Data management is about keeping research materials and documents in a manner that makes it easy for them to be found and comprehended. This includes arranging and labeling documents to make them easy to find as well as ensuring that the files and materials that are linked are connected in a meaningful manner and ensuring that metadata and descriptions are clearly linked to and associated with the files.
No matter if the files are stored in a folder hierarchy or as individual files, it is important to think through how they will be arranged and labeled. Selecting a consistent naming system can help ensure that all data and materials are easily identifiable at a later date, and it is important to remember that different disciplines have their own guidelines for this. A brief text or README file that is added to the folder can also be beneficial.
It is essential to figure out the folder hierarchy as well as the naming conventions prior beginning any project. These guidelines should be documented and shared with colleagues and could be incorporated into the on-boarding documents for new members of a research team.
Good data governance can help a business save money in the long run by increasing transparency and eliminating waste. Data mistakes can be costly for businesses. It is estimated that inaccurate or incomplete data can cost US companies between 15 and 25 percent of their revenue. Implementing reliable software that assists in the creation, cataloging and management of data can help to mitigate these issues.