Discovering and transforming exhaust data to realize managerial value

Abstract

“Exhaust data” is “extra data” or “left over” data from “core data” digital transactions collected either intentionally or unintentionally but for which there is no initial, specific purpose for its collection. In this paper, we differentiate core data from exhaust data, define and describe exhaust data, and propose how to turn it into core data to provide value for firms. We present a framework for discovering and transforming exhaust data and apply it to four case studies involving Internet search data, accounting entries and data security, social media disclosures, and EDGAR use logs. From the cases, we extract five managerial challenges and generate five recommendations to help managers identify exhaust data applications for realizing potential value.