The number 52.07914602196062 is a measurement. It could be a highly precise measurement of the weight (52 kilograms) of a Giant Pacific Octopus, one of the largest octopus species in the world. It could also be the top speed (52 km/h) of a Bluefin Tuna. Change the dot to a comma and shift it a few places, and this number could refer to one of the heaviest sperm whales (52,079.14602196062 kilograms).
As you can see, data is a representation of a measurement - in this case, a simple number. Data only becomes information when agreements are made about what these numbers actually mean and how they are represented. Depending on the context, which makes it possible to compare data with one another, data can be interpreted in many different ways.
Sometimes a little context is enough, but adding extra context often makes data much more valuable. Take the letter A. We all know it as the first letter of the alphabet. Depending on where in the world you are, this letter will be pronounced slightly differently.
Besides a phonetic association, we also know a scientific one. The A is used in genetics as the designation for adenosine monophosphate, a protein that together with other proteins T, C and G records important information in our DNA. The value of an A is determined by the context of the T's, C's and G's surrounding it. Together they determine which proteins are produced at which point in our lives. They ensure the growth of tissues and production of hormones. To prevent an ear from growing on your leg, these DNA chains are folded differently in cells with different functions. This information, through the difference in context at multiple levels, makes us who we are.
Although as a biologist I have encountered this kind of data often enough, our clients' data usually looks quite different. But that is the beauty of data - the content may be very different, but the process often remains the same. Combining different types of data also makes our clients' data more valuable, by placing it in a different context. The actual analysis of this data is often done by the clients themselves, who employ data analysts and data scientists for this purpose. But in creating context, they can often use some help. That is why our data engineers build a data warehouse for our clients, so that all data can be placed in a broader context. This way, the full value of their data is realised.
Data-driven work is about placing your data in the right context and being able to make decisions based on a complete overview rather than a single detail. For instance, you can add the number 5.097794587678193 to the previously mentioned 52.07914602196062. If you then enter these coordinates into Google Maps, you will arrive at our office - and we would be happy to tell you more over a cup of coffee.