Don’t just clean data, clean reports and queries

Don't just clean data, clean reports and queries

One of the reasons I exhort my clients to keep their data as clean as possible is because, over time, "dirty" data causes users to doubt the accuracy of all the data in the system. And when users doubt the data, they'll start using their own systems to manage data, and your data will get worse over time (I call this the cycle of doom.)

Another contributor to this cycle of doom is outdated queries and reports.

In my experience, almost all of my clients are in the habit of creating new queries and reports, but not cleaning out the old ones. Over time that creates a lot of queries and reports that staff has to wade through. (A client recently told me they have over 400 reports and queries in their current system!) And if the reports are out of date or inaccurate, they can also lead to staff doubting the data.

So my recommendation is simple: On a periodic basis (at least twice a year), review all of your saved queries and reports, and get rid of the ones that are no longer used or no longer accurate.

Bonus tip: if you can't decide if a report or query is being used or not, hide it (i.e., don't delete it but make it invisible to users). If no one asks "Where is that report?" you'll know it's no longer in use!

Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives

Another universal truth

September 10, 2025

Another universal truth There are many universal truths in data management. Some examples: You will […]

Don’t miss this year’s DAN Science Fair!

September 3, 2025

Don’t miss this year’s DAN Science Fair! I’m taking a break from my weekly tips […]

Just start. And it’s never done.

August 27, 2025

Just start. And it’s never done. Last week I had the opportunity to lead a […]

Don’t ask if you’re not going to answer!

August 20, 2025

Don’t ask if you’re not going to answer! In the past week, on three different […]

Seek forgiveness rather than permission

August 6, 2025

Seek forgiveness rather than permission “Seek forgiveness, not permission.” I can’t remember when I first […]

Is a 360 degree view necessary?

July 30, 2025

Is a 360 degree view necessary? “A 360 degree view of our members should NOT […]

Why data matters

July 23, 2025

Why data matters I write about data because managing our data effectively will help us […]

It’s about process

July 16, 2025

It’s about process I’m in the midst of adding an AI agent to my website […]

Data integrity reports

July 9, 2025

Data integrity reports I speak and write a lot about data integrity reports. So I […]

The most important training tip

June 25, 2025

The most important training tip I’ve been sitting in a lot of database training sessions […]

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top