Any successful strategy begins with preparation. This is true in terms of business analytics or any process that is intelligence-driven, as the information we rely on for daily business operations can come from a variety of sources. Data preparation ensures that all sources are working together to create a cohesive unit.

There are a number of steps involved in data preparation, and the following are key:

·       Clean the Data
This is a perfect time to rid yourself of any data that is not useful. Clean out anything that is damaged, no longer relevant, or just inaccurate.

·       Standardize the Data
Your data needs to fall within appropriate ranges so that it is more easily accessed via query. Are all the demographics there and in the right format? For example, dates should be in an eight-digit format rather than six.

·       Data Transformation
Your analytics engines need to understand your data, which means it must be in the correct format so the analytics system will be functional. You can also compact the data for saving space and improving the speed at which it can be accessed.

·       Create the Metadata
When you label all your metadata correctly, the analytics system will know what to do with it. All relevant details need to be attached to all data, like the date and geographical location of photographs, etc.
Not every project will be the same, but the first steps you should take for success should always be consistent. The first thing to do is create your strategy. You’re going to formulate your workflow and determine how your strategy will apply to all the different data types and sources. Essentially, you’re laying out the map that will guide you through the process.

Taking all these steps into your own hands might seem a bit taxing for some organizations, which is why you need to rely on special tools to assist you, particularly if your data preparation involves one or two sources of data. Larger projects, however, will require more robust solutions, probably from a third party.

At Enterprise Visions, we’re your partner for envisioning your future in the cloud. For cloud services, connectivity solutions, and information security, our clients trust us to deliver. If you need assistance building your data preparation strategy, contact us today and we will custom build a solution for you.