Which of the following steps directly supports operational needs by utilizing data?

The choice that directly supports operational needs by utilizing data is to "Use." This step involves actively employing data for decision-making, analysis, or operational activities. When data is utilized effectively, it can enhance processes, improve decision outcomes, and drive strategic initiatives within an organization. This includes analyzing data to identify trends, generate reports, and optimize operations, ultimately supporting core business functions.

In this context, the other steps, while essential to the data lifecycle, do not directly engage with operational needs in the same way. Storing data is important for keeping it safe and accessible, creating data is crucial for generating new information, and archiving data is necessary for compliance and historical reference. However, these activities do not involve the active application of data to support real-time operations and decision-making, which is why using data is the most relevant choice in this scenario.