Datenweg

Datenweg, literally “data path” in German, denotes the route data takes from its source to its destination within an information technology system. In German-language IT literature the term is used similarly to data path, data flow, or data pipeline, though many authors prefer Datenfluss or Datenpipeline.

It comprises data sources, transport mechanisms, processing, storage, and consumption endpoints. In many architectures the data path covers ingestion, transformation, storage, and presentation. The specific steps and components can vary, but the overarching idea is to trace how data moves through a system from capture to use.

Understanding the Datenweg supports data governance, traceability, quality assurance, and performance management. Mapping the Datenweg enables data lineage, debugging, and compliance with privacy and security requirements. Visibility into the path helps identify bottlenecks, ensure data quality, and document how data is produced and consumed across applications and services.

The term is common in German-speaking IT contexts, but the underlying concept is universal. It is closely related to data path, data flow, and data pipeline, with practical implementations including ETL/ELT processes, streaming pipelines, and data fabrics. In industrial or networked environments, the data path can be both physical (for example, sensors and controllers connected by buses) and logical (streams, topics, or service interfaces), reflecting the dual nature of data movement in modern information systems.