Getting it right the first time.
WHY IT MATTERS
Errors entered are errors carried forward into everything downstream.
WHAT CAUSES ERRORS
Typing from memory Transcribing between systems Interruptions Inconsistent conventions
WHAT REDUCES THEM
Selection lists rather than free typing Copying and pasting rather than retyping A defined convention for names, dates and references Checking after entry
WHAT TO VERIFY
Totals against a source Record counts A sample of entries, against the original
WHAT TO STANDARDISE
Date format How names are written How references are formatted Units
WHAT TO AVOID
Entering the same information into two systems.
WHY
They diverge, and nobody knows which is correct.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Enter once, and transfer by export where possible.
WHAT TO CHECK IMMEDIATELY
Anything involving money or quantity.
WHAT TO DOCUMENT
The conventions, so everyone follows them.
