Data quality sounds like such a simple concept until you start running into data entry errors. Most people simply look at it as a black and white issue. The data is input correctly or incorrectly, and if it’s incorrect, then it will be picked up when it’s proofread, right? The fact is that there are so many potential data entry mistakes that it isn’t simply a matter of entering the correct data. Formatting and categorization can also lead to a loss of data integrity.
But one thing is certain – most data quality mistakes can be traced back to simple errors concerning data interpretation or judgmental errors. There are many instances when data extraction and entry require a step of human judgment based on multiple factors – which can never be error-free with an automated tool.
That’s why top businesses let the professionals handle the majority of their data entry needs. It is wise as well to avail data entry and data processing services in the form of assistance from experienced data entry operators.
Common Data Entry Problems that Can be Fatal
Data entry problems can be fatal to businesses, so they need to be avoided at all costs. It’s one of the many reasons why top businesses tend to partner with professionals for their data entry needs. With that said, here’s a look at some of the common data entry mistakes that can be fatal.
- Input Errors This is the most common and problematic data entry issue. One typing mistake can lead to huge issues down the road. Inaccurate records, low data integrity, and disorganization are three factors that can lead to enormous problems.
- Improper Formatting Inaccurate formatting leads to problems with analytical data systems picking up the data, snowballing into even more significant errors. This lack of organization can wreak havoc on a database and lead to poor decisions, or worse!
- Human Error This typically happens when companies try to dump their data entry on employees who are already overwhelmed with responsibilities. They make manual data entry errors because they are rushing to get it done.
- Transposition Errors Numbers can be tricky when it comes to data entry and tend to be one of the biggest losses in data integrity. It’s easy to mix up similar numbers. When entering large sets of numerical data, transposition errors are bound to happen.
- Data Misinterpretation This fatal error is also related to numerical values, but this time they occur when numbers are mixed with letters. For instance, a capital “O” looks similar to the numerical character “0.” This can lead to misinterpretation and compromise data integrity.
Manual Data Entry for Critical Business Data
It’s no mistake to assume that computers are a powerful part of analyzing data, but when it comes to data entry, there’s no substitute for manual entry. While certain data can be entered using automation, critical business data requires a more hands-on approach. Here are some benefits of manual data entry.
Manual Entry Costs Less than Fatal Errors
Although the up-front costs of manual data entry seem high in comparison to using automation, the value you get in accuracy is worth it. Critical business data is too important to short-change, so this is an investment that will pay dividends in the long-term.
Improve Data Entry Accuracy
Manual data entry is far more accurate than automated entry, but it’s also much more time-consuming. Critical data must be accurate, so businesses cannot risk using automated data entry systems. Humans are better equipped to recognize errors and correct them as they are entering data.
Manual Data Entry Offers More Insight
When entering essential data manually into processing systems, the individual will have more control over it. Some businesses tend to have unique methods of tracking that lead to problems with automated data entry, so manual entry works around those problems.
Manual Entry is More Secure
Some types of data are too important to trust with automated systems. Data that requires confidentiality can be better protected with manual practices. Automated systems are developed with security in mind, but there’s no way to guarantee it. Limiting the information to select people is the best method of ensuring its security.
Better Data Management
Data integrity relies on every step of the process – from gathering to management. Management is the phase when most errors occur. While most data can be filtered using automated processes, critical business data must be managed by people to ensure that its integrity remains intact.
Reduces Data Redundancy
One of the issues with automated data entry is that it leads to a lot of redundancy in data. This is okay with less important information, but critical data cannot afford to be redundant. It needs to contain as few duplicate records as possible. Data entry professionals have methods of protecting against data redundancy.
Allows Proper Data Cleansing
The level of cleansing that data must go through is enormous. With automated systems, this is all done behind the scenes but still takes time. Manual data entry allows for the person to cleanse the data as they are entering it. With critical data, this time, savings has tremendous value.
Benefits of Operator-led Data Entry
Partnering with a professional outsourcing firm has become a popular choice for businesses when it comes to data entry. Certain information needs to be entered manually, but, in most cases, it’s not enough to justify structuring an in-house team. So, outsourcing these limited data entry tasks will benefit your business.
Never Lose Focus of Business Opportunities
One of the biggest reasons to outsource data entry is to free up in-house teams in order to laser focus on the growth of their business. Entrepreneurs who try to do everything in-house tend to miss out on opportunities due to their lack of focus.
More Efficient Data Entry
Professional data entry experts have the experience and tools to provide more efficient data entry than in-house teams. They will make fewer mistakes. Increased efficiency is always preferable.
Lower Costs than Building an In-house Team
At first glance, the cost might look higher, but when you factor in the cost of training, equipment, and labor, then the costs of outsourcing data entry are actually much lower.
Data Will be More Reliable
There is nothing worse than having incorrect data put into a system. Even a small mistake could lead to loss of profit, higher risks, and missed opportunities. Experts are much more reliable and have systems in place to ensure that all data is reliable.
Faster Turnaround Time
In-house data entry usually requires employees to juggle their normal responsibilities with these tasks, so they take longer than a data entry provider. Since data loses value over time, it’s essential to get this done as quickly as possible.
Tap into a Pool of Talent
Data entry and management go hand-in-hand. Outsourcing providers have access to teams who are highly knowledgeable of every aspect of data. Businesses can tap into this pool of talent, ensuring that all of their data sets are compatible with the easy subsequent step of the analytical process.
Infrastructure to Ensure Data Integrity
Much like tapping into a pool of talent, businesses can also tap into the data-centric infrastructure when they partner with a data entry provider. Professionals have the latest technologies, and an infrastructure that’s main focus is to provide accurate data entry services.
Your Data Is Crucial? – Take Expert Assistance
Outsourcing will improve data entry accuracy because experts are able to focus on this task alone, rather than having to juggle several other responsibilities at the same time. Data Entry Outsourced (DEO) is armed with an amazing team of professionals who have the experience and skillset to guarantee the integrity of all data entry services. With DEO’s priority data entry services such as CRM data entry, ERP data entry, invoice data entry, eCommerce data entry, and more, businesses can expect quick turnaround times without compromising the quality of their vital data. Your company’s data is critical to let the right experts handle it. Contact Data Entry Outsourced today!
– Data Entry Outsourced
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