Major Data Mining Steps

Normally, we need to go through the following steps to build a predictive modeling solution.

1. Data Gathering 
2. Data Validation 
3. Data Preparation 
4. Feature Variable Calculation (creating more salient variables that are more predictive of target)
5. Predictive Model Building and Testing 
6. Model Deployment

In our opinion, the main challenges are: Data Preparation, Feature Variable Calculation and Model Deployment. Probably 90% of time is spent on the above three areas.