Learn three reasons why you should only perform your data transformations post load.

Compare the features & pricing of 2023's top ETL tools.

Extract, transform, load (ETL) is a critical component of data warehousing, as it enables efficient data transfer between systems. In the current scenario, Python is considered the most popular language for ETL. There are numerous Python-based ETL tools available in the market, which can be used to define data warehouse workflows. However, choosing the right ETL tool or your needs can be a daunting task.

Good data hygiene means data is correct and easily used to draw insight. This definition then begs the question: How do you achieve it?

Let's simplify ETL to identify seven criteria that shouldn't be overlooked. Although these requirements seem simple, my purpose is to highlight that ETL requirements will differ if your company is looking at operational data pipelines vs. analytical use cases.

Many times, a business treats an engaged customer like a random prospect. Marketing systems may not correctly target with relevance, finance systems may apply discount rules across the board, or customer support systems may treat every client with the same indifference.

The best ETL tools help you extract, transform, and load data from multiple data sources to the data destination of your choice. But not all ETL tool providers are created equal. Some are built for high-performance big data analytics, while others offer more intuitive and cost-effective workflows for the non-technical user.

Data integration can be a daunting task, and data engineers usually prefer open-source ETL solutions because of their transparency (you can always inspect the code), flexibility (tinker with the tool), and price performance (no vendor licenses, no maintenance fees). But there are many “gotchas!” with open-source tools you need to consider before picking the best tool for the job.

In the competitive market of ETL solutions, platforms like Hevo, Airbyte, and Integrate.io are amongst the top contenders. While they all are ETL/ELT/Reverse ETL platforms, each has its unique set of features to offer. The best ETL tool for your business is the one that best fits in your modern data stack and is aligned with your unique requirements. So how do you decide which tool meets your business needs?