RECORD PREPARATION · Workflow idea
Different destinations expect information to be arranged in specific ways. Keep only the fields that are needed, align their names with the destination’s headings, and make missing or mismatched details visible before the handoff.
01 / The starting point
A group of incoming records intended for a table, list, or other destination
“Prepare a consistent set of records that uses the destination’s expected fields and contains only the information needed there.”
02 / The work
Helps teams prepare information for a handoff by aligning record fields with the structure expected by the receiving destination.
Understand what information each record contains and how the destination describes its fields.
Remove unrelated information so the handoff contains what the next team or destination needs.
Match incoming details to the correct destination headings without changing what the information means.
Make blank, inconsistent, or unexpected details visible instead of filling them in by assumption.
Confirm that representative records are easy to understand and ready for the intended handoff.
03 / The result
A destination-ready set of records with relevant fields clearly named and incomplete or mismatched values easy to review.
Data · Example outcome
A destination-ready set of records with relevant fields clearly named and incomplete or mismatched values easy to review.
Check required fields and sensitive information before sharing. Do not assume a missing value, and have an owner resolve important mismatches before records are sent on.
04 / Make it yours
A few choices shape the work around your team.
Document the headings and required information expected by the receiving list or table.
Agree which source values belong in each destination field and how differently named fields relate.
Decide which issues can be set aside for review and which prevent a record from being handed off.
Check that the prepared records contain the right details and exclude information the destination does not need.