Data catalog tools help data consumers navigate large, complex data environments where information is scattered in many different locations. They help data scientists and IT professionals curate data into easily-retrievable collections that are easy to query for insights.
The Basics: Automated Discovery, Metadata Management and Search
Typically, data catalogs ingest metadata from databases, cloud storage systems and other sources, then index the information and organize it into a repository. They also offer advanced search features to enable data discovery, track data lineage and provide data governance capabilities.
Some data catalogs also feature collaboration tools that allow users to rate, review and comment on datasets within the catalog. They may also include privacy and security controls that limit access to sensitive information.
A good data catalog should also provide an overview of the lineage of a given dataset, which is important for meeting regulatory requirements to track the origin and final destination of a data asset. This includes how it was transformed and enriched along the way to its final destination.
What to Look for:
A data catalog tool should be easy to use, as well as intuitive for business users to understand and utilize. It should also be capable of connecting multiple data sources into a single repository for easy access by all members of a team.
Data catalog software should offer a single dashboard with high-level views of key metrics for easy monitoring and understanding. It should also feature a drag-and-drop approach for source-to-target mapping, reducing the time and cost of manual tasks. Finally, it should offer a user interface that is friendly to both business users and IT personnel.
Check: https://techplanet.today/post/the-importance-of-data-governance-catalogs
Activebase 