what is data entry

Data entry is the process of entering information or updating records in a database or computer system. It involves typing information into electronic formats, such as word processing, spreadsheets, or specific software. Data entry is a person-based process and is considered one of the important basic tasks. Data entry professionals use computers and data processing programs to input information, and their job descriptions may also include transcribing data from recordings or phone conversations. Although most data entered into a computer are stored in a database, a significant amount is stored in a spreadsheet. Data entry jobs are required in a wide variety of industries and fields, including healthcare, finance, and administrative work. Common errors in data entry include transposition errors, misclassified data, duplicate data, and omitted data. Data entry jobs can be full-time, part-time, or freelance positions, and many employers hire for entry-level data entry jobs, making it a great way to get on-the-job training.