Database accuracy: Results from a survey of database vendors

The accuracy of databases is the subject of our survey of vendors of databases. This study examines external databases. Among the issues covered by the survey are: selection criteria for data sources, formats of data, and the approaches followed in maintaining database accuracy. One specific focus of the study is external databases for forecasting. Forecasting, as a tool of managerial planning, is sensitive to the availability and accuracy of databases. The survey results suggest that there are some practices followed by database suppliers that could produce unreliable information. © 1988.