We are living at a time when data is as valuable as ever. Businesses, researchers, and coders rely on data for training models for machine learning, testing software, and making data-driven decisions. Accessing data, however, is not as simple as one might think. Most sectors, especially those dealing with sensitive information such as healthcare, finance, and customer transactions, have strict privacy regulations. Sharing or using actual data may pose security risks and legal issues.
This is where synthetic data comes into play. Instead of relying on actual data, synthetic data is generated artificially to mimic actual data sets. It retains original data’s statistical properties and patterns but keeps confidential and private information private. It is thus a perfect solution for organizations that wish to create AI models, conduct research, or test applications without having any compliance issues.
Other than privacy concerns, synthetic data is also a great solution for data scarcity. At times, there is just not enough real data out there for a model to adequately train on. Other times, real data is biased, unstructured, and messy and is therefore not useful. With synthetic data generation, businesses can create diverse, high-quality datasets that make their models and applications even better.
Let’s review 7 of the best synthetic data generation tools available in the market today.
K2view is one of the most reliable synthetic data generation tools for high-quality, realistic synthetic data. It initially began as a data integration and data management solution but also features a synthetic data generation function that enables business organizations to acquire data they need without running into privacy roadblocks.
Older data anonymization methods tend to be cumbersome and slow. K2view, on the other hand, can generate synthetic data sets virtually in real-time. So, if a company needs test data for a new app or AI system, it doesn’t need to wait around for it—instead, it can get exactly what it needs right away. Basically, K2view builds synthetic data through a process of looking at patterns in real data and using the patterns to develop new, dummy records. What results is data that looks and feels real but doesn’t contain any sensitive data. That’s ideal for cases where companies need to work with realistic data but not at the cost of privacy law violations.
What’s unique about K2view is that it doesn’t create arbitrary fake data but creates structured, valuable data that behaves as though it is real. It’s especially useful for AI training, software testing, and even fraud detection, where realistic data is crucial in order to create accurate models.
Gretel.ai is another popular option that focuses on making data privacy and synthetic data generation as simple as possible. One reason Gretel.ai stands out is because of its customization focus. The tool offers users a degree of control over data that it generates, such that they can alter it according to their specific specifications. Such flexibility is especially handy when you desire data tailored for a specific model or scenario. Among data enthusiasts, Gretel.ai is often praised for its ease and robust capabilities.
Hazy has built a strong reputation for generating high-quality synthetic data while ensuring that privacy is never compromised. The platform uses sophisticated methods for generating data that feels natural with no direct relationship to real individual data.
What users appreciate is that Hazy prioritizes usability as much as security. It’s business-friendly, so whether you’re conducting business in finance, healthcare, or another industry, you can count on Hazy to provide data that will facilitate solid analysis and testing without all the attendant legalities with handling real data.
YData stands out as having a very strong emphasis on both data quality and performance. The tool is special in that it not only generates synthetic data but also provides you with an understanding of how well the data represents the original source. This can be incredibly useful if you have to ensure that your models perform just as well on synthetic data as they would on real data. Many teams find that YData’s balance between depth and ease of use makes it a great choice for projects that require both precision and usability.
Mostly AI has largely made its mark with a focus on the financial sector, but its tools are best for any industry needing high privacy standards. Mostly AI’s organization is focused on making its synthetic data as realistic as possible, ensuring users have faith that their systems will behave as expected when they move into actual data. Friendly customer service and clear information have also been points of appreciation among users who appreciate a warm approach to solving complex problems.
Synthesis AI offers a creative twist with the fusion of AI and synthetic data generation, allowing for fast development and testing. Synthesis AI’s distinguishing feature is that it uses machine learning for continuously improving data quality generated. That is, as you use the tool, you’re training it on what you need, and your work gets progressively better with time. It’s a tool that’s designed to evolve, just as projects that rely on it do, and that’s a huge advantage for teams with a need to match pace with rapidly evolving circumstances.
Finally, Synthetic Data Vault, also known as SDV, has been a favorite among data scientists. It is open-source, and as a result, there is a community of users that is constantly adding features to enhance it. SDV is a tool that focuses on making synthetic data generation transparent and reproducible. Developers love that it is open-source because they can tweak the tool to fit their needs better, ensuring that the synthetic data generated is as reliable as it is innovative.
All seven tools possess their own unique strengths. Whether you’re looking for a solution that’s easy to implement, one with robust privacy capabilities, or a tool that will scale with your projects, there’s something for every team. The space for synthetic data generation is growing at a breakneck speed, and these seven tools are at the vanguard of empowering teams with a practical and secure solution for addressing data challenges.
As you explore these options, consider your team’s and project’s individual needs. The right synthetic data tool can be a game changer, opening up new avenues for development, testing, and innovation with all the benefits and none of the risks of real data.