Automated Vs. Manual Data Entry: Which Method is Better?
Data entry is a crucial aspect of a business, something that has been a part of businesses since ancient times of barter. Now our industries have evolved and embraced technology to make lives easier; the debate of Automated or Manual Data Entry seems to be a hot topic.
Which method of data entry should a company adapt to? Which method is feasible? Which method is more profitable? These are just some questions that are posed by start-ups who are trying to make a mark for themselves in the world of business. For e.g., an amazon start-up might wonder whether to undertake automated amazon product data entry services or go manual.
The questions can seem daunting and cause a lot of confusion among naïve business leaders. But, they need answers in order to successfully navigate through the cut-throat industry they are operating in and make concise decisions.
So let’s try to answer that question. Let us find out how relevant both of these methods are today, and how they can affect daily business operations.
Manual Data Entry
Manual Data Entry is the practice of manually entering data into the system by hand, without the use of computers or any modern technology. One would presume that manual data entry would be the thing of the past, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Many companies still use manual data entry practices to process their data.
In manual data entry, the data is usually entered handwritten in journals, where it is eventually stored and retrieved from. Needless to say, Manual Data entry is full of errors and inaccuracies because of its dependence on the human component.
Human error has been identified as the primary contributor to errors in data. As such, manual data entry is often riddled with mistakes upon mistakes. Manual data entry is also a perfect recipe for loss of money and time. Companies doing manual systems usually suffer from massive losses ranging in the billions.
Many companies end up declaring bankruptcy because of erroneous data, leading to incompetent decisions that sink businesses into oblivion. Then there is also the case of misplaced and lost documents. Most of the physical data stored in journals are often misplaced or lost. Storing these journals is a lot of pain, as they need to be indexed and stored accordingly to be retrieved when needed. However, oftentimes than not, they always end up getting lost.
Physical data is also prone to damage by fire and bugs. The frustration of dealing with physical data is also the primary cause of employees wanting to quit.
Manual data entry, no matter which angle you look from, is a recipe for disaster. It is still adapted by companies because of their inability to adapt to the latest technology.
Automated Data Entry
Automated software is a system designed to work without the assistance of human operators. They are programmed to work automatically and require little to no intervention from humans.
Automated systems are good when it comes to monitoring the progress of work in real-time, and also fixing errors as they occur, making them perfect tools against data inaccuracy issues.
Automated systems require very little effort in their tasks. They know what they are doing, and are programmed to make the data entry process easier. Many businesses have scaled their businesses to whole new levels after adapting to an automated system.
They were able to save time, as data is processed quicker. They are able to save costs, as automated systems can cut operation costs by about half and also store data in well-protected databases for retrieval in the future.
Automated systems, in every way, are better than the manual system of data entry. Businesses like Insurance, Medical, Hospitality, Marketing, etc. have all adapted to automated systems to process their data.
Which is Better?
If it isn’t obvious by now, manual systems can’t even scratch the surface when it comes to an automated system. It beats the manual process in every aspect. It offers a faster way to execute data entry tasks. Thus, delivering tasks at a faster turnaround time.
It cuts operation costs by half. You don’t waste time finding inaccurate data and correcting it. The automated system allows you to find errors in real-time and fixes it automatically for you.
Another issue solved by Automated systems is the misplacement and loss of data. Automated software stores your data in secure databases. It can be retrieved with a simple search term and stored without the worry of loss.
Enterprises today, who seek to not only survive but thrive in the industry, need to adapt to current tools of automation. Data entry is a frustrating, tedious task. One you hope you could do away with. However, that is not possible as it is an integral part of your business. The best you can do is implement automation tools that will do the job of data processing for you as you focus on other core areas of your business.
Now your take on this argument.
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