Here is why you need someone to clean your data.

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1)??? Cleaning the data, by which I mean making sure that there are no duplicates, all data is correct, and anything that should be deleted is deleted is probably 23rd on your list of things to do.? It’s on the list and unlikely to drop off the list, but it’s not high up on the list.? However, it never will climb the list.? When you do the first 22 things, 22 other things will fill their spots.? After that happens a few times, you might have a better understanding of the need to bring someone in.

2)??? There are people who rely on that data to ‘just be there’ and to ‘just be right.’? As usual, I use the word ‘just’ as though it’s a small thing, when it’s actually a big thing.? There are people who need this data whose ability to do their jobs will be compromised if the data isn’t ‘just there’ and right.? However, it’s not their job to keep the data clean.? They’re too busy doing their jobs with the data, which brings me to the final reason, which is actually quite universal

3)??? If it’s nobody’s day job to do it, it won’t get done.? This is true for most things.? If you want something done, it needs to be specifically part of someone’s understanding of what is their job and what are they paid to do.? It also cannot simply be tacked onto their existing job that’s already a full time job.? Unless you specifically assign it to someone, and make it a high priorit for them – ahead of other things – it won’t be a high priority for anyone.?

How have you dealt with your data being inaccurate, incomplete, or hard to work with for any reason?? Do you need help with this?? Let me know in the comments!