Electronic Data Collection

2007-10-15 12:53:47

( Computers )



Importance of Data Collection

Almost all organizations need data in order to operate properly according to their goals. For instance, school data on grades, ages, family profiles, health condition, and mental abilities of enrollees will help the school determine academic and counseling needs of their students. Traffic enforcers need to know the exact number of vehicles passing through a major intersection each hour, so that they can devise ways to enhance traffic flow efficiency.

Some information also need to be shared among different organizations and agencies. For instance, lenders and credit agencies mutually share data regarding customers' credit histories. Researchers gather data, interpret them, and translate them into useful information.

Benefits of Electronic Data Collection

With today's advances in technology, data collection as well as its integration and storage can be done in seconds. After the data is collected, the system can then make statistical calculations and integrate all information, in order to establish significant relationship between different sets of data.

Through electronic data storage, you can maintain millions of bytes of data right in your computer or in disk form. There is no need to provide extra space in your office just for maintaining data files.

It is also possible to classify your data into different categories, and to devise a system for easy search and retrieval of stored data.

You can also use electronic data interchange systems to transmit and share your stored data with other users. If you have an existing network, other areas of your organization can also view and use data from the same source for their needs.

And with electronic data capture, you can extract information that you have previously stored, and then reuse them in preparing documents or forms. Information filled out on a driver's license application can be captured and uploaded to the finished product - the driver's license.

Perhaps the most important benefit of electronic data collection is a significant reduction in errors. Manually transferring data from one place to another increases the likelihood of errors. While errors can still occur during the entry stage of electronic data collection, they can be detected and corrected almost immediately.

Tips in Setting Up Your Electronic Data Collection System

Before setting up your electronic data collection system, you need to determine your goals for doing so. You need to identify your needs and purposes for using specific data, as well as the processes involved. You need to make sure that the system is well within your budget limits, too.

If you have no experience in setting up your electronic data collection system, it will be best to consult an expert on the matter. There are many reliable consultants whom you can locate in the local yellow pages or on the internet.


All rights Reserved © Tradenet Services srl
Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.