How do you keep your simulation data up to date?

2 Follow data standards and protocols

Another way to keep your simulation data up to date is to follow data standards and protocols that can ensure the quality, consistency, and compatibility of your data. Data standards and protocols are sets of rules and guidelines that define how data should be collected, formatted, documented, and shared. By following data standards and protocols, you can make sure that your simulation data is reliable, accurate, and interoperable with other data sources and tools. You can use existing data standards and protocols, such as ISO, IEC, or IMarEST, or develop your own based on your project requirements and objectives.

3 Update data regularly and incrementally

A third way to keep your simulation data up to date is to update it regularly and incrementally, rather than sporadically and drastically. Updating data regularly and incrementally means that you make small and frequent changes to your data, based on new information, feedback, or results. This way, you can avoid data gaps, errors, or conflicts that might arise from large and infrequent changes. Updating data regularly and incrementally also allows you to monitor and evaluate the impact of your changes, as well as adjust and improve your simulation models and methods.

4 Communicate and collaborate with data stakeholders

A fourth way to keep your simulation data up to date is to communicate and collaborate with data stakeholders, such as clients, partners, suppliers, or regulators. Data stakeholders are the people or entities that have an interest or influence on your simulation data, either as sources, users, or beneficiaries. By communicating and collaborating with data stakeholders, you can ensure that your simulation data meets their expectations, needs, and standards. You can also get feedback, suggestions, or support from data stakeholders, as well as share your simulation data with them for verification, validation, or dissemination.

5 Review and audit your data periodically

A fifth way to keep your simulation data up to date is to review and audit your data periodically, either internally or externally. Reviewing and auditing your data means that you check and verify the quality, accuracy, and relevance of your data, as well as identify and correct any issues or problems. You can use various tools and techniques to review and audit your data, such as data quality metrics, data profiling, data lineage, or data governance. You can also hire external experts or consultants to review and audit your data, especially if you need to comply with certain regulations or standards.

6 Learn and improve from your data

A sixth way to keep your simulation data up to date is to learn and improve from your data, by analyzing, interpreting, and applying your data insights. Learning and improving from your data means that you use your data to enhance your knowledge, skills, and performance, as well as to discover new opportunities, solutions, or innovations. You can use various methods and tools to learn and improve from your data, such as data visualization, data mining, data analytics, or machine learning. You can also share your data insights with others, such as peers, mentors, or communities, to learn and improve from their feedback, experiences, or perspectives.