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3.2.2-4 Data Verification

Data Accuracy

When we collect data, we need to perform checks to ensure it is accurate or reasonable.

Data which is incorrect may lead to:

  • Poor decision-making: managers might make choices based on wrong information (e.g. stocking products customers don’t want.
  • Financial loss: money could be wasted on the wrong products, services, or marketing campaigns.
  • Damaged reputation: if customers receive incorrect bills or communications, they may lose trust in the business.
  • Legal issues: incorrect data (e.g. customer details, payment information) could lead to breaches of regulations such as GDPR.
  • Loss of efficiency: staff may waste time fixing mistakes or chasing inaccurate leads.
  • Customer dissatisfaction: customers may receive the wrong orders, poor service, or irrelevant promotions.

Data Verification checks if entered data is correct.


Methods of Verification

Double-Entry

Data double-entry
  • Data is entered twice
  • Both entries are compared
  • If both entries are the same, the data is accepted as being correct
  • When creating a password on a website, you are asked to type it in twice to see if the passwords match.

Example: you place an order at a takeaway. The staff read it back to you before the order is accepted.

Manual Check

Data manual-check
  • Data is entered once
  • Before it is accepted, a human checks if the information is correct
  • The data is only accepted if the human confirms it is correct

Example: you place an order at a takeaway. The staff read it back to you before the order is accepted.

Quick Quiz

Click the purple circle to select your answer

What is one disadvantage of manual-check verification?

It is fully automated and can’t be adjusted
It relies on human judgement and can be slow or error-prone
It cannot be used with paper forms
It requires complex software