Data Quality: The Accuracy Dimension (Book Review)

This book focuses on data accuracy, which the author sees as the foundation for the measurement of the quality of data among other dimensions: compelteness, relevance, timeliness, understood, and trusted. After providing a thorough understanding the basic concepts of data inaccuracies and accuracies, the author outlines the basic elements and the fuctions of a data quality assurance program. A methodology called "inside-out" is believed to be most efficient way to address accuracy. This method starts with analyzing the data and employs analytical techniques to dig problems out of the data. The rest of the books are then devoted to discuss the use of data profiling technology as the most important strategy for data accuracy in a data quality assurance program. Data profiling uses data analysis techniques to discover the actual content, structure, and the quality of data. The author describes the basic method, categories, and specific steps of data profiling process as well as the analysis techniques used. Overall, the book serves a good reference for data quality structures and concepts.