Timeliness asks a practical question: does the data describe the period you are analyzing? Data is timely when it is up-to-date and relevant to that period. Outdated data can produce misleading or irrelevant insights, even when the records appear otherwise usable. section 2.2
Recent reviews or an old snapshot?
Suppose an analysis concerns current customer opinions. Reviews collected recently may fit the question, while reviews analyzed by a predecessor three years ago may not. Using the older snapshot could send the analysis toward the wrong conclusion. section 5.2.1
Before treating data as timely:
- Define the business question and the period being analyzed. section 2.2
- Check whether the records are current enough for that question. section 5.2.1
- Inspect the data systematically instead of skipping preparation under time pressure. section 2.2
