified at an early stage of the Project Development Lifecycle. It helps the team to rectify the issues during the Unit Testing or Quality Assurance (QA). This eventually helps the company to save a huge load of capital.
2. Operations
Listed below are the ETL Testing requirements for the Operations department:
Ensuring Data Quality:
Organizations these days are profoundly dependent on data to make wise business decisions. Moreover, the Healthcare Industry is one particular domain where Data Quality needs to be upheld at the highest level. ETL Testing ensures Data Quality and catches any data issues or inconsistencies in the Data Warehouse.
3. Legal
Listed below are the ETL Testing requirements for the Legal department:
Enabling Internal Audit:
ETL Testing is an important aspect of a legal team as in most organizations it is obligatory to test every function of code before deploying. This empowers a Legal Team to Internal Audit at any stage of the production. This ensures that the clients are getting what they need.
Maintaining Reputation:
Regardless of the auditing requirements, putting faulty code in production tarnishes the reputation of managers leading the project and the company as a whole. Therefore, to avoid such issues, ETL Testing is a mandatory viewpoint for a Legal Team.
Conclusion
This blog introduces you to ETL Testing a provides you with a comprehensive overview of the importance of ETL Testing for any business model.