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Another contributor to this cycle of doom is outdated queries and reports.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 And if the reports are out of date or inaccurate, they can also lead to staff doubting the data.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

It’s not the mistakes, but how you respond

February 19, 2025

It’s not the mistakes, but how you respond Recently a client was complaining about a bug that […]

The hidden costs of bad data

February 12, 2025

The hidden costs of bad data Nobody likes bad data, and presumably we’re all working […]

Don’t let your customers edit their names online!

February 5, 2025

Don’t let your customers edit their names online! This issue came up recently and I […]

Once is an accident, twice is coincidence, three times is a pattern.

January 29, 2025

Once is an accident, twice is coincidence, three times is a pattern. We’ve probably all […]

“Every association does this.”

January 22, 2025

“Every association does this.” One of the most significant values I bring to my clients […]

Trust your gut

January 15, 2025

Trust your gut When I help associations with selection of a new technology system (e.g., […]

“People more frequently require to be reminded than informed.”

January 8, 2025

“People more frequently require to be reminded than informed.” “People more frequently require to be […]

Problems without solutions are not problems, they are facts of life

December 18, 2024

Problems without solutions are not problems, they are facts of life “Problems without solutions are […]

Perfect is not possible

December 11, 2024

Perfect is not possible We’ve all heard the phrase “Perfect is the enemy of good” and […]

“Different” isn’t necessarily better or worse.

December 4, 2024

“Different” isn’t necessarily better or worse. One of the biggest challenges I face when working […]

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.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

Scroll to Top