What is data validation in the EPD Pilot and why is it important?

• A. Encrypting fields not required for processing to reduce payload size.
• B. Checking message fields, types, ranges, and required fields before processing to prevent invalid data from propagating.
• C. Removing all optional fields to enforce a strict schema.
• D. Allowing any data through and handling errors later.

Answer: (B)

Data validation checks that incoming data matches the expected structure and rules before processing. In the EPD Pilot, this means verifying that each message has the required fields, that the data types are correct, values fall within allowed ranges, and no essential information is missing. This prevents invalid data from propagating, which could cause processing errors, incorrect analytics, or failed integrations later on. Catching issues at the entry point keeps the system reliable and makes errors easier to diagnose. The approach of validating fields, types, ranges, and required fields before processing directly enforces data integrity where data first enters the system, which is why it’s the best fit. Encryption of non-required fields addresses security and payload size, not data validity. Removing all optional fields to enforce a strict schema can reduce flexibility and may not reflect real data needs. Letting any data through and handling errors later undermines reliability and predictability.