ifsm 300 disc resp 2

1/20/22, 10:33 AM Characteristics of Quality Data

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Characteristics of Quality Data

People depend on the systems they use to contain high-quality data. If they find the data

to be wrong, outdated, or incomplete, they begin to distrust the system and will likely

stop using it. If the data in the system is personally important to the individual, such as

the data in payroll or medical systems, then there is a strong need to have it corrected as

quickly as possible.

What are the characteristics of good-quality data? There are a variety of characteristics,

but we will focus on six. Let's look at the data that may be in a payroll system and how

each of the characteristics of quality data are important, and consider an example of each.

Accuracy – Is the information correct? For example, is the annual salary correct?

Completeness – Is all the information there? For example, if overtime was worked, is

it included?

Timeliness – Is the information current and pertaining to a specific, identified time

period? Does the payroll data pertain to the current pay period? For example, is old,

outdated data used, which could change the amount paid to the employee?

Uniqueness – Does each record have its own individual identifier (often referred to

as a unique identifier)? Does the payroll record apply to a specific individual? For

example, does a specific payroll record pertain to a specific employee?

Validity – Is the information appropriate for defined parameters? Is the data in the

payroll record based on the acceptable ranges? For example, is the hourly rate within

the accepted range and is the number of hours worked reasonable?

Consistency – Does the data correctly align with other data in the system? For

example, if the employee is a salaried employee does the payroll record reflect that

vs. hourly employee data?

It is important that the data in information systems is of high quality. As systems are

developed, the testing should include ensuring that the quality of data is maintained

throughout the system, from its source to the final output. Therefore, data needs to have

Learning Resource

1/20/22, 10:33 AM Characteristics of Quality Data

https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/622997/viewContent/25150598/View 2/2

these characteristics when it is entered into the system. The data entry process should

include validation that it meets these quality attributes, and then it needs to be protected

as it resides in and flows through the system. If any of these characteristics are missing,

the system must be analyzed to discover where the problem lies. The correction may be

as simple as fixing an individual record; or, if it is not clear where the problem lies, the

system may be considered unreliable overall and may need to be taken offline until

corrections are applied. When migrating data to a new system, it is also important to

maintain accuracy and integrity. Inconsistency or redundancy in data will reduce the

acceptance of a new system by users. Part of a system implementation plan should

include specifics about how data will be transferred, entered, and verified to ensure a high

degree of accuracy (often referenced as a data migration plan).

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