What aspect of data integrity needs to be ensured during its lifecycle?

Ensuring that the data remains unchanged during transformations is critical for maintaining data integrity, which is a measure of the accuracy and consistency of data over its lifecycle. When data is subjected to transformations, whether through aggregation, integration from different sources, or any other form of manipulation, it is crucial that the underlying representations of the data—its values and relationships—are preserved. This process must ensure that the original intent and meaning of the data are maintained, so that analysis and decisions based on that data remain valid.

If data were to change or be altered unintentionally during transformations, it could lead to misleading insights and decisions, undermining the trust and reliability in the analytic processes and outcomes. Hence, keeping the data unchanged during transformations is essential to uphold data integrity throughout its lifecycle.