What is the first phase in the Data Analytics Lifecycle?

The first phase in the Data Analytics Lifecycle is data collection. This phase is fundamental because it involves gathering the raw data that will be used for analysis. The quality and relevance of the data collected directly influence the insights that can be generated later in the process. Effective data collection ensures that the data is comprehensive and aligns with the objectives of the analysis.

Once the data is collected, other phases such as validation, dissemination, and reporting may follow, but without a proper collection of data, these subsequent processes would lack the necessary foundation to produce useful outcomes. Collecting data can involve various methods, such as surveys, transaction logs, IoT sensors, or public databases, depending on the context and requirements of the analysis. This foundational step sets the stage for all other activities in the analytics lifecycle.