Envelope Linkedin Instagram

Effective Data Management: Prioritizing Tools, Rules, and Data Classifications for Optimal Hygiene

data hygiene VFP Consulting

This article is written by Mariam Oyebanji, Consultant at VFP. Discover her insights on the importance of implementing guidelines and strategically utilizing tools to ensure that companies maintain high-quality data standards. By doing so, organizations can enhance their decision-making processes and foster business expansion. making and business expansion.

Summary of the article: 

Successful data management relies on using the tools and establishing guidelines, for organizing data effectively to meet business objectives. By giving importance to data and setting criteria for identifying redundant information companies can improve the quality of their data streamline their processes and make well informed decisions.

Data quality is paramount in the age of information, and maintaining it requires a clear framework supported by the right tools. With well-defined rules and a strategic approach to data classification, organizations can improve data hygiene, streamline operations, and focus on what truly matters for business outcomes. Below are essential tips and best practices for organizations aiming to streamline their data management processes, improve data accuracy, and ensure the reliability of their data.

Define what constitutes as “Old” or “Duplicate” data

The tools available will only be effective if they’re aligned with clear, organization-specific rules on what counts as “Old” or “Duplicate” data. By defining what constitutes “Old” or “Duplicate” data, organizations can configure tools to follow these guidelines, saving time and avoiding manual clean-up tasks. 

  • Define “Old” Data: Old data typically refers to records that are no longer relevant or necessary for current operations. Organizations should consider the type of data and set time-based rules (e.g., sales data older than five years) or relevance-based criteria (e.g., customer accounts inactive for more than two years). This helps focus on data that is current and useful, archiving or removing what’s no longer relevant. 
  • Define “Duplicate” Data: Define matching criteria for what constitutes a duplicate. Salesforce offers native duplicate management features within its platform, allowing administrators to configure rules, match data, and merge duplicates. Establish rules for merging duplicates to ensure that only one accurate, complete record remains. 

Leveraging Existing Tools to Maximize Efficiency 

The Good and the Bad of Tool Variety: With so many data management tools available on AppExchange, there’s no shortage of options for businesses looking to streamline their data quality processes. The good news? These tools are powerful, versatile, and often specialized in tasks like duplicate management or archiving old data. The bad news? It can be overwhelming to know which one is the best fit, and without a strategic approach, organizations may not maximize the value of these tools. 

Prioritizing Data Hygiene Based on Business KPIs 

Focus on high-priority data – For data hygiene to be truly effective, it needs to be aligned with the broader strategic goals of the business. This approach ensures that data hygiene efforts align with the business’s values.

Businesses can classify data as follows: 

  • Required: This data is essential and needs to be complete for 100% of records. Missing required data can impact regulatory compliance, customer insights, or core operations, so this data should always be prioritized. 
  • Preferred: Data often requested by management but not essential for operations or KPIs.  
  • Conditional: This data is essential only when certain conditions are met. For example, “Certain fields” may be required only for billable projects. Different validations can be configured to require this data only in specified situations, reducing unnecessary data entry while ensuring completeness when needed. 
  • Optional: This is data that, while collected, is not essential for KPIs or operations. Optional data can be deprioritized for hygiene efforts, as it may be more about managing “tech debt” than maintaining data quality. 

Organizations can streamline data management efforts by classifying data into these categories, ensuring that time and resources are focused on high-impact areas that align with business goals. 

In conclusion, effective data management is not just about choosing the right tools; it’s about aligning these tools with clear rules, business priorities, and a structured classification system. By leveraging available tools wisely, defining clear data management rules, and prioritizing data hygiene efforts based on business KPIs, organizations can maintain high data quality while minimizing the time and resources spent on cleanup. 

This approach not only improves data integrity but also ensures that data remains a valuable asset, supporting better business decisions and fostering efficient, data-driven growth. 

Contact us!


We are registered Salesforce® & Certinia partners
and honored to be 2X Partner of the Year for Certinia and 3X Inc.5000 winner

Envelope Linkedin Instagram
Envelope Linkedin-in

Raul Acosta

Sales Director

As an agile, focused and collaborative team player Raul strives to consistently take a holistic approach and make an impact with each networking experience and partnership forged.

 

With 15+ years of experience in sales strategy, application sales, and relationship management, he excels at solving complex business challenges through data-driven insights, superior customer service, and relevant Salesforce expertise.

 

As a former trusted advisor at Certinia and Salesforce, Raul has successfully implemented strategies that drive revenue, align business units, engage target audiences, strengthen brand image, maximize productivity, develop people, transform processes, and improve overall customer experience, showcasing his commitment to clients, partners, and colleagues.

Envelope Linkedin-in

Michael Kelly

Engagement Director & Head of Project Management

Michael, with a background in project financial management and analysis, has spent over a decade in various project management roles. Leading clients, project teams, and fellow project managers, he ensures successful project deliveries and implementations. Michael’s PMP Certification enables him to stay current with the latest industry standards and project management practices.

 

Passionate about his field and role, Michael finds fulfillment in successful projects, tangible results, and meeting client needs.

 

Throughout his experience in engagement management Michael has successfully led over 25 clients, projects, and go-lives. He has overseen a project budget portfolio of $25 million per year, managing 21 separate project engagement efforts concurrently for his client base. In his career, Michael has hired, trained, and personally managed a team of over 50 project managers.

 

He has also contributed to the development and training of new agile project methodologies in multiple companies.

 

Currently, at VFP, Michael has played a crucial role in implementing the new agile methodology across all active projects for their client base in 2023.

Envelope Linkedin-in

Greg Plaisance

Managing Consultant

Throughout his career at VFP, Greg has progressed from the role of Consultant to Senior Consultant and currently serves as a Managing Consultant.

 

With 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Greg possesses a diverse skill set that spans Retail Banking, Post Audit, and Consulting. He holds 3 Salesforce certifications and 2 Certinia certifications, showcasing his expertise in areas such as Accounting, Revenue Recognition, Billing, and leadership strategy. Greg’s extensive background equips him with a deep understanding of financial processes, enabling him to offer valuable insights and guidance to clients within the industry.

 

Passionate about process improvement, efficiency, and leadership he helps companies by managing the systems that support their core objectives, allowing them to focus on their key goals.

 

Greg aims to build VFP into a premier consulting firm that is highly sought-after by both clients and professionals as a desirable place to work.

Kristin Hubbard
Envelope Linkedin-in

Kristin Hubbard

Managing Consultant

Kristin, a seasoned Salesforce and Certinia professional since 2011 specializes in Financial Management, specifically focusing on areas such as Billing, Revenue, and Accounting.

 

With a degree in Accounting, Kristin began her career as a Billing Specialist, where she actively contributed to the implementation of Salesforce and Certinia, showcasing her problem-solving skills and passion for process improvement.

 

Recognizing her abilities, she transitioned to the role of Certinia Administrator, playing a crucial role in the system’s global rollout. Later, as a Business Systems Manager, she assumed responsibility for the entire Salesforce platform. Motivated by her love for the job and a desire to help multiple organizations, Kristin pursued consulting, specializing in Certinia ERP and leading consultant teams for approximately eight years.

 

Since 2018, she has played a vital role in planning and executing the Florida Dreamin event. Recognized as a Salesforce MVP in 2023, she holds 7 Salesforce and 1 Certinia certification, demonstrating her expertise and dedication to growth.

 

Kristin understands the value of embracing technology and streamlining processes to reduce costs and enhance profitability. With expertise in Salesforce and Certinia, she guides organizations to implement efficient systems, optimize operations, and achieve financial success.

Envelope Linkedin-in

Ty alibhai

Managing Consultant

Ty is a seasoned consulting leader who has focused his experience over the last 15 years on the Salesforce platform and solutions in its ecosystem. He brings 20+ years of business knowledge, consulting experience, and a knack for successful Salesforce and Certinia implementations in the quote-to-cash space. Ty has successfully implemented technology solutions such as Salesforce and Certinia to over 100+ customers over his career and has led/managed consultant teams of 5-10 people.

 

Graduating from UC Berkeley’s Haas Business School and with a strong background in Computer Science, he launched his career in technology consulting. He focused his career on the Salesforce platform after experiencing success at Salesforce in the early 2000s and growing that knowledge with consulting partners the latter half of his career. His knowledge spans multiple industries, solutions, and market segments from SMB to Enterprise level experience.

 

As part of his role at VFP, he effectively manages a team of consultants, empowering them to achieve their career objectives. He also leads project teams and ensures the seamless adoption of technology, thereby driving client success at VFP.

 

Driven by a strong desire to make a positive impact on customers’ lives by simplifying their experience with new systems he excels as a leader, mentoring consultants and guiding project teams to successful outcomes.

Envelope Linkedin-in

Nick Anderson

Managing Consultant

A global Salesforce and Certinia consulting and implementation leader, Nick is an expert in his field with more than 8 years of experience on the platform, specializing in Quote to Cash and Professional Services Automation best practices.

 

With a focus on mid-market and enterprise accounts, Nick brings a deep knowledge of best practices to all aspects of client projects including change management, business process documentation & improvement, system configuration, revenue recognition and managed services.

 

With an extensive background in International Business and PSA solutions, Nick is the driving force behind the VFP consultants, helping the team tap into their full potential in order to deliver excellent results.

 

Never one to back down from a challenge, Nick embraces his ever-changing environment and encourages customers to do the same as a way to drive further success down the road. He stresses the importance of clear communication and building strong working relationships in order to effectively articulate a vision for the future of a business.

 

Using his own years of consulting experience as a touchstone, Nick’s focus is on developing talent and ushering in customer success for the VFP team across the board.

Envelope Linkedin-in

Doug Johnston

Chief Operating Officer

Building scalable large-capacity services teams in enterprise environments for more than 25 years, Doug is focused on operational excellence and builds high-quality and high-growth companies and teams.  


As COO, Doug’s responsibilities encompass overseeing all facets of customer services including a Project Management team, internal operations, and a team of expert consultants. His primary focus lies in fostering a high-performing team and culture, guiding its development, providing support, and offering coaching to optimize efficiency.

Doug’s diverse experiences in industries including software services, government, private sector, medical, and beyond have led to the development of a global team, overseeing projects ranging from small initiatives to multi-million dollar implementations and long-term relationships with clients.


With unwavering determination, Doug strives to establish a top-tier consulting firm in collaboration with VFP’s CEO, Stephanie Taylor. Together they shared a vision that transcends software implementation, aiming to provide value, challenge conventions, and leverage expertise for optimal outcomes. Though strategies shift with growth, the core objective of building an exceptional company remains a constant in Doug’s journey. 


Doug joined VFP in its infancy, with a goal to grow the team and scale the operation – which is now doubling year over year, based on a passion for people matched with a deep sense of purpose. With 2x INC5000 placements under 1000, team growth of more than 10,000%, high customer success ratings and stability within the team, his leadership has proved vital to positive growth and long term stability for VFP. 

Envelope Linkedin-in

Stephanie Taylor

Chief Executive Officer

A sought-after leader with a 20+ year history working with global Fortune 500 companies, Stephanie is a business process expert with a deep and well-recognized expertise in the Salesforce and Certinia ecosystems, with a focus on Quote-to-Cash, ERP, CRM, and Financial Management.

 

Stephanie founded VFP Consulting to offer companies with access to a 360 approach to not just implementing but managing their technology investments over time, from aligning people, process and product needs to long term management that maximizes the investment and fuels growth and business needs over time. 

 

Front-line experience overseeing 100+ projects and relationships with diverse clients, from mid-market enterprises to billion-dollar enterprises, Stephanie’s expertise spans high-growth businesses, private equity, mergers and acquisitions across various industries. Her leadership at VFP places a premium on the core values behind the name – Vision, Focus, and Passion.

  • Industry:
    Call Center Technology
  • Company Size:
    • 2,000+ employees around the world
    • 2,500+ enterprise, mid-market, and SMB customers in 104 countries
  • Solutions:
    Certinia Professional Services Cloud