Fig. 4.4.1 Unstructured data can be repetitive or nonrepetitive.

Decisions Based on Structured Data

For a variety of reasons, the vast majority of corporate decisions are made based on
structured data. There are several reasons for this. The primary reason is that structured
information is easy to automate. Structured data fit naturally and normally on standard
database technology. And once on database technology, the data can easily be analyzed
inside the corporation. It is easy to read and analyze 100,000 records of structured
information. There are plenty of analytic tools that can handle the analysis of standard
database records.

Fig. 4.4.2 shows that most corporate decisions are made based on structured data.

Fig. 4.4.2 In most organizations the vast majority of decisions are made on the

basis of structured data.

Despite the fact that most corporate decisions are made on the basis of structured
information, there is a wealth of untapped potential in the unstructured information of the

Chapter 4.4: Unstructured Data