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Data Entry - Who Does What

Setting up and maintaining your MakeLifeEasy Image Management System database requires some data entry. You enter several wardrobe needs and wardrobe assets at first, then you make occasional updates at future times. Who actually does the data entry (client or agent) depends on several factors. Here are some notes and guidelines.

NOTES:

Whoever enters the data should know how to do it, of course. This includes providing the proper names for needs and assets, providing the proper "inventory management data", and knowing how to update the shopping list. It's not very difficult, but does require a little practice and skill. Further, if the client is computer-phobic, the agent should take the lead. See the related topics on data entry.
If you're acting as your own agent, you do everything, of course.
In the opposite situation, if your agent is providing very high service, they'll probably do all the data entry.
If you're asking your agent to do data entry, they'll probably require compensation. Entering the starting needs and assets could take an hour or so. Future updates may just take a few minutes here and there. Data entry for the periodic (e.g. annual) wardrobe deep review could take one-half hour to one hour. Assume the agent's hourly rate applies unless you both agree on some other terms. So, if the client wants to minimize their consulting expenses and they feel they can do it, they can go ahead and enter the data themselves.
It is also possible for both client and agent to be viewing their MakeLifeEasy database on the internet while talking on the phone. One may make changes, and the other can see the results of those changes by refreshing the web page in their browser. For example, lets say that the agent has just called the client to ask if a Glen plaid suit that is at the top of their shopping list really should be there. If the client says that it should last at least another 50 uses, the agent can update the data for them on the spot.
WARNING: Only ONE person should update data at any one point in time. Two people updating data at once can produce strange results in your database.
(Coming soon) If you keep photos online, it may depend on who takes the pictures.

Here are some examples of who might do which data entry function:

The data entry function: Who does it:

Enter your starting set of wardrobe needs Usually the agent will do this, possibly with the client at their side. The agent has the best sense of which specific wardrobe articles will help you achieve your goals, based on location, industry, position, etc.

(Optional) Enter your starting set of wardrobe assets This could be performed either by the client or the agent. It may depend on who took the notes during the audit.

Enter new assets just purchased This could be performed either by the client or the agent, depending on who made the purchase. If the client made the purchase but the agent does all data entry in the relationship, the client should send (e.g. email) detailed descriptions of the assets for the agent to enter.

Adjust your shopping list, based on a "quick review" The client may perform a quick review on their own at any time and update their shopping list accordingly. But what often happens is that the agent contacts the client and asks if the shopping list is accurate (since they're about to shop to cover a need). In this case, the client will usually make the changes and notify the agent. Or, the client can notify the agent on how to update the list, and the agent can do it.

Adjust your wardrobe asset list, based on a "deep review" If the client does this themselves, they may also update the database. If the agent meets with the client and leads the audit (the deep review), they may update the database.

Adjust your wardrobe need list, based on a client profile change Usually the agent will do this, using their expertise in determining specific wardrobe needs based on the new situation that results from the profile change.

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The data entry function:	Who does it:
Enter your starting set of wardrobe needs	Usually the agent will do this, possibly with the client at their side. The agent has the best sense of which specific wardrobe articles will help you achieve your goals, based on location, industry, position, etc.
(Optional) Enter your starting set of wardrobe assets	This could be performed either by the client or the agent. It may depend on who took the notes during the audit.
Enter new assets just purchased	This could be performed either by the client or the agent, depending on who made the purchase. If the client made the purchase but the agent does all data entry in the relationship, the client should send (e.g. email) detailed descriptions of the assets for the agent to enter.
Adjust your shopping list, based on a "quick review"	The client may perform a quick review on their own at any time and update their shopping list accordingly. But what often happens is that the agent contacts the client and asks if the shopping list is accurate (since they're about to shop to cover a need). In this case, the client will usually make the changes and notify the agent. Or, the client can notify the agent on how to update the list, and the agent can do it.
Adjust your wardrobe asset list, based on a "deep review"	If the client does this themselves, they may also update the database. If the agent meets with the client and leads the audit (the deep review), they may update the database.
Adjust your wardrobe need list, based on a client profile change	Usually the agent will do this, using their expertise in determining specific wardrobe needs based on the new situation that results from the profile change.