Embed data quality checks in reporting software
When data quality checks are included in reporting software, data can be reviewed before they are reported to the PRTR. These checks can include validation steps for data fields (e.g. checking that no text is entered into a numeric field), internal consistency checks (e.g. checking that a facility’s address is consistent with its state/province/region), checks for missing values (i.e., checking that all required field are complete) and checks against data reported in prior years or by similar facilities (e.g. checking for large increases or decreases in reported releases or transfers compared to the prior year).
For a cost-effective management scheme, you may wish to implement the next sub-element (Develop Software to Automate Data Validation) or choose another element from the Management scheme elements list.