Prepare only the information your first case actually needs.
Do not start by copying every old file. Choose the situation you want to test, keep the necessary data, clean it, and prepare a representative set before processing more.
Data follows the need—not the other way around
The guide recommends preparing and cleaning necessary data while avoiding unnecessary information. Start with the situation you are configuring, then prepare only what that workflow needs.
Start with the situation you want to configure
The fact that information exists in an old file does not mean MapMyStaff needs it.
- 01Choose the workflow
Define the situation or function you are preparing now.
- 02List what is necessary
Keep only the information this workflow actually needs.
- 03Leave the rest out
Set aside history, notes, or attachments that have no confirmed use.
- 04Know who can confirm
Identify the person who knows the source and intended use of the data.
Connect each piece of data to a concrete use
Before preparing a file, know why each item is needed and where it will be used in the chosen workflow.
- 01Use
What should this information support in the chosen situation?
- 02Source
Where does it come from, and who can confirm it is still valid?
- 03Necessary field
Which information is actually required for this workflow?
- 04Protect or exclude
Which secrets or personal information are not necessary?
Correct what can be verified without inventing what is missing
Cleaning should make the data set consistent and usable for testing. It should not turn an unknown value into assumed information.
- 01Compare with the source
Check values against the source or responsible person.
- 02Standardize what is known
Use a consistent format when the destination requires it and the value is confirmed.
- 03Keep unknowns visible
Do not fill a missing value at random.
- 04Keep a clean source
Work on an authorized copy and keep the original available for verification.
Verify a small test set before expanding
Prepare a representative environment or data set, then use it in a real scenario before processing more information.
- 01Prepare the set
Use only the information necessary for the chosen scenario.
- 02Test the workflow
Check that the data supports the situation you planned.
- 03Test an exception
Add a relevant edge case before launch.
- 04Expand after validation
Process more data only once the starting workflow is understood.
Continue with the next step
Other guides: Prepare the setup → · Security and data →