# 2.1 Whey we need machine readable data

![Machine readable data ](https://3925319274-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FuSSbOeqjFMxbM6oPQFVO%2Fuploads%2FifXQA2ARoyHeWwDraMx4%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=746c443e-de6d-4f24-9c28-094aa91c6310)

Data that is stored as letters and numbers in a digital format is known as **machine readable** data. Our goal for working with procurement data is to get information supplied into this format, preferably in a spreadsheet, so that we can perform analysis.&#x20;
