# Data normalization

Concept · [Technical basics](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/technical)

Also called: normalization, normalizing data, data cleanup, CRM normalization, data cleansing

Making records consistent so the same thing is always written the same way, and, in [database](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/database) design, storing each fact in only one place.

**For example:** A [sales](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/revenue) list has 'OK', 'Okla.' and 'Oklahoma' in the state field. Normalizing it [turns](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/turn) all three into 'OK'.

## Connects to (4)

- [Data integrity](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/data-integrity): Whether data stays accurate, complete and consistent over time.
- [Data model](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/data-model): The plan for what information an app stores and how the pieces relate, such as customers, orders and products and which belongs to which.
- [CRM](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/crm): Customer relationship management.
- [Database](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/database): Organized storage for your app's information, such as users, orders and messages, so it can be saved and looked up later.

Map view: https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/data-normalization