Factors Affecting Data Integrity
The integrity of data recorded in a database from any device whether a PLC or other machine can be affected for a variety of reasons.
The following are a few examples:
Error due to human error: Data integrity is jeopardized when people enter information erroneously, duplicate or delete data, fail to follow proper protocols, or make mistakes during the implementation of procedures designed to protect data. As we all know this is very easy to do!
Errors in the transfer: A transfer error occurs when data cannot be effectively transferred from one device or database location to another. In a relational database, transfer errors occur when a piece of data is present in the destination table but doesn’t seem to show up in the source table.
Bugs and Viruses: Spyware, malware, and viruses are types of software that can infiltrate a computer and change, erase, or steal information. We are seeing this all the time, everywhere. All companies must protect themselves regardless of the size of your company!
Hardware that has been compromised: Significant failures include sudden PLC, computer or server crashes, as well as issues with how the device performs, which could indicate that your hardware is compromised. Compromise hardware might cause data to be rendered inaccurately or incompletely, limit or remove data access, or make information difficult to use.
The following steps can simply be taken to reduce or remove data integrity risks:
Limiting data access and modifying permissions to prevent unauthorized parties from making changes to data
Validating data, both when it’s collected and when it’s utilized, to ensure that it’s accurate.
Using logs to keep track of when data is added, edited, or deleted is a good way to back up data.
Internal audits are carried out on a regular basis.
Using software to spot errors.