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Glossary term

What is ETL (Extract, Transform, Load)?

Definition

ETL is the process of extracting data from source systems, transforming it into clean and standardised structures, and loading it into a target platform. In PIM, ETL pipelines are used during data onboarding, catalog consolidation, and integrations. It ensures product data is complete, accurate, and ready for downstream usage.

ETL separates source extraction, rule-based transformation, and loading into a destination. For example, an autonomous product data operation could take a supplier export containing lighting dimensions, extract records and convert approved measurement formats, and load validated target values and report rejected rows.

ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) in an autonomous operation

  1. Step 1:

    Input

    A supplier export containing lighting dimensions

  2. Step 2:

    ETL (Extract, Transform, Load)

    Extract records and convert approved measurement formats

  3. Step 3:

    Outcome

    Load validated target values and report rejected rows

ETL separates source extraction, rule-based transformation, and loading into a destination.