What is “data lineage”?

Data lineage refers to the tracking of the flow of data from its origin to its destination. This concept is crucial within the realm of data management and analytics as it provides transparency and clarity about the life cycle of data. Understanding data lineage helps organizations identify where data comes from, how it has been transformed, and where it is ultimately used. This ability to trace data through various transformations and processes is essential for ensuring data quality, compliance, and effective governance.

By having a clear view of data lineage, businesses can make better-informed decisions regarding data usage and ensure that the insights derived from that data are based on accurate and trustworthy information. This visibility into the data flow helps organizations to be more accountable and enables better auditing of data processes over time.