How can you change the data in to raw data?

Answer 1

From Processed Data to Raw (Reverse Engineering)

a) Find the Original Source

Start by locating the original data file, whether it’s from a sensor, a form, an export, or a system log. For instance, instead of relying on a monthly sales report, grab the transaction log straight from the POS system.

b) Remove Any Processing or Formatting

Make sure to undo any filters, formulas, or pivot tables in Excel. Don’t forget to delete calculated fields like averages or percentages, and restore any rows and columns that might have been hidden or trimmed.

c) Convert to Plain Text

To strip away formatting, copy and paste the data into Notepad or save it as a .csv or .txt file. In Excel, you can use “Paste Special > Values” to eliminate formulas.

2. From Printed or Visual Data

If you’re working with a printed report or graph, you can use OCR (Optical Character Recognition) tools to pull out the raw text. Alternatively, you can manually rebuild the dataset by entering the values into a spreadsheet, or you could simply ask the source (like the analyst or system) for the original file.

3. Export Raw Data from a Tool

Most platforms, such as Google Forms, CRMs, or web analytics tools, offer a way to export raw data. Look for options like “Download CSV,” “Export all responses,” “Raw export,” or “Download logs.” This will provide you with the data in its most unprocessed form.

Answer 2

The initial data that you collect is raw data.