Data is arguably the most valuable resource today. As beneficial as it can be, though, it can be misleading if people don’t understand its context and history. The best data science processes need the best data lineage tools. Read about the top 5 best data lineage tools in 2022 and their respective PROs and CONs.

Data lineage tools record and visualize where data came from, how it changed, where it moved and why. This context can help data scientists find errors, get a better understanding of metadata and change processes more effectively.

Here’s a comparison of the top 5 best data lineage tools in 2022 with their PROs and CONs available today to help you make the most of your data.

1. OvalEdge

OvalEdge describes itself as a data catalog and governance toolset, and it includes more than just data lineage functionality. It organizes and indexes data, offers summaries and marks data relationships on top of normal lineage mapping. OvalEdge also makes governance easier, thanks to custom definitions, data quality rules and reporting tools.

You can download Windows and Linux versions of OvalEdge or use it on the cloud. Plans start at $15,600 a year, which breaks down to roughly $260 a month per author user. While that may be affordable for businesses, individual users may not be able to afford it.

Pros

• Helpful organizational tools
• Custom governance controls
• Easy collaboration
• Compatible with many third-party integrations
• Easy to use

Cons

• No encryption or decryption functionality
• May be too expensive for non-business users

2. MANTA

Another one of the best data lineage tools for 2022 is MANTA. MANTA’s lineage tools focus on three solutions: data governance, DataOps and cloud migrations. Automation drives the platform, including automation tools for scanning, lineage mapping, impact analysis and regulatory compliance. Considering data workers spend 44% of their time on manual tasks, all that automation is helpful.

MANTA’s target audience is medium-sized businesses to enterprises, so it may not suit smaller teams or hobbyists. Consequently, its pricing also varies because it matches customers’ unique needs.

Pros

• Extensive automation
• Intuitive
• Fits virtually any data ecosystem
• Helps manage the entire data pipeline

Cons

• Not suitable for smaller teams or individuals
• Unclear pricing

3. Alation

Scalability and flexibility are crucial for data lineage tools, and Alation specializes in these areas because it’s entirely cloud-based. Being cloud-first has many advantages, with some government agencies saving hundreds of millions by using the cloud. Alation promises similar benefits, claiming to save 211 workdays by automating data classification and more.

Alation automates data cataloging, classification and stewardship, and it offers advanced insights and automatically flags potential issues.

Pros

• Cloud-native
• Automates much of the data lineage and management process
• Advanced data analysis tools
• Active data governance

Cons

• Unclear custom pricing
• Managing automation tools can be complex

4. Octopai

Octopai is another one of the best data lineage tools available in 2022. Like Alation, Octopai is completely cloud-based and focuses on automation, citing how 90% of data teams take hours to weeks to conduct impact analysis. Octopai automates that analysis, as well as metadata extraction, data discovery, cataloging and lineage mapping.

This platform makes it easier to gather metadata from all sources, improving your data quality. However, some people say its interface isn’t as helpful as it could be, and it doesn’t publicly list its pricing.

Pros

• Cloud-based
• Comprehensive metadata management
• Streamlined, effective search processes
• Ready out-of-the-box
• Seamless data migration

Cons

• Hidden pricing
• UI can be clunky
• Not as easy to use as other options

5. Kylo

This data lineage tools comparison wouldn’t be complete without at least one free option. Kylo is one of the best free data lineage tools, featuring self-service data ingesting, preparation, metadata discovery and monitoring. A visual-heavy, simple interface makes this platform so straightforward, even the least experienced users can understand it.

Kylo may not have as many automation features as other options, but its lack of a price tag makes up for that. Since it’s open-source, it’s also easy for users to create new integrations and features.

Pros

• Free
• Open-source
• Easy to use
• Data governance and security tools
• Cloud-based

Cons

• Not as feature-rich as other tools
• Lacks the support of more enterprise-focused options

Get the Best Data Lineage Tool for You

Deciding on which of these is the best data lineage tool for you depends on your specific needs and goals. Once you know what you need and know what each option has to offer, you can make the most informed choice.

Data lineage tools are crucial as data pipelines become more complex. Choosing the right one will help you make the most of your data.

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