Having so much data sometimes has disadvantages. It becomes a problem for most companies especially if it is not organized properly. Too much data, or also called as information overload, is never good. It can affect decision making and understanding of an issue. Good thing data management is there to minimize or completely get rid of it.
When decision makers have too much information on their head, they will get confused. They will not know which information is more important and which one to use. It is the same with computers and systems. They need to filter out and categorize data for them to work better with more efficiency.
Just like what Bertram Gross, Professor of Political Science at Hunter College, cited in his 1964 work The Managing of Organizations, “Information overload occurs when the amount of input to a system exceeds its processing capacity. Decision makers have fairly limited cognitive processing capacity. Consequently, when information overload occurs, it is likely that a reduction in decision quality will occur.”
There are many instances when a system has information overload. One example is when there is too much information coming from different medium. Just like news, when it is repeatedly delivered by different mass media using different angles and a bit of added and contradicting information, it can be really bad. People will get confused and will not know what to believe in.
Another example is when there is a competition between making new information. In a company, sometimes employees and staff tend to give emphasis on quantity rather than quality. When there are too much data presented but they are almost the same it is worthless. There will be too much but they are all vague and superficial. All of those can be prevented by data management.
Data Management, a good way to arrange information
Data management is a good way to prevent information overload or infobesity and infoxication. According to DAMA, data management “develops, executes, and supervises all the plans, policies, programs, and practices that control, protect, deliver, and enhance the value of data and information assets.” Filtering the information people and the system get every day is a must. One sub-topic of data management is data mining. It is often used to combat information overload.
Data mining analyzes new and raw data. Then, all the important and valuable ones are retained. With data mining, new information and outcome also arises. Moreover, it permits managers and bosses to see the sales and profits, problems, and the performances of their employees. It is also beneficial to the staff itself because they will have all the information they need on their desktop.
Information needs to be in the right system or in its proper place. Also, the right people should have it because unless, otherwise, it will be useless. The right use and amount of information can definitely be an advantage to any business and organization.
If you are having a problem with managing your system of data, you can contact us!
