Formatting Data

As a final step before model building, it is helpful to check whether certain techniques require a particular format or order to the data. For example, it is not uncommon that a sequence algorithm requires the data to be presorted before running the model. Even if the model can perform the sorting for you, it may save processing time to use a Sort node prior to modeling.

Task List

Consider the following questions when formatting data:

• Which models do you plan to use?
• Do these models require a particular data format or order?

If changes are recommended, the processing tools in IBM® SPSS® Modeler can help you apply the necessary data manipulation.