What Is Data Entry?

While data entry should be self-explanatory as a term, we feel the need to explain what data entry is for the benefit of those who are quite confused with regards to what it actually entails. Being part of a data entry staff means that you must have the ability to read longhand, shorthand, and typewritten documents alike as well as the ability to enter the data in those documents quickly and accurately (and thus, efficiently) into filing systems through typing. While some of the older generation are traditionalists and consider this type of job to be that of a secretary's we would like to say that the dynamics of the workplace has now evolved in such a way that data entry has become specialized that it cannot be left to a person who has other duties.

Going back to data entry: one thing that should be remembered about data entry as a profession is that nowadays, it involves not just the mere transcription of information or data, but also certain specialized office programs such as Microsoft Excel. The ability to interpret the information being copied into the computer (for easy filing) is usually not needed, although at times it would be best for a specialized personnel (such as a computer programmer) to enter the data instead. The key to being a good member of a data entry staff is to be able to organize information and accurately transcribe them.