Keeping records accurate.
WHY IT MATTERS MORE ONCE AUTOMATED
Bad data propagates automatically and quickly.
WHAT CAUSES POOR DATA
Inconsistent entry Duplicate records Missing required information Free text where a list should be used No validation at entry
WHAT TO ESTABLISH AT THE POINT OF ENTRY
Validation Required fields Defined lists rather than free text
WHY AT ENTRY
Correcting data later is far more expensive than preventing it.
WHAT DUPLICATES CAUSE
Contacting the same person twice Reports that double-count Inability to see a complete history
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
A rule for identifying a unique record.
WHAT EXAMPLES SHOW
Telephone number for individuals Registration number for businesses Order reference for transactions
WHY IT MATTERS
Without it, duplicates accumulate invisibly.
WHAT TO CHECK PERIODICALLY
For duplicates and obvious errors.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT FORMATS
Consistency: dates, phone numbers, names, amounts.
WHY
Inconsistent formats break automations and reports.
WHAT TO AVOID
Multiple systems each holding their own version of a customer.
WHY
They diverge, and nobody knows which is correct.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Which system holds the authoritative version.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT EXISTING BAD DATA
Clean it before migrating or automating.
WHY
Automation built on poor data produces poor results faster.
