Introduction
Data mining for maximum value is difficult unless a structured plan is followed. This article describes the Knowledge Discovery process to get the most out of data mining. It introduces and defines exactly what Knowledge Discovery is, and how the pieces fit together.

In over 20 years in the field now known as data mining, never once have I used a magic wand. Nonetheless. Business managers seem to expect magic from applying data mining tools to their data. I’ve even heard someone say, “Data mining is like worms crawling through your data, discovering nuggets of gold!”

Business managers have been led to great – and false – expectations about data mining. Properly used, it can deliver tremendous value. The key: use it properly.

This key to appropriate use of data mining lies in a structured methodology to find problems, define solutions, set expectations, and deliver results. I call this process Knowledge Discovery.