The process of organizing data management involves maintaining research materials and other files in a structure that makes it simple for them to be discovered and comprehended. This involves labeling and arranging files to make it easier to find them, connecting materials and files in a meaningful way and ensuring that descriptions and metadata can be clearly linked to and associated with the files.
It is essential to consider how the files will be organized and labeled, whether they are stored in the form of a hierarchy of folders, or as individual files. It is crucial to choose a consistent name system for files. This will help you identify all your information straight from the source and materials at a later time. A short text or README file that is added to the folder may be useful.
It is crucial to plan out the hierarchy of folders and the naming conventions prior to starting any project. These practices should be documented, shared with colleagues and included in the documentation on onboarding for new members of the research team.
A good data governance system will save a company money by enhancing transparency and reducing waste. Data errors can be costly for organizations. It is estimated that incomplete or inaccurate data can cost US companies between 15 and 25 percent of their revenue. Adopting dependable software that assists in the creation and cataloging of data can help alleviate these problems.