Characteristics of Information

 

Here are the main characteristics of information in Information Technology (IT):

1. Accuracy – Information should be correct and free from errors. Wrong information can lead to wrong decisions.
   Example: Accurate sales data helps in proper planning.

2. Relevance – Information must be related to the purpose for which it is used.
   Example: A marketing manager needs customer data, not payroll data.

3. Timeliness – Information must be available when required. Outdated information loses its value.
   Example: Stock market updates must be real-time.

4. Completeness – Information should contain all the necessary details.
   Example: An incomplete student record can cause problems during admission.

5. Clarity / Understandability – Information must be easy to read and interpret.
   Example: Using clear charts and tables helps users understand reports better.

6. Availability – Information should be easily accessible to authorized users whenever needed.
   Example: Cloud storage allows access to data from anywhere.

7. Security – Information should be protected from unauthorized access, theft, or modification.
   Example: Using passwords and encryption ensures data safety.

8. Conciseness – Information should be brief but complete enough to support decision-making.
   Example: A dashboard showing key metrics instead of long reports.

9. Purpose : Information must have purpose at the time it is transmitted to a person or macine, otherwise it is simply date The basic purpose of information is to inform, evaluate, persuade of organize other information, create new concepts, identify problems, solve progblems, decision making, plannning, initializing, controllling and serching.

10. Verifiability/Validity – The information should be easy to check or validate from reliable sources.
    Example: Cross-checking financial data with bank statements.

11. Cost-effectiveness – The value of information should be greater than the cost of collecting and processing it.

12. Form Information - Is of value if it is provided to the user in the form it is useful and best understood by him.