Data Architecture Best Practices

Data platform architecture is like a blueprint for organizing and managing a company's data. It makes sure that the technical stuff aligns with the rules and policies around data, so the company can use its data effectively to meet its goals.

Having a solid data platform architecture is super important for companies that want to get the most out of their data. It's like a framework that not only organizes and manages data but also makes sure the technical solutions play nice with the rules and policies. This keeps things compliant, cuts costs, makes maintenance easier, and helps the company use its data efficiently to achieve its business goals.

Why we need data architecture

So, you're thinking about a data makeover? It's probably because your old system is starting to show its age. Let's be real, those legacy systems were great back in the day, but now they're just not cutting it anymore.

Think of it like this: trying to squeeze your ever-growing data collection into your old, clunky system is like trying to fit into your favorite jeans from high school. Not a good look! 😅

Here's the lowdown on why those old-school data platforms can be a real pain:

• Data's all over the place: It's like trying to find a matching sock in a laundry explosion. Your data is scattered everywhere, making it a nightmare to bring it all together.
• Rules are rules: No one wants to mess with data regulations (think GDPR and those guys). Old systems might not be up to snuff, and nobody wants a hefty fine.
• Data hide-and-seek: Need that crucial bit of info? Good luck finding it! You might end up using old, dusty data that's about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
• Money talks: Keeping those old systems chugging along can cost a fortune. Think wasted resources and unused data – it's like throwing money down the drain.
• Snail-paced progress: Simple tasks take forever, and your projects crawl along at a snail's pace. Ain't nobody got time for that!
• Security breaches? No thanks! Outdated security is like leaving your front door wide open. You're practically begging for hackers to come in and steal your precious data.

Bottom line: A new data platform is like a fresh start. It's built to handle the massive amounts of data we generate today, keeps you on the right side of the law, and helps you actually use your data to make smart decisions. Plus, it's way more secure and efficient, saving you time and money in the long run.

What are the goals for a good data architecture

Okay, so the higher-ups and data gurus have big dreams for this new data setup. They're not just thinking about today, they're looking ahead to the future too. They want a system that can roll with the punches and handle whatever comes its way.

But how do they know if it's actually working? Well, they'll be keeping a close eye on things like:

• Saving Money: Nobody wants to waste cash, right? A good data architecture should help trim those data management costs.
• Top-Notch Data: Think of it like this: garbage in, garbage out. They want clean, reliable data that they can actually use.
• Need for Speed: Time is money! They want to get those insights fast, not wait around for ages. *Playing by the Rules: Remember those data regulations? Yeah, they gotta stay on the right side of the law.

Basically, they want to squeeze every last drop of value from their data. They're talking about using it to come up with new ideas, make smarter choices, and ultimately, boost the bottom line.

Here's the secret sauce to a killer data architecture:

• Automation: Let the machines do the boring stuff! Think of it like having a robot assistant that handles all the repetitive tasks. No more manual errors, and your team can focus on more important things.
• Keeping Costs Down: Who doesn't love saving money? A good architecture helps you use your resources wisely and avoid unnecessary expenses.
• Easy Peasy Maintenance: Imagine a system so simple that even your grandma could use it (okay, maybe not that simple, but you get the idea). It should be easy to add new data and keep things running smoothly.
• Rule of Law: Data governance sounds boring, but it's super important.

It's all about making sure you're following the rules, keeping your data safe, and building trust.

In a nutshell, a solid data architecture is the foundation for a data-driven business that's ready to tackle anything.

How to start

Think of your data platform like a trusty car. You don't want something that'll fall apart after a few miles, right? You need a solid machine that can handle whatever road you throw at it. That's where a good architecture comes in.

It's not just about today's needs, it's about being ready for tomorrow's challenges too. It's gotta be flexible enough to handle new data projects, make development a breeze, and keep all that data organized.

Think of it like building with LEGOs. You want a solid base that lets you easily snap on new pieces and create awesome things without the whole thing falling apart. That's what a good architecture does for your data.

Here's the blueprint for a future-proof data platform:

• Don't reinvent the wheel! Create reusable templates for common tasks. It's like having a cookie cutter for your data pipelines – faster, easier, and less chance of messing things up.
  • Example: Imagine a pre-made template for all your data ingestion pipelines. No more starting from scratch every time!

• Keep your data organized: Metadata is like the instruction manual for
  your data. A good system keeps it all neat and tidy, so you can easily
  find what you need and understand where it came from.

  • Example: Think of a data catalog that automatically updates itself whenever you add new data. No more searching for lost files!

• Play by the rules: Data governance is like the traffic laws of the data
  world. It's about making sure everyone follows the rules, keeping your
  data safe and trustworthy.

  • Example: Imagine having a system that checks all your data to make sure it meets your standards and follows the rules.

• Switching lanes smoothly: Moving to a new data platform can be like
  changing lanes on a busy highway. You need a solid plan to make the
  switch without crashing.

  • Example: Think of it like upgrading your old clunky data jobs to sleek, modern pipelines.

Basically, a good architecture is all about building a data platform that's flexible, efficient, and ready for whatever the future holds. It's like having a supercharged data engine that can power your business for years to come!

How to design a stable data architecture

Alright, here's the deal: building a data platform isn't the same as building a regular software app. With software, if you nail the design and squash all the bugs, your code can cruise along for years, maybe even decades.

But data platforms? They're not that chill. They're like hungry hippos, gobbling up whatever data you throw at them, no questions asked.

Here's the catch: nobody warns your data engineers when the data source changes its format. And users? They won't always tell you when they stop filling in important fields. It's like they're playing a prank on your data platform! 🤪

So, how do you keep your data platform from going haywire with all these surprises? You gotta keep a close eye on it and make sure your data stays in tip-top shape.

Why Data Quality Monitoring is Your Best Friend

Think of data quality monitoring as a health checkup for your data. It helps you spot problems before they turn into disasters. Here's the lowdown:

• Spot the sneaky changes: Did someone change the data type of a column? Data quality monitoring will catch it!
• No more missing values: Make sure all the important fields are filled in. No more gaps in your data!
• Duplicate data? No way! Duplicates can wreak havoc on your system, like creating double the results. Data quality monitoring helps you find and eliminate those pesky duplicates.
• Keep your data tidy: Make sure things like email addresses and phone numbers are in the correct format. No more wonky data!

How to Keep Your Data in Check

You've got options when it comes to data quality monitoring:

• DIY: You can build your own data quality checks right into your data pipelines. It's like giving your data a built-in health monitor.
• SaaS to the rescue: Subscribe to a fancy data quality platform that does all the heavy lifting for you. It's like having a personal data doctor on call 24/7.
• Open-source power: Check out DQOps, a free and open-source data quality platform. It's like having a community of data superheroes watching your back.

No matter which option you choose, data quality monitoring is a must-have for any data platform that wants to stay healthy and strong. Don't let bad data ruin your day!

About me

I am the author of DQOps. Please check it out on GitHub: https://github.com/dqops/dqo

You can find a full version of this post and the original infographic in my article about Data Platform Architecture.