Data collection is a necessary part of many company’s interactions with their online customers these days. With the rapid increase in the collection, processing and use of personal data, a number of issues have arisen, and the governments of many countries have enacted regulations to safeguard the personal data of their citizens, residents, and people doing business within the country’s borders. Thailand is among these countries. Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act is designed to protect any person doing business with a company established in Thailand.
Protection for Businesses
With the introduction of Thailand’s PDPA, many businesses and organizations are finding that it’s easier to rely on professional data collection services to stay compliant with the rules and regulations of the PDPA than risk severe penalties and loss of reputation through negligence and non-compliance.
The PDPA contains strict regulations regarding the collection and processing of personal data, which are best handled by consulting firms skilled in the methods, processes, tools, and best practices of data collection.
What is Personal Data Collection?
Personal data collection is the process of collecting personal information from a person or potential customer. The collection can be accomplished either online, by mail, or in person. It’s an essential preliminary phase that allows the organization seeking the data to evaluate the reasons for contact and establish the legitimacy of the applicant. There are two main types of data collection: primary and secondary.
Primary Data Collection
Primary data collection refers to data collected directly from the source or applicant. Some examples of primary data collection include:
- Online, mail-in, or point-of-sale surveys
- Questionnaires
- Direct interviews
- Focus groups
This type of data collection is typically considered to be highly accurate, as the questions asked can be strictly targeted and unambiguous.
Secondary Data Collection
Secondary data collection refers to second-hand data that has been collected by others and may have less relevance to the user. Secondary data is easier to collect and may have already undergone statistical analysis. Some examples of sources for secondary data include:
- Financial statements
- Health and safety records of a company
- Executive summaries
- Customer personal information
- Business journals
- Government records
- The internet
The regulations and penalties of Thailand’s PDPA address both primary and secondary personal data collection and processing.
Data Collection Methods and Tools
Many of the tools used for data collection are also primary sources. These include:
- In-person and online surveys
- Questionnaires
- Phone surveys
- Buying habits observations
Accurate Data Collection is Crucial
The accurate collection and analysis of data is crucial for businesses. Failure to collect and process the data efficiently and accurately can result in:
- Increased costs
- Lost revenue
- Damaged reputation
- Loss of customer trust
- Poor business decisions
- Regulatory and compliance issues and non-compliance
All of these consequences can affect an organization’s finances, and the consequences of regulatory and compliance issues can include significant financial penalties combined with damage to a brand name and reputation.
Maintaining the Integrity of Data Collection
Quality assurance and quality control are both strategies used to maintain the accuracy and integrity of data collection. The two processes have a subtle difference, which is explained below.
Quality Assurance
This is a process to ensure that the data collection methods are being correctly measured and analyzed and are achieving predetermined levels of integrity and accuracy. The process entails continuous monitoring and improvement to uphold the standards.
Quality Control
Quality control is a process that identifies and corrects specific mistakes and defects in data collection. It is conducted while the data collection is underway and provides small adjustments and refinements to the process.
Importance of Data Collection in the Business Sector
As businesses focus more on online customers, the need for integrity and accuracy in data collection has never been greater. Accurate and reliable data collection enables informed decision-making, precise forecasting of new trends, and a greater understanding of consumer behavior. These facets have a significant impact on a company’s finances and growth opportunities.
The PDPA was a wake-up call for many companies to focus as much on the data collection process as on the results.
Trust Your Data Collection to Vinarco
If your organization is relying on accurate data collection as a key factor in your operations, maybe it’s time to ensure the accuracy and integrity of your processes and methods. Contact Vinarco for an initial consultation about the PDPA platform services we can provide to ensure your data is accurate, compliant with the PDPA, and valuable to your organization.
