The discipline that makes analysis possible.
WHAT INCONSISTENCY LOOKS LIKE
The same customer entered three ways Categories spelled differently Dates in mixed formats Units varying between rows
WHAT IT COSTS
Analysis that is wrong, quietly.
Three spellings of one customer appear as three customers.
WHAT PREVENTS IT
Agreed lists for anything categorised Dropdown selection rather than typing An agreed date format Rules written down
WHAT TO STANDARDISE
Customer and supplier names Product and service names Categories Locations Units
WHAT TO DECIDE ONCE
How each is written, and then never vary it.
WHO NEEDS TO KNOW
Everyone who enters data.
WHAT TO PROVIDE
A short written standard, and lists to select from.
WHAT TO CHECK PERIODICALLY
Unique values in each column.
Variations appear immediately.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT EXISTING INCONSISTENCY
Clean it once, then prevent it.
