Data Entry
Data entry is the process of digitizing data by entering it into a computer system for organization and management purposes. It is a person-based process and is “one of the important basic” tasks needed when no machine-readable version of the information is readily available for planned computer-based analysis or processing. Sometimes what is needed is “information about information (that) can be greater than the value of the information itself.” It can also involve filling in required information which is then “data-entered” from what was written on the research document, such as the growth in available items in a category. This is a higher level of abstraction than metadata,” information about data.” Common errors in data entry include transposition errors, misclassified data, duplicate data, and omitted data, which are similar to bookkeeping errors.
Procedures
Data entry is often done with a keyboard and at times also using a mouse, although a manually-fed scanner may be involved. Historically, devices lacking any pre-processing capabilities were used.
Data managements
The search for assurance about the accuracy of the data entry process predates computer keyboards and online data entry. IBM even went beyond their 056 Card Verifier and developed their quieter IBM 059 model. Modern techniques go beyond mere range checks, especially when the new data can be evaluated using probability about an event.
How To Enter The Data Entry Industry
Barriers to entry in the data entry industry are not very high, and it does not require a stringent training process. When preparing for a career in data entry, it can be beneficial to gain practical experience to help you in the role. To gain experience in the data entry field, consider these steps:
Pursue an education. Typically, data entry does not require higher education, but you can look for educational opportunities through high school and college classes or through technical training sessions and workshops to improve your prospects in this industry.
Complete an internship to decide if the career path suits you. Volunteering or interning in a data entry role can help you to make professional contacts in the field. This will give you first-hand information of what exactly is a data entry job and will help you make an informed career choice.
Obtain certifications. You can obtain certification to improve your job prospects in this industry. Certifications in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and other software which are typically used in data entry industry can accelerate your entry in data entry space.
Responsibilities Of A Data Entry Job Role
A typical data entry job will include the following responsibilities:
: Prepare and sort data files for data entry
: Compile, verify accuracy and sort information to prepare source data for computer entry
: Review data for any potential errors or deficiencies, check any incompatibilities between various data sources and make sure the data being inputted is error free
: Create data backups as part of contingency plan
: Provide data to authorized members in a timely manner whenever a request is raised.
Types Of Data Entry Jobs
Here are the two types data entry jobs and features of each:
Remote data entry
: As a remote data entry operator, you will not be required to work from office premises, and you can actually deliver your assignments from any of your preferred locations.
: You will have the liberty of choosing your own working hours.
: Typically, a remote data entry operator is not paid on an hourly basis but on per project or per keystrokes during a specified period.
: Employers’ priorities reliability and ability to complete tasks in a timely fashion in remote workers. This is the reason that you will typically be evaluated on your performance and not on your work history.
: You can earn some extra income by working as a part-time remote data entry operator along with your full time job in any other industry or while pursuing your academic degree.
: Related: Data Entry Operator Responsibilities and Requirements
In-House data entry
: In an In-house data entry job, you will be required to carry out your responsibilities from office premises.
: If you work in an In-house data entry job, you are likely to be paid on a monthly basis.
: An In-house data entry job is more likely to be a full time job, and you will receive other benefits like health insurance, paid time-off and pension benefits.
: You can also expect some employment benefits that will be linked to your performance based on speed, accuracy and reliability of your data entry.
How To Succeed in the Data entry field
You need a variety of skills to succeed as a data entry operator. As a data entry operator does almost all of his work on a computer, you will need to spend a lot of time on your computer to develop those abilities. Follow the below steps to excel in data entry job:
- Improve your language skills. English language skills are essential to work in data entry industry. Grammar skills, Punctuation skills and strong reading comprehension skills are also necessary to succeed in data entry industry. You can improve your language by practicing reading and writing in English and by taking any English language course.
- Become a better typist. Good typing speed is the most important skill that is required in data entry field. To increase your typing speed, you can simply practice typing in any kind of typing software like Microsoft Word while you time your typing speed. There are a lot of online resources like games to increase your typing speed which you can practice on. Practice till you reach a typing speed of at least 35 words per minute.
- Gain computer skills. You will need to know how to enter data, edit data and save your work in various computer programs to secure your employment in data entry industry. You can consider taking online tutorials on popular computer programs like Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word which are readily available on internet. It could also be helpful to learn about various other office equipment that pair with computers like scanner and printer. There are many free online tutorials that can help you learn how to use office equipment effectively.
- Bolster your interpersonal skills. As a data entry operator, you will need to communicate with employers and colleagues during your data entry projects. You can use a variety of online resources like articles and tutorials to learn about interpersonal skills and then practice them by applying techniques like role-play.
