What is Extract, Transform, Load (ETL)

ETL stands for Extract, Transform, Load. It’s a common process used to move data from one system to another. First, data is extracted from a source (like a spreadsheet, ERP, or supplier file), then transformed into the right format or structure, and finally loaded into a destination system (like a PIM, database, or data warehouse).

Examples

Use case How it works
Standardizing supplier data Extract data from supplier files, transform inconsistent names and units (like changing cms to inches, or kg to pounds), then load into your PIM system
Preparing data for retailers Extract product information, transform it to the retailer’s required format using a template, load it into the retailer’s platform
Merging data from different systems Extract data from multiple systems (like spreadsheets, ERPs, or ecommerce platforms); transform it to a consistent structure; load into your PIM

A brief history

The ETL process has been around since the 1970s, when companies needed a way to consolidate data from different systems into one place for reporting and analysis. Originally used in big enterprise data projects, it’s now a standard approach in ecommerce and product data management, especially when companies need to clean up or reformat messy data before using it.

Good to know

ETL isn’t just about moving data; it’s about preparing it. The “Transform” step is key here: you might change column names, standardize units, map categories, or enrich product attributes. Good ETL processes make sure that the data you load into your system is ready to use.

Know more

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of systems use ETL?
ETL is used in everything from ecommerce platforms and PIMs to data warehouses, CRMs, and ERP systems. Anywhere you need to bring in data from different sources and make it usable, ETL comes into play.
Is ETL the same as a data import?
ETL isn’t quite the same as a data import. A simple import just moves data from A to B. ETL goes further by letting you change or clean the data before it lands. For example, you might turn “Yes/No” into “True/False,” split a product name into brand and model, or map “Red” to “#FF0000.”
Do I need a developer to set up ETL?
You don’t always need a developer to set up ETL. Some platforms require custom scripting or API integrations, but many modern tools (including Plytix) let non-technical users set up ETL flows with visual editors, templates, and transformation rules, without needing to know how to code.
What’s the difference between ETL and ELT?
ETL and ELT are similar, but the steps are in a different order. ELT means Extract, Load, then Transform: so you load raw data into a system first, then clean it up there. ELT is often used in a data lake or analytics projects. ETL is better when you need to validate or structure data before it enters your system.