Looking for Data Cleaning Tools…Things to Remember
Requirements of every organization are different data cleansing tools when it comes to. A variety of factors count such as size of the organization, type, business or industry methodologies and need of or dependence on high quality data. In addition, needs many be varied but the way they are tackled by different vendors is almost the same; nonetheless, some offer more cost effectiveness, precision and efficiency than the others. Therefore, while opting for tools that can help an organization in maintaining a clan data; these two factors hold equal significance.
Nonetheless, the process of adopting data cleaning tools is still slow. According to estimates every year the global market for data cleaning tools earns approximately US$ 1 Billion. This means that there are many companies who have not yet automated their systems to cleanse the data. It is because those organizations are still not aware of the procedure that they can follow. In this regard following information can be helpful:
Analysis of Business Needs
The process of acquiring data cleansing tools should begin with the evaluation process. One of the common mistakes that most organizations repeat is to buy the technology long before company specific needs are determined. It is therefore advised that a high-level data cleaning need assessment should be carried out. The objectives of such assessment should be to;
Simple though it may seem, yet there may be certain other details that require further pondering or expertise. To come out of this process successfully, businesses can also hire a short time expert consultant that can assist in a speedy and precise assessment. The expert can also execute training for the staff.
Structural & Environmental Aspects
Another aspect that needs to be considered is systematic or organizational culture. Businesses must consider that how well various products can amalgamate with the structural design of the organization. It must also be considered if the tools support the type of services that are offered by the organization to its customers. From the economical point of view things such as pre and after sales support, license, and training and ongoing maintenance expenditure should also be kept in mind.
Inviting RFPs
After business processes have been assessed and specific needs are shortlisted, it is a worthwhile decision that organization invite request for proposals (RFPs) clearly defining business requirements and technology needs. Inviting RFPs has two main benefits; it gives vendors a clear idea of a company’s business needs and they can determine if their product meets them or not, secondly, it provides the organization with a frame work to assess and compare vendors and their suitability. Based on that framework vendors can be shortlisted.
Short Listing Vendors
Close scrutiny of RFPs will help sift those vendors whose products do not match the business requirements. Special attention should be paid on short listing remaining vendors and their products. This should be followed by meetings with them and giving them an opportunity to present a technical and detailed proposal. At this stage also it is not a bad idea to hire an expert consultant with experience in data cleansing tools. The final step in this stage is to test the products over company’s own data sets. Not only product’s performance should be monitored but it should also be noticed that how well staff have adopted them.
To Conclude
What gives edge to one product over others is more than its functionality particularly when data cleansing tools are increasingly becoming a commodity. Apart from functionality, cost, vendor reputation, stability, capacity building skills as well as prospective team members to handle that technology should be given a careful thought. If an organization is adopting data cleaning tools it must make sure that it has done its homework in analysis of business needs and development of suitable RFPs before making a final decision. Click on http://dataladder.com/ to know more on data cleaning tools and technologies.
Nonetheless, the process of adopting data cleaning tools is still slow. According to estimates every year the global market for data cleaning tools earns approximately US$ 1 Billion. This means that there are many companies who have not yet automated their systems to cleanse the data. It is because those organizations are still not aware of the procedure that they can follow. In this regard following information can be helpful:
Analysis of Business Needs
The process of acquiring data cleansing tools should begin with the evaluation process. One of the common mistakes that most organizations repeat is to buy the technology long before company specific needs are determined. It is therefore advised that a high-level data cleaning need assessment should be carried out. The objectives of such assessment should be to;
- Short list those business sections or components that are suffering because of data quality problems
- Recognize those data constituents that are vital for the successful implementation of those business components
- Analyse errors and risks that can happen
- Measure business impact linked with each of those errors
- Prioritize issues that can have major impact on business
- Reflect on those data cleansing changes that can minimize the negative impact
Simple though it may seem, yet there may be certain other details that require further pondering or expertise. To come out of this process successfully, businesses can also hire a short time expert consultant that can assist in a speedy and precise assessment. The expert can also execute training for the staff.
Structural & Environmental Aspects
Another aspect that needs to be considered is systematic or organizational culture. Businesses must consider that how well various products can amalgamate with the structural design of the organization. It must also be considered if the tools support the type of services that are offered by the organization to its customers. From the economical point of view things such as pre and after sales support, license, and training and ongoing maintenance expenditure should also be kept in mind.
Inviting RFPs
After business processes have been assessed and specific needs are shortlisted, it is a worthwhile decision that organization invite request for proposals (RFPs) clearly defining business requirements and technology needs. Inviting RFPs has two main benefits; it gives vendors a clear idea of a company’s business needs and they can determine if their product meets them or not, secondly, it provides the organization with a frame work to assess and compare vendors and their suitability. Based on that framework vendors can be shortlisted.
Short Listing Vendors
Close scrutiny of RFPs will help sift those vendors whose products do not match the business requirements. Special attention should be paid on short listing remaining vendors and their products. This should be followed by meetings with them and giving them an opportunity to present a technical and detailed proposal. At this stage also it is not a bad idea to hire an expert consultant with experience in data cleansing tools. The final step in this stage is to test the products over company’s own data sets. Not only product’s performance should be monitored but it should also be noticed that how well staff have adopted them.
To Conclude
What gives edge to one product over others is more than its functionality particularly when data cleansing tools are increasingly becoming a commodity. Apart from functionality, cost, vendor reputation, stability, capacity building skills as well as prospective team members to handle that technology should be given a careful thought. If an organization is adopting data cleaning tools it must make sure that it has done its homework in analysis of business needs and development of suitable RFPs before making a final decision. Click on http://dataladder.com/ to know more on data cleaning tools and technologies.