Technology plays a large role in our society today. Specifically, technology has assisted companies in their decision-making process as well as the ability to determine and understand data. Analyzing data is important for a company because it gives them information that together with the combined knowledge of decision makers, they can make more informed decision that is explained by hard evidence that will increase the benefit of their company.

Data is defined according to the textbook as being “raw facts and figures.” This data is crucial to a business because it is the evidence behind what their future decisions will be. Data analytics is vital to a business because it allows them to explain the data that they have and it explains what they want out of a decision and how to change things that are not necessarily working well within a company.

Information is defined as “data presented in a context so that it can answer a question or support decision making.” Information is crucial in data analytics because it is what the data analysts use to tell a story to the directors or presidents or whomever they need to present to. Information is important because it creates a way for people to communicate the numbers to words and to give the numbers a meaning and purpose.

Knowledge is defined as “insight derived from experience and expertise.” This when combined with data and information allows people to make informed decisions to help the company. Knowledge consists of what people know before they look at data and information.

The combination of data, information and knowledge is useful for people in data analysis roles. Data analysists are the people who look and interpret the data. Roles like this in a company are very important because they can be decision factors when trying to decide about a problem or solution. Today, data analyst is one of the most in-demand and sought-after jobs. The title carries  prestige, as it is increasingly becoming a more important role with the amount of big data we have today.