Ready for the next step?

Before preparing the data for modeling in IBM® SPSS® Modeler, consider the following points:

How well do you understand the data?

• Are all data sources clearly identified and accessed? Are you aware of any problems or restrictions?
• Have you identified key attributes from the available data?
• Did these attributes help you to formulate hypotheses?
• Have you noted the size of all data sources?
• Are you able to use a subset of data where appropriate?
• Have you computed basic statistics for each attribute of interest? Did meaningful information emerge?
• Did you use exploratory graphics to gain further insight into key attributes? Did this insight reshape any of your hypotheses?
• What are the data quality issues for this project? Do you have a plan to address these issues?
• Are the data preparation steps clear? For instance, do you know which data sources to merge and which attributes to filter or select?

Now that you're armed with both business and data understanding, it's time to use IBM SPSS Modeler to prepare your data for modeling.