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Overview

Data types (also called entities) are the foundation of your data pipeline. Each data type represents a business concept like customers, orders, or products. In Entegrata, you define data types and map them to your source data, creating a unified view across all your systems. This guide covers the complete lifecycle of managing data types in your Entegrata instance.

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Understanding Data Types

A data type in Entegrata represents:
  • A unified business concept (e.g., “Customer”, “Invoice”, “Product”)
  • The fields and structure of that concept
  • Mappings to one or more data sources
  • Access controls determining who can view the data
  • Lineage information showing data flow

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Creating a New Data Type

1

Navigate to Data Types

From the admin portal navigation, select Data Mappings or Pipelines to access the data type management interface.
Pipeline navigation menu showing Data Types section
2

Click Create New Data Type

Click the New Data Type or Create Entity button in the top right corner of the data types list.
Data types list view with Create button highlighted
3

Configure Basic Information

In the creation dialog, provide:
  • Name: A clear, singular name for your data type (e.g., “Customer”, “Order”)
  • Description: A brief explanation of what this data type represents
  • Icon (optional): Select an icon to help identify this data type visually
  • Category (optional): Group related data types together
Create data type dialog with fields filled
4

Create the Data Type

Click Create to save your new data type. You’ll be taken to the entity list view.

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Editing an Existing Data Type

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Updating Basic Properties

1

Select the Data Type

Find the entity you want to edit in the list view.
2

Open Edit Modal

Click the Edit option under the entity’s option menu.
Edit entity menu option
3

Modify Properties

Update any of the following:
  • Name
  • Description
Edit entity details
4

Save Changes

Click Save to apply your changes. These updates take effect immediately and don’t require republishing.

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Modifying Field Structure

To add, remove, or change fields in your data type, see the Field Management guide.

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Updating Mappings

To change how source data maps to your data type fields, see the Mapping Fields guide.

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Archiving Data Types

Archiving removes a data type from active use without deleting historical data.
Archiving a data type will:
  • Stop all data processing for this data type
  • Hide it from most users’ views
  • Preserve historical data and lineage
  • Allow restoration if needed
Archived data types can be unarchived, but the process may require reconfiguration.
1

Open the Data Type

Navigate to the data type you want to archive.
2

Archive Option

Click the Archive option in the options menu for the entity.
Edit Options menu with Archive option
3

Confirm Archive

Review the warning message and confirm that you want to archive this data type.
Edit Archive confirmation modal
4

Complete Archive

Click Archive to complete the process. The data type will be moved to the archived status.

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Best Practices

Naming Conventions
  • Use singular nouns (e.g., “Customer” not “Customers”)
  • Be descriptive but concise
  • Avoid technical abbreviations
  • Use consistent casing (recommend Title Case)
Organization
  • Group related data types with categories
  • Use clear, business-friendly descriptions
  • Maintain a logical hierarchy (e.g., Orders before OrderItems)
  • Document dependencies between data types
Lifecycle Management
  • Start with draft status and test thoroughly
  • Archive instead of delete when possible
  • Document why data types are archived
  • Regularly review and clean up unused data types

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Troubleshooting

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Cannot Archive Data Type

Issue: The archive option is grayed out or unavailable. Solutions:
  • Check if you have admin permissions
  • Verify no active dependencies exist
  • Ensure the data type is published (only published types can be archived)

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Archive Failed with Dependencies

Issue: Archive fails with message about dependent objects. Solutions:
  • Check for reports or dashboards using this data type
  • Look for other data types with relationships to this one
  • Remove or update dependencies first, then archive

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Unarchive Not Restoring Data

Issue: After unarchiving, no data appears in the data type. Solutions:
  • Verify source connections are still active
  • Check that credentials haven’t expired
  • Republish the mapping to restart data processing
  • Review field mappings for any broken references

Field Management

Learn how to add and configure fields in your data types

Mapping Fields

Map source data to your data type fields

Access Controls

Control who can view and edit your data types

Publishing Mappings

Deploy your data type mappings to production