5.
Data processing
Data processing is the series of operations performed on data to transform,
analyze, and organize it into a useful format for further use.
Various stages and methods are used to manipulate raw data into relevant or
consumable formats. These stages often include collecting, filtering, sorting,
and analyzing the data.
6 steps in data processing
1. Data collection
The first stage of data collection involves gathering and discovering raw data from
various sources, such as sensors, databases, or customer surveys. It is essential to
ensure the collected data is accurate, complete, and relevant to the analysis. Care must
be taken to avoid selection bias.
2. Data preparation
Once the data is collected, it moves to the data preparation stage. Here, the raw data is
cleaned up, organized, and often enriched for further processing. This stage involves
checking for errors, removing any bad data (redundant, incomplete, or incorrect), and
enhancing the dataset with additional relevant information if required. Data
preparation aims to create high-quality, reliable, and comprehensive data for
subsequent processing steps.
3. Data input
The next stage is data input. In this stage, the clean and prepared data is fed into a
processing system, which could be software or an algorithm designed for specific data
types or analysis goals. Various methods, such as manual entry, data import from
external sources, or automatic data capture, can be used to input data into the
processing system.
4. Data processing
In the data processing stage, the input data is transformed, analyzed, and organized to
produce relevant information. Several data processing techniques, like filtering,
sorting, aggregation, or classification, may be employed to process the data. The
choice of methods depends on the desired outcome from the data.
5. Data output and interpretation
The data output and interpretation stage deals with presenting the processed data in an
easily digestible format. This could involve generating reports, graphs, or
visualizations that simplify complex data patterns and help with decision-making.
Furthermore, the output data should be interpreted and analyzed to extract valuable
insights and knowledge.
6. Data storage
Finally, in the data storage stage, the processed information is securely stored in
databases or data warehouses for future retrieval, analysis, or use. Proper storage
ensures data longevity, availability, and accessibility while maintaining data privacy
and security.