• keep your data up to date 
  • use the processes as designed by the software developer/vendor
  • use the fields for the contend they are designed for 
  • know where the single source of truth of your data inside your system boundaries is (and outside your system if any) 
  • know the unique identifier (key) of your data record 
  • understand the concept of data normalization 
  • understand the concept of roles & functions 
  • use check digits for unique identifier that are entered manually 
  • keep unique identifier short 
  • duplication of information (items, no. series, location etc.) makes it more complex - keep thing as unique as possible