The correct answer is C . Data are raw facts, numbers, observations, readings, images, transactions, or records. Information is created when data are processed, organized, interpreted, and placed into context so they can support understanding or decision making. Option A is wrong because data do not exist only in information systems; data can come from inspections, operator rounds, sensor readings, manual logs, images, drawings, and field observations. Reports may present information, but information is not limited to reports. Option B is partially reasonable but not the best answer because it overemphasizes values, experience, reasoning, and judgment. Those elements are closer to knowledge or decision-making interpretation. The clean distinction being tested is raw data versus contextualized information. In CRL Asset Management, this matters because poor data quality leads to poor asset decisions. A CMMS full of raw work orders does not automatically create insight; the organization must structure, validate, contextualize, and analyze data so it becomes useful information.
