Data transformation is the process of converting data from one format or structure into another, often necessary for data integration and syndication.
Data transformation is a crucial step in data management where raw data is converted into a suitable format or structure for its intended purpose. This process can involve various operations such as cleaning data, mapping fields, aggregating values, or enriching information. It is commonly applied when integrating data from disparate sources or preparing data for export to different systems or channels, where each destination may have unique requirements for data format and content.
In e-commerce, data transformation is indispensable for multi-channel selling. Product data often originates from various internal systems (ERP, PIM, DAM) and needs to be adapted for numerous external platforms (e-commerce websites, marketplaces, comparison shopping engines), each with specific data schemas and content requirements. Without effective data transformation, product information would be inconsistent, incomplete, or incompatible, leading to errors, manual rework, and poor customer experiences.