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Basics of Data Management |
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Written by Efficiency Engineers
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1. Eliminate repeating data - this is the same data stored in separate columns of a table. For instance, fields named Item1, Item2, Item3, etc. This makes retrieving data much more difficult and is just plain unnecessary now that relational database structures have replaced flat-file processing.
2. Avoid redundant data - don't store the same piece of information in multiple places. This could be as obvious as storing an item description in multiple places, or more subtle like storing calculated values like an Invoice Total when that data can and should be calculated from the line items when it is needed.
3. Use consistent formatting - beware of differences in formatted data like phone numbers, zip codes and dates. Inconsistencies can be confusing and affect the sorting and matching of data.
4. Use naming conventions - this helps to make table and field names more predictable and more easily interpreted. Consistency is the key here more so than the actual convention chosen.
5. Be aware of the difference between a null value and a blank value - null should be used for values that are unknown, whereas blank or empty values are for information that is known to be nothing. These values may look the same at a glance, but behave differently in queries and searches.
Efficiency Engineers’ mission is to provide the framework for every client to achieve optimal operational excellence using data driven decision making. They can be reached at (610) 954 – 0733 or visit www.efficiencyengineers.com.
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