Data Pipelines: Control Tables and Configuration Files

A control table/configuration file is recommended to help address the issue of parameterizing the Data Pipelines to de-clutter and ensure ease of maintainability/scalability. 

Features of Pipelines with Control Tables/ Config Files:

• A central location with both ETL metadata and pipeline parameters

• A de-cluttered pipeline workflow with only a minimal set of activities per-pipeline

•  The ability to separate pipelines according to Table type, Load type or other high-level consideration) and not at a table level

•  Ability to easily add tables to ETL process by simply adding a new row to the Control Table

Template Location: https://github.com/DataQateSolutions/ETL-Control-Tables-and-Configuration-Files

The Data Use Take Intake Form can be used to help the data team determine which incoming projects are feasible and is also helpful when prioritizing these projects. It can be sent out as a form to business stakeholders who will leverage it when sending out requests to the data team or presented in a tabular format.

Advantages:

1. Early Feasibility Check: Quickly reveals if the required data even exists or is of sufficient quality. Saves wasted effort.
    
2. Business Alignment: Captures the why behind the request so governance can tie it to strategic objectives.
    
3. Prioritization: Standardized forms make it easier to compare multiple requests (impact vs. effort).
    
4. Transparency: Shows stakeholders what info is required to move forward — no hidden criteria.
    
5. Audience Clarity: Forces requesters to specify who will consume the data/report and how it will be used.
    
6. Governance Traceability:  Provides an auditable record of approved, deferred, or rejected use cases.

Template Location: https://github.com/DataQateSolutions/Data-Intake-Form