What is the main purpose of data integration?

The primary purpose of data integration is to combine data from various sources into a unified view. This process allows organizations to consolidate their data, making it accessible and understandable across different systems and applications. By integrating data, companies can eliminate silos that might hinder collaboration and data sharing, enabling better decision-making and more comprehensive analysis.

A unified view of data supports a range of business intelligence activities, including reporting and analytics, where insights can be drawn from a complete dataset rather than fragmented pieces. This holistic approach to data management enhances data quality and consistency, driving more informed business strategies and operations.