Data entry

Written by Rachit Agrawal, MBA

Published on Wed, February 19, 2020 10:46 AM • Updated on Thu, February 20, 2020 7:00 AM • 3 mins read

Data entry is a process where data or any information is inputted into a computer or other electronic devices. To be more specific, it is a job of entering different types of data into a computer.

Data entry is often done with the help of a mouse, a keyboard, and at times manually fed scanner.

Most of the data entries are saved and stored in databases, and some are stored in spreadsheets. Data entry is mostly used for changing formats of data into desired ones. Formats generally include computer codes, handwritten documents, number sequence, names, salary data, and addresses.

It might sound like an easy job, but it’s not. Data entry needs to be precise and without any mistakes. So an expert can do the job with concentration and speed. So generally the work is outsourced to some experts. Data entry jobs don’t have high barriers to entry. It may not be a very challenging job, but it can provide you with a stable income and comparatively less stress.

Lots of companies hire people as their data entry assistance. The data entry assistance helps in entering the data. He/she updates or enter the information. Then there is the Data entry operator. When companies have to enter a sensitive or very important topic, Data entry assistance comes in handy. Confidentiality agreements are signed between the assistance and the company.

Table of Contents

People who Do Data Entry

Word processor
Typist
Clerks
Coders
Data processor
Transcriber

Data entry process

The process may include imputing medical records, the company’s financial data, personal information of customers, debt records, etc. A data entry processor can also attend calls, sending memos, delivering mails, or any administering jobs.

A career in data entry means minimal education as an education requirement but needs to be quick in typing, attentive, and be good at multi-tasking.

Data entry skills

Computer and technical skills
Software skills
Organizational and time management abilities.
Customer Service.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Multi-tasking
Administrative skills
Communication
Organizational and time management abilities.

Why is data entry important?

Data entry is important for a good digital collection of data. It’s indirectly associated with a good business. Data entry is essential. It helps the companies to maintain details about their company and have accurate details about the kind of activities the company does. Up to date data helps the companies to have precise knowledge about things and not be confused, eventually leading to a wastage of time. Errors in data entry can cause a lot of problems like loss of money and cause tension. So accurate data entry is important for the easy management of a company.