Data represent numerical values and information obtained on the basis of measurements and observations. They are available in a machine-processable form.
Data is considered to be valuable and brings many advantages for targeted control through machine evaluation: In private households, for example, it is the basis for the energy-efficient control of appliances, and companies gain advantages over their competitors through its evaluation. Through evaluation, they can develop products and solutions that are optimally adapted to consumer needs. Digital data is also indispensable on the stock exchange.
Data helps to uncover both weaknesses and optimization potential. For example, data analysis can be used to discover the largest energy consumers in buildings, through which measures can be taken to reduce energy consumption.
Benchmarking involves collecting comparative data – for example, on the productivity of a production line. They then form the basis for a comparison, for example, to uncover weaknesses compared to a second, better functioning production line. In addition to this internal benchmarking, companies also collect such production data for external benchmarking, which then compares their own performance with that of their competitors.
Data is valuable. They must therefore be protected.
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Data is considered the “gold” of the digital age. Therefore, their protection – data security – is of very high importance. A number of measures are being taken to achieve this. An important goal is to prevent data theft. In addition to various technical measures, secure passwords should also ensure this. Of course, passwords should never be shared and should only be made available to authorized persons. The passwords should also be as complex as possible. Combinations such as 123456 are unusable as passwords.
Another aspect of data protection is integrity, the integrity of the data. They must be protected from manipulation, but also from technical defects.
