Newton's First Law
Part of Newton's First Law states that "...an object in motion stays in motion..." What does this have to do with data management? Quite a bit, actually.
One of the many challenges of data management is the constant grind of keeping data clean. (I refer to this as "weeding the garden.") With most of my clients, I see one of two approaches:
- Updating data consistently and constantly, always staying on top of the data.
- Running big projects periodically (usually once annually or longer) to clean up the data.
The difference between the two is that once we start cleaning, it's easier to maintain that (keeping the object in motion) than it is to start and execute a huge data clean up project once every couple of years. In addition, weeding the garden consistently keeps your data cleaner longer, which is better.
But the key is getting that object in motion. Implementing and executing a consistent data cleaning program is tough, but once you've got it moving, it's likely to keep moving.
So the choice is yours: get the object moving now and keep it moving, or let it sit and see how difficult it will be to start the object when you haven't moved it in years!
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
Patience and grace
Patience and grace A past client of mine recently told me: “You inspire confidence and …
Sometimes you just have to try it and see what happens
Sometimes you just have to try it and see what happens The single greatest key …
Sometimes you just have to try it and see what happens Read More »
Training and testing
Training and testing I’ve written before that the best form of training follows this process: …
How to save a “failing” project
How to save a “failing” project It is not unusual for me to receive a …
How to avoid the “IT black hole”
How to avoid the “IT black hole” Going all the way back to my days …
The “People” are important!
The “People” are important! I’ve written a lot about people, process, and technology over the …
Always look for the MVP
Always look for the MVP I first wrote about minimum viable product (MVP) just three …
The longer you take, the longer it will take
The longer you take, the longer it will take It may sound like a tautology, …
Data is for action
Data is for action When deciding whether or not to collect a piece of data, …
Have you shopped yourself?
Have you shopped yourself? I’ve always been fascinated by the “secret shopper” concept. (Maybe it’s …