NextLytics
    Products
      IT-Services
        Business Analytics
          Career
            Blog

                Machine Learning workflows
                in Apache Airflow

                Digital workflow management is growing in importance

                Today's day-to-day business activities are fully intertwined with digital processes. The number of those digital processes and their implementation as workflows is increasing rapidly, not least because of the growing importance of machine learning applications. Nowadays, analyses and forecasts are only started manually in the prototype state; a productive system relies on automation. Here, the choice of the workflow management platform is a key factor for long-term success.

                The challenge is that these digital processes must be centrally managed and organized. Especially for business-critical processes, reliable execution and flexibility in the workflow design are essential. In addition to pure execution, great importance is also attached to the monitoring and optimization of workflows and error management. Ideally, the processes are also designed in such a way that they can be easily scaled up. 

                Only if both the technical and professional side of the users is involved, acceptance and a sustainable integration of digital processes into the daily work routine can be achieved. The execution as workflows should therefore be as simple and comprehensible as possible.
                Whitepaper Workflow management with Apache Airflow  How do you manage your workflows with Apache Airflow? Which application scenarios are feasible in practice? With which features does the new major release react to the current challenges of workflow management?   Get exclusive whitepaper now  

                Digital workflows with the open source platform Apache Airflow

                Workflow

                Creating advanced workflows in Python

                In Apache Airflow the workflows are created with the programming language Python. The entry hurdle is low. In a few minutes you can define even complex workflows with external dependencies to third party systems and conditional branches.
                Workflow_wheel

                Schedule, execute and monitor workflows

                The program-controlled planning, execution and monitoring of workflows runs smoothly thanks to the interaction of the components. Performance and availability can be adapted to even your most demanding requirements.
                Database

                Best suited for Machine Learning

                Here, your Machine Learning requirements are met in the best possible way. Even their complex workflows can be ideally orchestrated and managed using Apache Airflow. The different requirements regarding software and hardware can be easily implemented.
                Security

                Robust orchestration of third-party systems

                Already in the standard installation of Apache Airflow numerous integrations to common third party systems are included. This allows you to realize a robust connection in no time. Without risk: The connection data is stored encrypted in the backend.
                Scaling

                Ideal for the Enterprise Context

                The requirements of start-ups and large corporations are equally met by the excellent scalability. As a top level project of the Apache Software Foundation and with its origins at Airbnb, the economic deployment on a large scale was intended from the beginning.

                A glance at the comprehensive intuitive web interface

                A major advantage of Apache Airflow is the modern, comprehensive web interface. With role-based authentication, the interface gives you a quick overview or serves as a convenient access point for managing and monitoring workflows.

                The orchestration of third-party systems is realized through numerous existing integrations.

                • Apache Hive
                • Kubernetes Engine
                • Amazon DynamoDB
                • Amazon S3
                • Amazon SageMaker
                • Databricks
                • Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS)
                • Bigtable
                • Google Cloud Storage (GCS)
                • Google BigQuery
                • Google Cloud ML Engine
                • Azure Blob Storage
                • Azure Data Lake
                • ...
                Orchestration
                The workflow management platform for your demands
                20_HG_R_Zahnrad

                Flexibility by customization

                The adaptability is given by numerous plugins, macros and individual classes. Since Airflow is completely based on Python, the platform is theoretically changeable up to the basics. Adapt Apache Airflow to your current needs at any time.

                Truly scalable

                Scaling with common systems like Celery, Kubernetes and Mesos is possible at just any time. In this context a lightweight containerization can be installed.
                HG_L_Skalierung_1
                20_HG_R_Kosten

                Completely free of charge

                The workflow management platform is quickly available without license fees and with minimal installation effort. You can always use the latest versions to the full extent without any fees.

                Benefit from a whole community

                As the de facto standard for workflow management, the Airflow Community not only includes users, but the platform also benefits from dedicated developers from around the world. Current ideas and their implementation in code can be found online.
                HG_L_Community
                HG_R_Userfriendly_1

                Agility by simplicity

                The workflow definition is greatly accelerated by the implementation in Python and the workflows benefit from the flexibility offered. In the web interface with excellent usability, troubleshooting and changes to the workflows can be implemented quickly.

                State-of-the-art workflow management with Apache Airflow 2.0

                The new major release of Apache Airflow offers a modern user interface and new functions:

                • Fully functional REST API with numerous endpoints for two-way integration of Airflow into different systems such as SAP BW
                • Functional definition of workflows to implement data pipelines for improved data exchange between tasks in the workflow using the TaskFlow API
                • Interval-based checking of an starting condition with Smart Sensors, which keep the workload of the workflow management system as low as possible
                • Increased usability in many areas (simplified Kubernetes operator, reusable task groups, automatic update of the web interface)

                Pipeline

                Apache Airflow in day-to-day business
                Icon_Datenübertragung
                 

                Automatic file transfer

                Due to the large number of integrations to other systems, the transfer of data and files can be easily realized. So-called sensors are used to check start conditions such as the existence of a file at periodic intervals. For example, a CSV file can be loaded from the cloud service into a database. In this way, unnecessary manual work can be automated.
                Icon_Projekt
                 

                Executing ETL workflows

                Your data management will benefit the most from Apache Airflow. It has never been easier to combine different, structured data sources into one target table. Originally Airflow was developed according to the needs of Extract-Transform-Load (ETL) workflows and offers smart concepts like reusable workflow parts to build even complex workflows fast and robust.
                Icon_Automatisierung
                 

                Triggering of external process chains via API

                If there is no easy way for system integration per task operator (and the community has not provided a solution yet), the connection via APIs and HTTP Requests is still possible at any time. For example, a process chain in SAP BW can be started and tracked synchronously. Conversely, system integration through Airflows excellent API is possible without any problems.
                Icon_MachineLearning
                 

                Implement Machine Learning process

                Not only during the development of a Machine Learning application many processes which are ideally implemented as a workflow exist. The productive execution of a model can also be implemented as a workflow and thus provide, for example, current forecast data at fixed intervals. The data preparation and training of the current model version can be easily realized with Airflow.
                Do you have any questions or need support for your next AI project?   We will be happy to assist you in implementing or optimizing your AI-based application with our know-how and show you how Machine Learning can provide added value for you and your company.   Get free consultation  
                Do you like to learn more about Machine Learning?
                In our blog you will find more interesting articles on this topic
                two hands shaking hands_Databricks partner

                Milestone reached: NextLytics becomes Databricks partner

                NextLytics becomes an official Databricks partner, enhancing our data and AI consulting services with advanced solutions for data pipelines.

                Puzzle pieces_databricks_MLflow

                Databricks and MLflow: A Perfect Match for Scalable Machine Learning

                Discover how Databricks & MLflow streamline machine learning projects from data loading to model deployment, enhancing efficiency & collaboration in MLOps.

                Lock in front of blue wall_Single Sign On

                Implementing Single Sign On (SSO) Authentication in Apache Airflow

                Learn how to enhance security and streamline user access with Single Sign On (SSO) integration in Apache Airflow using Microsoft Entra ID.

                Camera_black and white wall_Continuous Deployment

                Efficient Continuous Deployment Monitoring with Apache Airflow

                Learn how Continuous Deployment with Apache Airflow can improve the monitoring of Docker containers.

                Flags_Data_Engineering_Trends

                Data engineering trends at the PyCon and PyData Conference 2024

                Highlights of PyCon DE and PyData Berlin 2024: Find out more about the latest data engineering trends and their fields of application.

                Machine_Learning_Trends_Building_PyCon

                Machine learning trends at the PyCon and PyData Conference 2024

                Discover the latest machine learning trends and AI applications presented at the PyCon DE and the PyData Berlin 2024.

                colorful_pipelines_NextLytics

                Apache Airflow parameters: Empower your data pipelines

                Learn how Apache Airflow can help you optimize your data pipelines using DAG and task-level parameters.

                bridge_lights_ELT_Process

                Apache Airflow ELT Process for Data Orchestration

                Learn how the ELT process is revolutionizing data processing with Apache Airflow and discover how it can optimize your workflow management.

                Magnifying_glass_data_AzureML

                A sales planning machine learning framework in AzureML

                Learn how you can use AzureML and precise sales forecasts to deploy your resources more efficiently and set realistic sales targets.

                white_and_black_notebook_Data_Platform

                Data Platform Orchestration: Apache Airflow vs Databricks Jobs

                Data Platform Orchestration: Apache Airflow & Databricks Jobs offer robust solutions. Learn about their strengths find the perfect fit for your needs.