8 Common Data Entry Errors

– and How to Avoid Them

One major part of a business that can affect operational activities and, in particular, the profits is data entry. It is an underrated part of business operations; but, it is an essential business operation like every other business operation. Learn about common data entry errors and ways to avoid them. Emphasis on its relevance explains how more attention should be as much as there is data entry software that helps with automatic data entry. Still, certain data entry operations need to be dealt with, and humans are in charge.

Because humans are in charge of the manual aspects of data entry, there is a high chance and potential for data entry errors. Humans would always make mistakes. It is important to note that there is no room for errors in data entry, and every data entry should be handled meticulously to avoid mistakes. Most businesses outsource data entry services because they understand the importance of having an error-free data entry operation.

Data entry mistakes are too costly, and the negative impact it has on the profits of a business makes it impossible for business owners to ignore them. Outsourced Data entry service providers can also make these mistakes, but it is vital to know the type of errors made and how to avoid them best.

Data entry errors due to ambiguity are usually due to overlooking small details; they occur in, for example, date formats. Suppose a company follows the European date format of DD/MM/YY. In this case, it is easy for whoever is making the entries to use the MM/DD/YY format, which would lead to costly mistakes. Company formats and codes should guide data entry.

Another big problem associated with data entry is a lack of organizational skills. This is common amongst those that are new to data entry operations; they usually lack the skills to enter data into the system in an organized manner. If the work environment of whoever makes the data entries requires organization, there is always a high chance for data entry errors.

You should make sure you use folders to classify the data inputted and sort by the name of the index and have a well-arranged work area.

This mistake is avoidable and, at the same time, easy to make. In a company, for example, a bike rental company has specific codes that they use to recognize the bikes, and they are recorded accordingly. Then, they improve the codes, but they do not update this on their database; this would lead to errors because the new and old updates would overlap and at documentations would not be up-to-date. There is a new development in data entry codes, and it is expected that updates are made to remain consistent.

The errors due to value representation consistency are not always easily detected because the said “incorrect” value might be technically correct. In a situation where the word of choice in a field is “free-form,” and the term used is “free form,” they look the same but mean different things. Also, in a case where an integer replaces decimals, for example, “1” replaces “1.0”. They have the same value but could mean different things.

Every value, words, and figures used must be consistent all through the data documented.

The documentation of data in a fast manner is essential. Speed helps with efficiency, but it is best to be quick and also be accurate. Data entry service providers sometimes make the mistake of choosing speed over accuracy, which inevitably leads to errors. Rushing data entry is never healthy.

When planning for a project, you should set deadlines; you can meet up with, and if you cannot meet the deadline, do not rush. It is better to have accurate data to finish on time and have many mistakes.

One of the ways data errors happen is because the personnel handling data entry is not skilled enough. Due to lack of proper training when companies outsource data entry services, there is a high potential for data entry errors. It is expected that the company trains outsourced data service providers. The essence of this training is to make sure the service providers are familiar with the data entry formats the company wants. Also, it should be sure that handling data entry should be highly skilled to avoid errors.

When data entry service providers are tasked to finish a vast bulk of projects at a stretch, it is almost impossible for them not to zone out and lose concentration. Lack of focus would lead to personnel handling data entry to input the wrong values, words, or figures. It would also make them misread information.

All this would lead to a high number of errors and cost the business a lot. Data entry service providers should find a way to remain focused and avoid overloading while entering data to prevent mistakes.

Transposition errors occur when numbers and words are swapped unintentionally; this would lead to incorrect sequences. This occurs when personnel are rushing, or they are overloaded with projects. This can be avoided by double-checking and also paying more attention to being more accurate than finishing up on time.

Data losses are due to human errors. These errors, as stated earlier, they can be easily avoided if you follow the tips that this article covers. Data entry mistakes are not limited to the mistakes listed here but these are the common data entry mistakes. To improve data entry accuracy, data entry service providers should make use of more automated systems to help with data entry and less manual work. This would help to reduce errors and improve accuracy. Also, the data entry processes utilized should be streamlined; this would make it easier for the accuracy of data to be monitored and thereby reducing errors.

Author
JOYDEEP

Joydeep Singha is the Founder at AskDataEntry – India’s leading online virtual administration services provider for businesses and individuals. He is a seasoned marketing professional who is an expert in digital marketing and entrepreneurship.