Finding data errors in business reports

Key takeaways

• Check required fields and duplicates first, then trace unusual movements back to the source document.
• Instead of silently replacing an error, retain the old value, new value, reason, and reviewer.
• Trace the bad row to every affected total. After correction, regenerate the same report and confirm that the difference changed by the expected amount.

pDaftar capabilities

• pDaftar provides reports and statistics based on recorded business activity.

Preparation before starting

Check required fields and duplicates first, then trace unusual movements back to the source document.

A top-line total is a useful starting point, but isolate problems by shop, employee, payment method, and day. A sharp difference in one slice narrows the source rows to inspect.

Practical steps

Instead of silently replacing an error, retain the old value, new value, reason, and reviewer.

Do not delete a suspected duplicate using amount and date alone; two valid sales can share both. Compare customer, document reference, and creation time before deciding which row is wrong.

• Verify the date range, branch, currency, and unit filters.
• Trace each outlier or blank value back to its source transaction.
• Apply the correction, regenerate the report, and compare the control total again.

Retesting corrected report data

Trace the bad row to every affected total. After correction, regenerate the same report and confirm that the difference changed by the expected amount.

Limitations

• An unusual number is not always an error; a promotion, season, or large order may explain the movement. Never replace it with a typical value without evidence.

Sources

1. pDaftar pricing — pDaftar
2. pDaftar features — pDaftar
3. Starting a Business and Keeping Records — Internal Revenue Service