One of our programmers recently worked on a large project that involved multiple data files. Throughout the term of the project, the client struggled to send complete, clean, data which made it extremely difficult for our team to successfully complete the tasks and meet project deadlines. The data issues caused the project schedule to be delayed by 2 months, resulting in unexpected extra work for the development team, and a hefty increase in the project budget.
Data quality is of central importance to enterprises that rely on data for maintaining their operations. For example, businesses need to make sure that accurate invoices are delivered to the right customers.
Here are some reasons why providing clean data is so important.
- Avoid costly errors: Data cleansing is the single best solution for steering clear of the costs that crop up when organizations are busy processing errors, correcting incorrect data, or troubleshooting. Data errors can lead to numerous problems, including wasted printing costs, deliverability errors, delays, misleading and inaccurate customer metrics, incorrect interpretation of test outcomes, and missed marketing opportunities.
- Happier customers/fewer frustrated employees: Fewer errors mean happier customers, longer term client relationships, and fewer frustrated employees.
- Improves Efficiency: Clean data can also ensure the highest returns on email or postal campaigns as chances of encountering outdated addresses are very low.
Increases Productivity: Having clean data prevents the project team from using out-of-date information or creating invalid vendor files in the system. We understand that many times data is sourced from areas that are outside of your control. Sometimes legislative/regulatory issues mandate that documents be sent to recipients formatted exactly as prescribed. However, when permissible, QuestMark can integrate data cleansing and/or special handling for communications that are identified as having irregular data.
Clean data is important not only for project efficiency, but also for project budget. QuestMark is ready to work with you on a data cleansing strategy. If you would like more information, please contact your QuestMark project manager.
