Lakehouse Architecture — Medallion architecture

Data is one of the most important assets of any organization today. With the increasing amount of data generated and collected, it has become essential to effectively manage, store, and analyze this data to derive meaningful insights. This is where Medallion architecture comes into play.

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/analytics-on-azure-blog/how-to-reduce-infrastructure-costs-by-up-to-80-with-azure/ba-p/1820280

Medallion architecture is a data management approach that aims to provide a structured way to organize and manage data within an organization. It involves dividing the data into different layers, each with its own purpose and characteristics. These layers are usually referred to as Bronze, Silver, and Gold layers.

The Bronze layer is the first layer in the Medallion architecture. It contains raw and unprocessed data that is collected from various sources. This layer is meant to store all the data that is generated within the organization, regardless of its quality or usefulness. The data in the Bronze layer is usually stored in its original format, and no processing or transformation is done on it.

The Silver layer is the second layer in the Medallion architecture. It contains data that has been cleaned and processed to some extent. The data in this layer is typically more structured and organized than the data in the Bronze layer. This layer is where data is transformed into a format that can be easily analyzed and queried.

The Gold layer is the final layer in the Medallion architecture. It contains data that has been fully processed and is ready for analysis. The data in this layer is usually in a format that can be easily visualized and understood by business users. The Gold layer is where the insights and conclusions are drawn from the data.

Now that we understand the different layers of the Medallion architecture, let’s look at some best practices for managing these layers:

1. Understand the Data: Before implementing the Medallion architecture, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the data that is being collected and its purpose. This will help in determining which layer the data belongs to and what level of processing is required.
2. Define Data Governance: It is important to define data governance policies and procedures for each layer in the Medallion architecture. This includes defining data quality standards, data retention policies, and access controls.
3. Establish Data Lineage: To ensure data integrity and accuracy, it is important to establish data lineage across all layers of the Medallion architecture. This will help in tracking the origin and transformation of data as it moves through the different layers.
4. Implement Automation: To manage data effectively, it is important to automate processes wherever possible. This includes automating data processing and transformation tasks, as well as data quality checks and validation.
5. Use the Right Tools: Implementing the Medallion architecture requires the use of appropriate tools and technologies. This includes data integration tools, data transformation tools, and data visualization tools. It is important to choose tools that are scalable, flexible, and can integrate with other systems.
6. Regular Maintenance: The Medallion architecture requires regular maintenance to ensure that data remains accurate, up-to-date, and relevant. This includes monitoring data quality, performing regular backups, and optimizing data storage and processing.

In conclusion, the Medallion architecture provides a structured way to organize and manage data within an organization. By dividing data into Bronze, Silver, and Gold layers, organizations can effectively manage data quality, integrity, and usability. By following best practices for managing these layers, organizations can derive meaningful insights from their data and drive business growth.