Do you think about the new names you add to the database each year? Probably not; the process to input names is so automated that it is easy to forget the importance of actually looking at the data.
Use of scanners and match back files to capture data are efficient. But, what does that data look like? At the cost of bringing a new name to your organization, can you afford to lose money due of someone else’s data issues?
Every organization has its own data format guidelines. Some are more stringent than others. If your organization's support comes from donors who are military or religious, it is essential that the title fields be verified after processing acquisition data.
Hence, a New Year’s resolution for 2011:
Do a thorough 'spring cleaning' of your data at least once a year to maintain the value of the investment and the long-term relationship with your new donor.
-Gail
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