Are there any official guidelines for dealing with errors in record keeping?

Question

I've always heard that the best way to correct an error on paperwork is to draw a single line through the error, initial it, and write the correct value nearby. We're having an issue at work and I need to back that statement up. Any ideas where I can find some "proof" of that guideline?

Answer 1

While your method has the advantage of showing what was corrected, it can get messy, and if there are a lot of errors on a page, confusing and nearly impossible.  It is also almost universally regarded as a temporary measure.  Your company probably has published procedures for error correction, and those become your official guidelines.  If your company engages in any international trade they may have to comply with ISO (International Standards Organization) standards.