After being part of the IT industry for 30+ years I am convinced "It is all about the data". Data is all around us and will always exist. Data is the building blocks of all information and information is used to drive our decisions. Our perceptions of the world are captured in the arrangement of the data. Hence the way we see the world is driven by the analysis of the data. We must analyze raw data, see patterns and process it into meaningful information. Data is always correct, but information derived from data can be incorrect. Data is ever changing and keeps coming, usually faster than it can be captured and in great volumes from various sources and types. You must gather the data that is pertinent to your enterprise; store it, and discover the hidden patterns within.

What is the purpose of the system? Why is manpower and resources being allocated? Not what it is used for but what is the ultimate value to the business. The data records of the processes, and the metrics derived from these records that can be used for analysis and reporting. The data must be captured timely, accurately, and completely. The quality and completeness of the data along with its availability can and will affect decision making.