A data aggregator is a company or platform that collects, processes, and combines data from multiple sources into a unified dataset for analysis or distribution. The aggregation process involves gathering data from disparate sources, cleansing and standardizing the data, and merging it into a single dataset.
During the aggregation process, the data is transformed by removing duplicates, standardizing the format and structure of the data, and mapping the data to a common schema. This process helps to eliminate inconsistencies and discrepancies in the data, enabling better analysis and decision-making.
Data aggregation is necessary because data is often spread across different systems, departments, or organizations, making it difficult to analyze and draw insights from. Aggregating data from multiple places allows organizations to gain a holistic view of their business operations, customers, and market trends, which can inform strategic decisions and drive growth.
Data aggregators can be found in various industries, such as finance, healthcare, and marketing. Examples of data aggregators include Morningstar, which aggregates financial data, and Healthgrades, which aggregates healthcare provider data. Most data providers selling via data commerce platforms and data marketplaces are to some extent data aggregators, as they aggregate sources outside of their own primary data collection.
