Last updated on Feb 3, 2025

What's your approach to data entry tasks that need human judgment?

Data entry tasks can be tedious, time-consuming, and prone to errors. But sometimes, they also require human judgment to handle complex, ambiguous, or subjective situations. How do you approach data entry tasks that need human judgment? In this article, you'll learn some tips and best practices to improve your data entry skills and efficiency.

1 Assess the task

Before you start entering data, you should assess the task and understand the purpose, scope, and requirements of the data entry project. Ask yourself questions like: What is the source and format of the data? What is the destination and format of the data? What are the rules and criteria for entering data? How will the data be used and analyzed? How much time and resources do you have for the task? By assessing the task, you can plan your data entry process and avoid unnecessary mistakes or rework.

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Nitin Ahuja

BFSI | Life Insurance | Underwriting | P&C | Six Sigma Green Belt & White Belt
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In order to proceed with the best data entry task, first organize the data based on the requirements. Filter the less common, duplicate, and sensitive data. First work on the sensitive data which will take longer, then go with others. This is because we usually get fatigue at the end and may fill in the inaccurate data while handling the sensitive data at the end.

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Mehwish Noreen

I help e-commerce store owners with data entry services that save you time and increase sales.
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As a seasoned data entry pro, I've learned that taking a moment to assess the task is crucial. It's like putting on your seatbelt before driving - it keeps you safe from errors and rework! Check the data source: Is it a spreadsheet, document, or database? Know the destination: Where is the data going, and what format does it need to be in? Read the rules: Are there specific guidelines for data entry, like formatting or validation rules? Understand the purpose: How will the data be used, and what insights will it provide? Set a timer: How much time do you have to complete the task, and what's your deadline? Assess, Plan, Enter, Review. By following this simple process, you'll ensure accurate, efficient, and stress-free data entry.

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2 Use automation tools

Automation tools can help you speed up and simplify data entry tasks that involve repetitive, standard, or simple actions. For example, you can use spreadsheet formulas, macros, or scripts to perform calculations, validations, or transformations on the data. You can also use optical character recognition (OCR) software, voice recognition software, or barcode scanners to convert images, audio, or symbols into text data. However, automation tools are not perfect and may not work well for data that is unclear, inconsistent, or complex. Therefore, you should always check the accuracy and quality of the data generated by automation tools and correct any errors or anomalies.

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Olga Kokhan

CEO at Tinkogroup | Data Entry, Data Annotation, Lead Generation Services
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⚙️ Automation tools are a lifesaver for data entry. I’ve used them to handle repetitive tasks like copying info between spreadsheets or formatting bulk entries — things that would normally take hours. With the right setup, these tools can work in seconds, making everything faster and smoother. 😯 But here’s the catch: automation isn’t perfect. I’ve seen scripts glitch, auto-fill go rogue, and small errors snowball into big problems. That’s why double-checking is key. A quick review of the generated data can catch anomalies before they cause real issues. ☝ Bottom line? Automate whenever you can, but never blindly trust the results. A little quality control goes a long way.

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3 Apply human judgment

Human judgment is essential for data entry tasks that require interpretation, evaluation, or decision-making based on the data. For example, you may need to classify, categorize, or label data according to certain criteria or standards. You may also need to resolve conflicts, discrepancies, or gaps in the data. Or you may need to add comments, notes, or feedback to the data. When applying human judgment, you should follow these guidelines: Be consistent and objective in your judgments. Use reliable and relevant sources of information to support your judgments. Document your judgments and explain your reasoning. Seek feedback and guidance from others if you are unsure or uncertain.

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Nitin Ahuja

BFSI | Life Insurance | Underwriting | P&C | Six Sigma Green Belt & White Belt
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A regular Audit is required to maintain accuracy. This can be done by proper sampling at regular intervals. First do a self audit, then with the manager or seniors, and at last with the best channel of Audit available.

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4 Review and verify

The final step in your data entry process is to review and verify the data you have entered. This is important to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of the data. You can use various methods to review and verify your data, such as: Compare your data with the original source and check for any errors or discrepancies. Use quality control tools or techniques, such as checklists, cross-checks, or audits, to identify and correct any errors or inconsistencies. Test your data and see if it meets the expectations and requirements of the data entry project. Ask someone else to review your data and provide feedback or suggestions.

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5 Improve your skills

Data entry tasks that need human judgment can be challenging and rewarding. They can also help you improve your data entry skills and knowledge. To improve your skills, you should: Learn from your mistakes and seek feedback from others. Keep up with the latest trends and developments in data entry and related fields. Explore new tools and techniques that can enhance your data entry performance and efficiency. Practice your data entry skills and challenge yourself with different types of data entry tasks.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What's your approach to data entry tasks that need human judgment?

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1 Assess the task

2 Use automation tools

3 Apply human judgment

4 Review and verify

5 Improve your skills

6 Here’s what else to consider

Data Entry

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