The link between data, information and knowledge

Raw data only becomes valuable when it is processed into information, and information becomes knowledge when people interpret and apply it to make decisions.

• Data: unorganised raw facts — numbers, characters, readings.
• Information: data processed so it has meaning and context.
• Knowledge: information understood and applied — knowing what to DO with it.
• Example: 42, 38, 45 (data) → "average shipment mass is 41.7 kg" (information) → "we need a stronger pallet" (knowledge).

• Processing — sorting, calculating, summarising or classifying data.
• Context — the situation that gives processed data its meaning.