DATA ENTRY

WHAT IS DATA ENTRY

Data entry is the act of transcribing some form of data into another form, usually a computer program. Forms of data that people might transcribe include handwritten documents, information off spreadsheets from another computer program, sequences of numbers, letters and symbols that build a program, or simple data like names and addresses. Some people perform jobs that are exclusively data entry, while others, like programmers, might have to occasionally enter data.

The separation of data from the programs that use the data. Nearly all modern applications are based on the principle of data independence. In fact, the whole concept of a database management system supports the notion of data independence since it represents a system for managing data separately from the programs that use the data. In contrast, it is possible to write applications in which the data being processed is actually represented in the program's source code. This data-dependent approach is very inflexible because it makes it difficult to modify the data and it also makes the data inaccessible to other programs.

Data entry requires focus and concentration, and some find the work exhausting and even challenging to the body. For any person who types all day, paying attention to maintaining good posture, typing in an ergonomically sound position, and taking breaks for the eyes and hands are all important. Most experts in workplace ergonomics suggest that people entering long streams of data should take a break at least once an hour by moving away from the computer screen. Hand exercises and stretching exercises for the body may also help prevent typing related injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.

What should be avoided for anyone who wishes to enter the data entry field are “scam” offers, which promise data entry work if you pay a fee. Although there are many of these scams on the Internet, there are many legitimate data entry jobs available through reputable freelance sites that don’t require a fee. Typically, data entry jobs pay between 10-15 US dollars (USD) per hour. People with specialties like medical transcription, can make a little more than that.