From Batch to Real-Time: The Future of Data Distribution Using Databricks Delta Sharing

The true driver of organizational success isn’t just the volume of data collected – it’s how effectively that data is shared and consumed. The real challenge lies in enabling seamless, secure, and efficient data sharing across increasingly complex enterprise ecosystems.

Large organizations often manage thousands of downstream data pipelines to support analytics, automation, and operational workflows. However, the traditional “push” model of one-way data feeds has become fragmented, inefficient and difficult to maintain. This makes it clear that a more scalable, automated, and resilient solution is needed.

Modern data sharing technologies, such as Databricks Delta Sharing, offer a powerful solution. They allow organizations to securely share live datasets seamlessly with internal teams, partners, and vendors. This eliminates the need for data duplication, simplifies operations, and accelerates data-driven decision-making.

A global pet retailer collaborates with hundreds of suppliers and logistics partners to manage its inventory and distribution network. Traditionally, sharing sales and inventory data involves generating daily CSV reports, uploading them to FTP servers, and relying on partners to manually download and process the files. This outdated approach often led to delays, data inconsistencies, and outdated insights—particularly around pricing and markdowns.

To address these challenges, Infocepts partnered with the retailer to modernize its data sharing architecture using Databricks Delta Sharing. This solution enabled the retailer to provide suppliers and logistics partners with live, direct access to sales, inventory, and demand forecast data, significantly enhancing planning and responsiveness. With fine-grained access controls, each partner is entitled to access only the data relevant to them—ensuring both security and precision in data sharing. Additionally, KPI inconsistencies were resolved through stakeholder consultation, promoting alignment and trust across the data ecosystem.

By implementing Databricks Delta Sharing, the global pet retailer achieved significant improvements across its data ecosystem:

• Reduced data latency  from 24 hours to near real-time
• Eliminated manual file transfers, reducing operational overhead by up to 70%
• Enhanced supply chain, leading to better product availability and customer satisfaction
• Improved internal and external collaboration  through a single source of truth
• Scalable, secure sharing that supports growth without added complexity or risks

For organizations looking to stay competitive in a fast-paced digital landscape, modernizing data sharing isn’t just an upgrade – it’s a strategic imperative.

At Infocepts, we go beyond tool implementation—we drive innovation-led transformation. Guided by our ISSAC approach, we empower organizations to take a structured, strategic approach to modern data sharing.

• Inventory assessment of existing data share, stakeholders, formats, and challenges
• Shape the strategy by aligning requirements & priorities with business goals
• Scan for solution by evaluating and selecting the most suitable platforms & solution design
• Apply the solution in a controlled pilot environment to validate the approach before scaling
• Calibrate & scale by using feedback to fine-tune the solution & prepare for broader rollout

By following this proven approach, organizations can navigate the transition with confidence and clarity – setting the stage for more connected, informed, and impactful collaboration.

Organizations are increasingly embracing emerging trends that redefine how data is shared and governed:

• Data Clean Rooms – Secure environments where multiple parties can collaborate on sensitive data without exposing raw datasets.
• Federated Data Sharing – Enabling decentralized data access across organizations while maintaining local control and compliance.
• AI-Driven Governance – Leveraging machine learning to automate data classification, access control, and compliance monitoring.
• Interoperability Standards – Growing adoption of open standards like Delta Sharing and Apache Iceberg to ensure seamless data exchange across platforms.
• Real-Time Collaboration – Increasing demand for live data streams to support just-in-time decision-making and adaptive business models.

Whether you are on Databricks or other modern data platforms, staying ahead of these trends enables organizations to future-proof their data strategies, unlock new value streams, and foster a more connected, intelligent ecosystem.

Ready to improve data collaboration? Connect with Infocepts to modernize your data exchange, strengthen partner collaboration, and unlock real-time insights at scale.

Don’t let outdated processes slow you down – Start your transformation today!