How to Delete or Purge Data in Informatica IDMC

 Introduction

Informatica IDMC (Intelligent Data Management Cloud) provides a robust platform for managing data. One of the critical tasks often encountered is deleting or purging data. This process is essential for various reasons, including refreshing data in lower environments, removing junk data, or complying with data retention policies.

Understanding the Delete and Purge Processes

Before diving into the steps, it's crucial to understand the distinction between delete and purge.

• Delete: This process removes the record from the system but retains its history. It's a soft delete that can be undone.
• Purge: This process permanently removes the record, including its history. It's a hard delete that cannot be reversed.

Steps to Perform the Purge Process

1. Access Informatica IDMC: Ensure you have administrative privileges to access the platform.
2. Navigate to Business Entity Console: Locate the Business Entity or Business 360 console.
3. Determine Scope: Decide whether you want to delete data for all business entities or specific ones.
4. Run the Purge Job:
   • Go to the Global Settings > Purging or Deleting Data tab.
   • Click the "Start" button.
   • Choose the appropriate option:
     • Delete or Purge all data
     • Purge the history of all records
     • Records specific to a given business entity
   • Select the desired business entity and confirm the deletion.
5. Monitor the Process: Track the purge job's status under the "My Jobs" tab.

Important Considerations

• Access: Ensure you have the necessary permissions to perform the purge.
• Data Retention: Be mindful of any data retention policies or legal requirements.
• Impact Analysis: Assess the potential impact on downstream systems or processes before purging.
• Backup: Consider creating a backup before initiating the purge.

Best Practices

• Regular Purging: Establish a schedule for routine data purging to maintain data quality.
• Testing: Test the purge process in a non-production environment to avoid unintended consequences.
• Documentation: Document the purge process and procedures for future reference.

Additional Tips

• For more granular control, explore advanced options within the purge process.
• Consider using automation tools to streamline the purging process.
• Consult Informatica documentation or support for specific use cases or troubleshooting.

By following these steps and adhering to best practices, you can effectively delete or purge data in Informatica IDMC, ensuring data integrity and compliance.

Learn more about data purging in Informatica MDM SaaS here