5 Things You Should Know About Modern Data Stack

Modernization prompts major aspects of our life to be digitalized. Same goes for the data that we use in
our everyday lives—especially at work. As more industries migrate their company data in cloud storages,
the term modern data stack is starting to become more prominent. But what exactly do we mean by
this?

Modern data stack can sound overwhelming. However, it simply describes the different tools that
makes a data’s life cycle run appropriately based on its purpose. It’s a stack of industry-specific tools
that completes the different phases of data organization. Think of it as the process of segregating your
files in a computer before modifying it depending on desired outputs or work requirements. Data stacks
are built with the purpose of supporting storage and accessibility of a company’s data.

Still confused? Here is a list of things you should know about modern data stack that could help improve
your organization’s workflow and increase productivity within your company.

1. Modern data stack depends on the new technologies for each data phase.

Digital data undergoes so much processing that like a living organism, it has its own lifecycle. In able to
fully grasp the entirety of modern data stack, dividing it’s life cycle into phases can be beneficial to avoid
overlap in stacking technologies together.

To give you an overview of a data life cycle, here are sample domains of data processing in terms of
analytics:

1. Data Extraction – This is the process of producing the actual data based from schools of thought
and raw ideas.
2. Data Ingestion - Ensuring that data is uploaded or exported in a safe yet convenient centralized
location.
3. Data Storage – Safeguarding data in an encrypted location that can be only be accessed by
select people for analysis.
4. Data Integration – Being able to maximize the mileage of data by expounding its results to more
outputs and materials
5. Data Transformation – Utilizing given data to execute campaigns or create new ones building on
these ideas.
6. Data Cleansing – Stripping data on the issues that risks the value of stacked information.
7. Data Validation – Data presented is collected accurately with the right tools.
8. Data Presentation – Tailor-fitting data to produce a video material, marketing or content
campaign, or email blasts to your target audience.

This data lifecycle has been used and redefined through every industry. There’s nothing really new
about it. However, technology continues to evolve every day and that makes up for the modernity of
data stack that organizations and data analysts utilizes for this work processes.

2. Invest on how you can make the most out of your stacked data.

Instead of migrating into different cloud systems for each phase of the data cycle, invest your money
and time on a fully managed cloud database. By doing this, you’re eliminating a lot of layers in data
processing, specifically, administration. This process can further increase the productivity of the
company with your stacked data producing valuable information to make data-driven decisions. You can
also save a considerable amount of time and money.

3. Modern data stacking allows real-time results and analytics.

Of course, there is a corresponding data organization process that is suitable for various businesses
models. For workplaces that requires fast-paced development of data life cycles, modern data
transformation processes move organizations to producing real-time analytics with reliable results.

4. Cloud storage is essential to modern data stacks.

Modern data stacks ensures both the security, flexibility, and accessibility of your organization’s data
through cloud storage. It’s a cost effective way to store and organize large amounts of data. And since
it’s easily accessible, the cloud makes processing faster within minutes than before when it took manual
extraction due to limited processing capabilities of data.

5. Data stacking democratizes data exploration.

Back then, it takes days and even weeks for data analysts to “pull” a certain information that an
executive needs. However, as things become more digitized, handling digital data shifted into a much
democratized process. Databases, nowadays, are now accessible for more employees in the workplace.
This prevented more bottlenecks to the business process of a company since everyone is empowered to
utilize and explore the data available on hand. In example, strategy managers and sales executives can
access relevant information to apply on their digital campaigns without having to rely on analysts.

What’s next?: Implementing Modern Data Stack in Your Business

Modern data stack as a lot of upsides in streamlining your business and stepping up the productivity
game in the workplace. You just have to find the appropriate tools and technology that suits you’re your
business model.

Evaluate work processes. To get started, perform assessment tests on your work flow and evaluate
which parts of a data lifecycle should you must improve. Typically, data extraction and ingestion are the
most common bottlenecks of companies. So, make sure to identify the right phases to work on to avoid
the overlap of tools and redundancy of its functions.

Think about your team. Consider your employees and how quickly they can adapt to this change. What
are their needs in terms of transforming these data into decisions and campaigns? What would help
them the most in implementing your business goals?

Look into flexibility. Ask yourself if the tools and technologies you are using right now has the elasticity
to go with the work flow of your organization. These tools should make data processing more seamless
for you, not the other way around. If it does, consider going back to step one and reassess what your
company needs.