Data collection & Laser Scanning

Data collection describes a process of preparing and collecting data as part of process improvement or some sort of similar project. The purpose of data collection is to obtain information to keep on record as well as to make decisions about important matters and to pass information on to others. Data collection can help in product design and development processes.

What is data?

The term data refers to qualitative or measurable attributes of a variable or set of variables. Data can be recorded in graph form, pie charts, lists and many more formats. Relevant data will differ from industry to industry. In our context data would be measurements of an actual object, measurement of its success, quality, size, shape, and usability. The word data is a derivative of a latin word “datum” and means “something given”.

Pre-collection activity

Prior to any data collection being conducted, pre-collection activity is a crucial step in the process. This helps to eliminate poor sampling of both questions and informants and poor when conducting interviews, for example.

After pre-collection activity is completed, data collection in the actual field, by interviewing or any other methods, can be then be carried out in a structured, systematic and scientifically correct way. Experimental data refers to data generated within the context of a scientific investigation by observation and recording. Field data refers to raw data collected in an uncontrolled environment.

How can data be collected?

Data can be collected in many ways. It is usually done by either conducting an interview in person or through a questionnaire. You can also use previous surveys and reports to gauge where things have been in the past.

These methods are used when data is being collected from human beings. If data needs to be collected from an object other methods should be implemented such as laser scanning. You may need to determine the exact shape size and contours of an object. Laser scanning would be perfect for this.

Other collection methods include things like the following:

-Census taking
-Product sampling
-Online collection

A summary of data collection techniques:

As you can see the method you use for collecting data will change depending on the type of data that you are trying to collect. You can see this is the variety of methods available (see the laser scanning example).

For more information please see laser scanning