Data management is the process of gathering, maintaining, and using data. Every organization relies on a variety of data to operate effectively, and it is important that that data is kept secure and functional. As we rely more on digital tools it is more important than ever that we have strong data management practices. Here are three best practices that can aid your business.
1. Security
The main concern every business has about their data should be security. If your organization were to fall victim to a data breach, you’d be at risk of losing important financial and business data as well as risking the privacy of your customers, clients, or users. There are also a variety of data privacy laws, both domestic and international, that you should be aware of. Even if you aren’t subject to these laws they provide a good framework for how secure your data should be. Investing in IT security and data management software can help keep your data safe and prevent a breach from happening. You should also create strong rules for access to your most important files. If something does happen, it’s also important to have a plan in place for remediation.
2. Quality and De-duplication
Have you ever gone searching for a file and instead found data from several years ago? Keeping your data up-to-date and removing old information is a good way to streamline your data and keep your systems operating efficiently. The same goes for duplicate data. Duplicate contact information can make it difficult to properly segment lists, see who your clients are, or update records. By regularly cleaning up your data you can improve the overall functions of your business.
3. Recovery
No business is completely immune to accidents or malicious cyber activity. Because of this, it is essential that you create a plan for data recovery. Employ the use of backups, document the tasks and responsible parties needed for data recovery, and train your staff on policies and procedures. Having an IT expert involved in the creation of your plan and the execution of it if data loss does occur will also help ensure your business can get up and running quickly.
Data management is one aspect of your organizations’ larger technology and business strategies. It is important to look at all areas of your business holistically to see where you need to make improvements or cover gaps. If you need help with your IT strategy, contact Tech Networks of Boston to talk about your needs.
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