How do you test and validate print production data and analytics?

1 Define your goals and metrics

Before you start collecting and analyzing data, you need to define what you want to measure and why. What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect your print production objectives and challenges? How will you track and report them? How will you use them to make informed decisions and improve your processes? Having clear and specific goals and metrics will help you focus your data collection and analysis efforts and avoid wasting time and resources on irrelevant or misleading data.

2 Choose the right tools and methods

Depending on your goals and metrics, you may need different tools and methods to collect and analyze print production data and analytics. For example, you may use barcode scanners, RFID tags, sensors, or software to capture data from your machines, materials, and products. You may use spreadsheets, dashboards, or specialized software to store, organize, and visualize data. You may use descriptive, predictive, or prescriptive analytics to interpret data and generate insights. You should choose the tools and methods that suit your needs, budget, and capabilities, and that can integrate with your existing systems and workflows.

3 Test and validate your data quality

Data quality is essential for reliable and meaningful print production data and analytics. Poor data quality can lead to inaccurate, incomplete, or inconsistent results that can compromise your decision making and performance. Therefore, you should test and validate your data quality regularly and systematically. You should check for data errors, anomalies, outliers, duplicates, or missing values. You should verify that your data sources, formats, and definitions are consistent and compatible. You should also ensure that your data collection and analysis methods are valid, reliable, and unbiased.

4 Review and refine your data strategy

Testing and validating print production data and analytics is not a one-time activity. It is an ongoing process that requires constant review and refinement. You should monitor and evaluate your data performance and outcomes regularly and compare them with your goals and metrics. You should identify and address any gaps, issues, or opportunities for improvement. You should also keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in print production data and analytics, and adapt your data strategy accordingly.

5 Communicate and act on your data insights

The ultimate purpose of testing and validating print production data and analytics is to generate actionable insights that can help you improve your print production processes, products, and services. However, insights alone are not enough. You need to communicate them effectively to the relevant stakeholders, such as managers, employees, customers, or suppliers. You need to use clear, concise, and compelling language, visuals, and stories to convey your data findings and recommendations. You also need to act on your data insights promptly and consistently, and measure the impact of your actions on your print production performance.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?