What is the third step of the data life cycle that describes how data supports operational needs and objectives?

The third step of the data life cycle that highlights how data supports operational needs and objectives is utilizing the data. This phase is crucial because it involves the application of collected or stored data in a manner that influences decision-making, enhances processes, and drives operational efficiency.

During the "Use" phase, organizations leverage data to meet their business goals, conduct analysis, generate reports, and inform strategic initiatives. This step is about taking the raw data that has been created and stored and turning it into actionable insights. It’s essential for organizations to understand how to maximize the value of their data by utilizing it effectively to address specific operational needs.

In contrast, the other steps such as creating data, archiving it for long-term retention, and storing it securely are important but serve different roles within the data life cycle. Creating focuses on data generation, storing entails securing that data for future access, and archiving pertains to preserving data that's no longer actively used but may still be needed for compliance or historical reference. Each of these steps supports the life cycle but does not directly emphasize the immediate operational use of data in the context defined in the question.