Exports.
WHERE DATA LIVES
Accounting software Shop platform Payment gateway Website analytics Spreadsheets Messaging and email
HOW TO GET IT
Most systems offer an export, usually as a spreadsheet file.
WHAT TO CHECK IN AN EXPORT
That it covers the period you intended That it includes the fields you need That figures match the system's own totals
THAT LAST CHECK
Always. Exports are frequently filtered in ways you did not expect.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Dates reformatted on opening Leading zeros removed from references Long numbers converted to scientific notation Characters mangled
THOSE HAPPEN SILENTLY
Check a few records against the source.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Whether the export can be scheduled or automated
WHAT TO KEEP
The raw export, unmodified, alongside your working copy.
WHAT TO NAME IT
Source, period, and date of export.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT SENSITIVE EXPORTS
Store them securely and delete them when finished.
