Data Quality

CHAPTER ;

Sources of Inaccurate Data

Before we can assess data correctness we need to understand the various ways

inaccurate values get into databases. There are many sources of data inaccura-

cies, and each contributes its own part to the total data quality problem.

Understanding these sources will demonstrate the need for a comprehensive

program of assessment, monitoring, and improvement. Having highly accu-

rate data requires attention to all sources of inaccuracies and appropriate

responses and tools for each.

Figure 3.1 shows the four general areas where inaccuracies occur. The

first three cause ...