Data(base) records(edrms) and dodging responsibility

"When people say "data", they tend to drop "base" on the end of it."

A client of mine said this to me recently - and he's spot on.

For some reason, we feel like we're off the hook if it's data(base).

Because there might be data(base) involved - and that's not us.

We look after the records(edrms).

This way of thinking obscures the simple fact that someone recorded the data - or built a system to record it.

It wasn't created from the dust of the ground.

It wasn't immaculately conceived.

Someone recorded it.

It's a record.

It's also data - just like every other record.

It has all the same issues.

The gains we can make from using it effectively are all the same gains.

People with a job to do need the right data and records

In the right place.

At the right time.

And the right level of quality.

And the last thing they need is anyone dodging responsibility for giving it to them because it's data(base) and/or/not records(edrms).