Data lineage tracking refers to the process of understanding, recording, and visualizing the flow of data from its origin to its final destination. This includes documenting all transformations the data undergoes along the way, which is crucial for ensuring data quality and compliance.

One of the primary benefits of data lineage tracking is its ability to facilitate data troubleshooting. If a data model fails, lineage tracking allows teams to trace the data flow and identify the root cause of the error. Additionally, it supports impact analysis by enabling organizations to anticipate the effects of changes in data sources on downstream models and alert relevant stakeholders accordingly ².

Moreover, data lineage tracking enhances trust and discovery among data users. It helps data scientists understand where to incorporate additional datasets and ensures they are aware of the quality and provenance of the data they are working with. This is particularly important for compliance with data privacy regulations, as lineage tracking can help identify personally identifiable information (PII) and ensure proper handling ²³.

In summary, effective data lineage tracking is essential for operationalizing data, improving decision-making, and maintaining compliance within organizations.