Data is vital for modern businesses and can be a lifeline when it comes time to make business decisions. There are many types of data available, including customer data, financial data and inventory data. These data are used by businesses for strategic planning and everyday operations. Data can be described as a collection or measurements, numbers, observations, and other information that is converted into data that a computer can read. A database is simply a collection of information that can be read by a computer. Machine-readable data, on the other hand, is structured and machine-readable. Human-readable figures are generally unstructured and easy to interpret.
While some companies employ an in-house team of data collectors to gather information from different sources, others prefer to have it done by a professional firm. Many quality companies offer data collection services to their clients. They use fast and efficient technologies to gather and improve the quality of data while reducing the labor Smart Data Collective burden for their clients. They use tablets and laptops to collect data and create quantitative figures.
There are a few main categories that data can be divided into, as shown below.
Personal data- This is information that can be considered personal and includes details such as demographics, date of birth, phone number, email address, etc. This data can be used to research customers’ changing tastes and preferences.
Transactional data- This type of data is only generated after an action, such as visiting a website or clicking on an ad. These data are collected via Google Analytics or an internal capture system.
Website Data- Website data can be gathered by browsing any website, and it is displayed publicly. Website data can include competitor reports, government reports, and business analysis. This information is used to understand market sentiments and government policies.
Sensor Data- this data is collected by electronic devices, such as smartwatches to measure pulse rate and devices that measure weather conditions. This database allows machines to make smart decisions based on the data they receive.
There are distinct advantages to electronic data collection over manual collection. Below are some of the benefits:
Automated- Businesses can automate data capture by using electronic data collection software. They can automate invoices and process forms faster.
Accuracy- Modern data collection tools can accurately collect data and then store it in a structured way. These data are easy to find and can be used for smart analysis and decision making.
You can save time by capturing data electronically. It is easy to fill in data and save it because it is automated without any manual intervention.
It is cost-effective- Electronic data collection takes less time than manual, which makes it more economical. As a result, there is a significant decrease in costs.
Accessible and easy to use – Electronic data collection solutions store and collect that information in a synchronized way. This allows for easy access to all stakeholders, even multiple users, and makes it possible to share the information with them.
Andrew Hudson is a 15-year veteran as a senior product manager at Damco Software Solutions, a top product engineering company that leverages innovation in product/application design, ITES services and software QA and Testing, legacy system modernization and strategic consulting.