What is the primary role of data mapping in integration processes?

Data mapping plays a crucial role in integration processes by defining the relationships between different data fields. This involves translating data from one system or format to another, ensuring that the data aligns correctly and maintains its meaning. For example, if data is being transferred from a CRM system to a database, data mapping specifies how fields in the CRM correspond to fields in the database. This ensures that relevant information is accurately captured and that there is a clear understanding of how different data elements relate to each other. By establishing these relationships, data mapping facilitates a seamless integration process, allowing for efficient data flow between systems and reducing the risk of errors.

The other options are relevant to data management but do not directly encompass the primary function of data mapping. Data storage locations pertain more to where data is kept, cleaning and formatting data focuses on the quality and presentation of data rather than its relationships, and creating visualization reports is about interpreting data rather than mapping it from one context to another.