Transformations
Orchestrate pre-built and custom data transformations in your destination with Fivetran.
Overview
Transformations reshape your data so that it's optimized for downstream processes, such as data visualization or machine learning. Transformations are automatically executed after connector syncs or on a set schedule.
Explore your options
Fivetran offers two transformations solutions:
- Pre-built data models: We created data models that transform your data into analytics-ready tables. You can either add the models in the Fivetran dashboard (Quickstart data models) or import them into your dbt project (Fivetran data models).
- Integrations: Use the Fivetran-hosted dbt Core* integration or our third-party dbt Cloud* and Coalesce** orchestration to centralize and manage all your transformations.
TIP: While you can use these two solutions separately, you can also use them together (for example, install Fivetran data models in your dbt project).
Pre-built data models
We develop pre-built data models for our most popular connectors and connector groups, such as advertising and social media connectors. The models transform Fivetran’s normalized schemas into analytics-ready datasets for each connector's most common use cases.
Compare the main features of our pre-built data model types:
| Feature | Fivetran Data Models | Quickstart Data Models |
|---|---|---|
| SQL transformations | check | check |
| Transformation dependency | check | check |
| Version control | check | check |
| Automated documentation | check | check |
| Integrated schedules | check | check |
| Schema selection | check | |
| Customizable data models | check | |
| No-code setup | check |
Integrations
Use the Fivetran-hosted dbt Core integration or our third-party dbt Cloud and Coalesce integrations to write, test, version, and document all of your SQL transformations in one place. For dbt-based transformations, dbt Core is their open source tool and dbt Cloud is their hosted service. Learn more in dbt's What is dbt? documentation and How dbt Cloud compares with dbt Core guide. For Coalesce based transformations, learn more in their getting started guide.
How it works
We either run your transformations in your destination through dbt Core or trigger third parties like dbt Cloud to run them. We use the ELT model, so your raw data is always available alongside your transformed data. If a transformation fails or you need to rethink your data model, you can edit your transformations and run them again on your raw data.
Scheduling options
Fivetran triggers your transformation runs according to the type of schedule you choose.
* dbt Core and dbt Cloud are trademarks of dbt Labs, Inc. All rights therein are reserved to dbt Labs, Inc. Fivetran Transformations is not a product or service of or endorsed by dbt Labs, Inc.
** Coalesce is a trademark of Coalesce Automation, Inc. All rights therein are reserved to Coalesce Automation, Inc. Fivetran Transformations is not a product or service of or endorsed by Coalesce Automation, Inc.