Insight Stream Insight Stream | Data Analytics & Visualisation Guide

Impacts of Bad Data

Even the best dashboards crumble when data integrity fails. Understanding how corrupted shipment or delay records distort insights is a core skill for analysts.

This audit-driven approach compares the cleansed dataset with the raw intake, hunting for duplicate loads, impossible values, and sudden structure shifts. Any divergence between the baselines signals corrupted records that need fixing before the visual reaches stakeholders.

Bar chart comparing clean and corrupted data
Illustration of how a few corrupted records exaggerate a monthly trend.

Image source: generate_visuals.py

Key takeaways

  • Duplicate or misloaded records can fabricate performance gains and erode trust.
  • Side-by-side views of clean versus corrupted data expose anomalies immediately.
  • Build manifest cross-checks into the workflow so errors surface before executive reviews.

Further reading