Extract, Load, Transform (ELT)

Extract, Load, Transform (ELT) is a modern data processing method used in business intelligence and data analytics. It’s a twist on the traditional Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) process, but with one key difference: the order of operations. In ELT, data is first extracted from various sources, then loaded straight into a data storage system—typically a data warehouse or data lake. Once the data is stored, it can be transformed and manipulated as needed, right there in the storage system.

This approach is particularly useful when working with big data and cloud computing, as it allows businesses to harness the power of their data storage systems to process and analyze large volumes of data efficiently. The “transform” part happens after loading because modern data storage solutions are mighty and can handle complex computational tasks. This way, businesses can store all their raw data in one place and only spruce it up when they need to use it for analysis or reporting.

ELT is like getting a huge delivery of parts and putting them straight into storage. When it’s time to build something, you take out what you need and assemble it then and there. This flexibility makes ELT a go-to method for companies that need to stay agile and responsive to their ever-changing data needs. It empowers organizations to make faster decisions by accessing a broader range of data with less upfront processing time.