Practical Tools for Better Data Work

TrueNorth Resources is a growing collection of templates, checklists, frameworks, and reference materials designed to make everyday data and information-management work easier.

The objective is simple:

Create tools that can actually be used.

Data Quality Checklist

A simple checklist for reviewing a dataset before analysis or reporting.

Areas covered include:

• Completeness
• Validity
• Consistency
• Accuracy
• Timeliness
• Uniqueness
• Duplicate records
• Missing values
• Standardized categories
• Documentation

Status: Coming soon

Dataset Inventory Template

Organizations often maintain many datasets without having a clear overview of what exists.

The Dataset Inventory Template helps document:

• Dataset name
• Data category
• Data owner
• Focal point
• Purpose
• Data source
• Update frequency
• Last update
• Geographic coverage
• Data-quality status
• Access restrictions
• Storage location

Status: Coming soon

Dashboard Review Checklist

A practical checklist for reviewing a dashboard before publication.

Questions include:

• Does the dashboard answer a clear question?
• Is the target audience defined?
• Are the KPIs understandable?
• Are definitions clear?
• Is the visual hierarchy effective?
• Are colours used consistently?
• Are filters necessary and understandable?
• Does the dashboard load efficiently?
• Is the data current?
• Can users understand the main message quickly?

Status: Coming soon

Data-to-Decision Canvas

A one-page framework for connecting analysis to decision-making.

The canvas includes:

Question

What do we need to understand?

Audience

Who needs the information?

Data

Which sources are available?

Analysis

What method should be used?

Finding

What does the evidence show?

Implication

Why does the finding matter?

Decision

What decision or discussion can this information support?

Status: Coming soon

Information Management Templates

Future templates will cover areas such as:

• Data collection planning
• Reporting workflows
• Indicator tracking
• Metadata documentation
• Data-quality reviews
• Dataset inventories
• Information-product planning

Resource Philosophy

TrueNorth resources are designed around three principles:

Keep Them Simple

A useful template should reduce work, not create another reporting burden.

Make Them Practical

Resources should solve recurring problems analysts and information managers actually face.

Improve Them Over Time

Templates should evolve based on experience, feedback, and changing needs.

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