An edit check, also known as an edit test, checks the validity of data entered into a data entry system. It is commonly used by companies, organizations, and agencies that need to perform multiple checks on information before passing it on to someone who can process the data. An edit check can verify the eligibility of applicants or claims. Submissions that fail an edit check are usually returned so they can be corrected.
Woman doing handstand with a computer
The validity of data entered into any computer system can be verified by an edit check. The system can use programmed logic routines, subroutines, and mathematical formulas to perform these checks. Companies often use edit checks to verify that their computer systems contain valid customer data, such as names. If an edit check finds that customer names contain numeric characters, for example, the business owner can be alerted to the discrepancy and corrected. In this way, edit checks can help businesses clean up customer information and ensure standard matching.
Government agencies also regularly use redaction checks to determine the validity and accuracy of the forms, requests, or complaints they receive. Submissions involving money typically go through editing checks before being reviewed by real people. This can save time when employees handle multiple shipments at the same time.
Submissions that fail the edit checks may be returned so they can be corrected before resubmission. In the past, rejected shipments were usually changed over the phone after they were submitted. However, organizations, agencies, or businesses that employ editing controls often find it impractical to make these corrections because they can be time-consuming and avoidable. Sites that use editing controls as part of their system generally believe that those who submit forms, complaints, and requests have a responsibility to ensure their accuracy.
Some places may provide notes with a returned shipment. Rejected submissions may be accompanied by letters detailing the nature of the discrepancy. Tips on how to improve your presentation can even be included in the letter. The goal when returning a shipment is to correct it so that it can be processed as quickly as possible. As such, those submitting material that is required to pass an edit check are often advised to submit it early to allow time to make any necessary corrections.
