What is a key characteristic of data transformation in data analytics?

Data transformation is a crucial step in the data analytics process, primarily because it enhances the quality and usability of data for analysis and reporting purposes. In this context, preparation of data involves several tasks, such as cleaning, reformatting, aggregating, or enriching the data to make it suitable for analysis. This process ensures that the data is in a consistent format and accurately represents the information needed for decision-making.

By preparing data effectively, analysts can derive insights that are reliable and actionable. This transformation might also involve integrating data from various sources, which is necessary to provide a comprehensive view of the subject being analyzed. Hence, the characteristic of preparing data for analysis and reporting emphasizes the foundational role transformation plays in enabling effective data-driven decision-making.