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Data Engineering Transformation: From Gatekeepers to Emergency Responders
In the rapidly evolving realm of data science, data engineers have long been the linchpins. They have traditionally been the go-to professionals to solve diverse data queries and function as the translators between users attempting to comprehend the intricacies of the data warehouse and the actual ongoings within it. Their expertise encompasses an understanding of table relationships, semantic interpretations of fields and entities, change implications, and query optimisation strategies. Such knowledge is born out of hands-on experience and the critical role they play as custodians of the data warehouse.
Navigating the Revolution of Self-Service Analytics
Despite the proven effectiveness of data engineers, the time-consuming process of gatekeeping the data warehouse was becoming a roadblock to the need for swift scaling. Users found it exasperating to wait for a new column request to get approved only to have it rejected due to concerns of hampering execution times and perceived lack of value. This rigidity became a major pain point, causing users to demand the disintegration of this bureaucratic rigmarole. They strongly advocated for unrestricted access to the data warehouse, which in turn, put the supreme authority of data engineers under scrutiny.
