What is the process of importing data from multiple sources into a system known as?

The process of importing data from multiple sources into a system is known as data ingestion. This refers to gathering or collecting data from diverse origins and bringing it into a centralized repository, such as a database or a data lake, where it can be processed, analyzed, or stored for further use. Data ingestion can involve real-time or batch processing, and it encompasses a wide range of data formats and types.

While the other terms are relevant to data management, they do not specifically define the act of importing. Data integration typically involves combining data from different sources to provide a unified view, which comes after the ingestion process. Data aggregation pertains to the process of summing up or calculating metrics from the collected data, often for analysis or reporting purposes. Data migration is the process of transferring data from one system to another, which can involve moving data between storage types or from one software application to another, but does not specifically connote the importation of data from multiple sources.