4 Data Entry Tricks for Speed & Accuracy
For many small business owners, data entry is a necessary evil.
Every business, regardless of size, number of employees, or industry, requires some level of data entry to function successfully.
Data entry, while necessary and important for business decision-making, can be time-consuming and challenging to maintain for busy business owners.
Here are a few tips to improve the speed and accuracy of your data entry.
How to Speed Up Data Entry Tasks without Sacrificing Accuracy
1. Start with “good” data before beginning the task
One of the most time-consuming things that can happen when entering data is when you finish your project, only to discover that the data you referenced is inaccurate or incomplete.
This can set you back hours - or longer.
To prevent duplicating or having to fix completed work, check and double-check your data before beginning a new data entry project.
Extra time spent at the beginning of a project ensuring that the data is good will pay off by reducing the errors in your data – and the need to go back and correct those errors.
2. Reduce human error when entering data
Whenever possible, it’s always a good idea to automate any data entry that can be automated.
For example, if customer inquiries come through your website as an email, consider replacing this with a form that includes all the essential information you need about your customers and then connecting that form to your CRM or customer database rather than taking down information and entering it by hand.
Other ways to limit errors include improving your typing skills, using formulas and automation instead of manual entry wherever possible, and checking your work as you go.
3. Learn Keyboard Shortcuts for Faster Data Entry
Keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys can drastically reduce the time it takes to enter data. Take time to look up and memorize valuable keyboard shortcuts that are useful to you and the data you’re about to enter.
4. Limit Distractions When Entering Data
Data entry is a project that can require a lot of focus. By setting aside distraction-free time blocks, you can reduce the time it takes to complete the project, your risk of errors, and the speed at which you can enter the data.
Need Help Entering Data For Your Small Business?
If you’re finding it hard to make the time for tasks like data entry, that might be a sign that it’s time to consider hiring a virtual assistant!
A virtual assistant can perform data entry and other administrative tasks for you and help you develop reports, automate your data entry, identify new ways to improve business processes and gather the data necessary for business decision-making.
Contact our operations experts today to explore if hiring a virtual assistant is a smart move for your business.
