Data management is about keeping research materials and documents in a way that allows them to be discovered and understood. This includes labeling and arranging files to make it easier to locate them, linking materials and files in a meaningful way and making sure that descriptions and metadata can be clearly linked and correlated with the files.
It is essential to consider how the files will be organized and labelled, whether they are stored in an orderly system of folders or as individual files. Choosing a consistent file naming system can ensure that all materials and data can be easily identified customary data room at a later time and it is important to remember that many disciplines have their own guidelines for this. A short text or README file can be added to the folder.
It is essential to figure out the folder hierarchy as well as the naming conventions prior beginning any project. These practices should be documented and shared with colleagues and could be incorporated into the documentation required for new members of the research team.
Good data governance can save a business money over the long term by increasing transparency and eliminating waste. Data errors can be costly for businesses. It is estimated that incomplete or inaccurate data can cost US companies between 15 and 25% of their annual revenue. The adoption of reliable software that assists in the creation, cataloging, and management of data will help to reduce these issues.