I do agree on the points about data quality and in certain industries, it does seem that technology hasn't been fully embraced.

However, as IT professionals, we can make a significant difference with the systems we deliver by putting in strict validation and making data entry elements mandatory to prevent essential facts from being omitted.

I know making an application "idiot proof" isn't an exact science nor is it always possible to second guess every crazy thing an end user will try but we can definitely make a difference.

Also, the example of estate (real) agents may also be partly down to a liberal attitude to the truth in some cases - sales people huh 🙂