Data Error Checklist

Common data errors to avoid when uploading data into Agentnoon

Overview

To ensure a smooth experience when uploading your CSV or Google Sheets files, follow this checklist. Completing each step will help prevent errors and ensure accurate data processing.

Required Data Structure

• Single Header Row: Ensure all column headers are in the first row.

• Unique Column Names: No duplicate headers.

• All Columns Have Headers: No missing column names.

• No Blank Columns: Remove empty columns.

• Date Format: Use YYYY-MM-DD for consistency.

• File Encoding: Save the CSV in UTF-8 encoding to avoid character issues.

• Consistent Text Formatting: Standardize capitalization and remove extra spaces.

• No Special Characters: Avoid symbols or emojis that may interfere with data processing.

• Supported File Format: Use CSV (.csv) or Google Sheets format.

Mandatory Data Fields

• Required Fields Completed: Ensure all mandatory fields are filled.

• Unique Employee IDs: Each employee must have a distinct Employee ID.

• Valid Manager IDs: Manager IDs must correspond to existing Employee IDs.

• No Self-Reporting: An employee cannot be their own manager.

• No Circular Reporting: Ensure reporting structures do not loop back on themselves.

• Manager Assignments: All employees needing a manager must have one assigned.

Data Validation

• Field Dependencies: Ensure fields like cost center → department follow required logic.

• Data Type Consistency:

  • Numeric fields contain only numbers.

  • Decimal values maintain a standard precision (e.g., two decimal places).

• Currency Codes:

  • Use standard three-letter currency codes (USD, EUR, etc.).

  • Ensure currency matches salary amounts consistently.

• Consistent Department & Location Names: Standardized naming for data integrity.

• Data Completeness: No empty mandatory fields (e.g., Employee ID, Manager ID, Job Title).

• No Duplicate Records: Remove any repeated employee entries.

• Top-Level Managers: If applicable, leave Manager ID blank or assign a valid value.

• No Orphan Records: Every Manager ID must correspond to an existing Employee ID.

• Succession Plan Consistency: Ensure successor fields are correctly mapped and valid employees are referenced.

• Unauthorized Field Entries: Monitor for unapproved additions to fields like Position Title, especially during scenario planning.

• Circular Reporting: Looks for reporting loops, like a manager reporting to someone who reports back to them directly or indirectly.

Salary & Compensation

• Salaries Are Valid:

  • Salary values must be positive numbers.

  • Amounts must align with the assigned currency.

• Salary Outliers: Review compensation values for outliers compared to similar job families, grades, or levels.

Date Validation

• Correct Date Format: Use YYYY-MM-DD format for all dates.

• Logical Date Entries: Ensure dates make sense (e.g., Hire Date is after Birth Date).

Consistency & Clean Data Practices

• Consistent Text Entries: No typos or variations in naming conventions.

• No Formulas in Cells: Only raw data should be present, without embedded formulas or macros.

• Proper Use of Special Characters: Ensure correct handling of commas, quotes, or other characters in CSV files.

Error Handling & Validation

Agentnoon automatically validates data upon upload. If errors are found:

• Error Reports: You can export a report of incorrect records for review.

• Field Mapping Adjustments: If there are mismatches, the system will prompt you to adjust mappings.

Best Practices

• Consistent Formatting: Keep data structured correctly to avoid import errors.

• Data Accuracy: Review information for correctness before uploading.

• Version Control: Maintain copies of previous data files for tracking and rollback purposes.

By following this checklist, you ensure a seamless data upload process in Agentnoon.