What term refers to the raw material that an information system transforms into useful information?

The term that refers to the raw material that an information system transforms into useful information is "data." In the context of information systems, data consists of unprocessed facts and figures that on their own may not provide insight or value. When these raw data points are gathered, organized, and processed, they can be transformed into information that is meaningful and useful for decision-making.

This transformation process is central to the function of information systems, as they take data as input and apply a variety of processes, such as calculations, analyses, and aggregations, resulting in information that can support various business operations and strategies.

In contrast, the other terms represent different concepts: Information refers to data that has been processed and given context, making it useful for decision-making. Knowledge is derived from the understanding and insights gained from information, often reflecting the application of that information in a particular context. Metrics are quantifiable measures used to assess or evaluate performance but do not directly refer to the raw input that information systems utilize. Therefore, the correct term for the subject of transformation in an information system is indeed data.