Data banks can be kept at more than one location, depending on needs and facilities. Also, soils data can be entered into banks at more than one location. A uniform coding system is essential so that the data in the banks will have a consistent format. A uniform coding system permits direct transfer and sharing of data and the computer programs used to manipulate the data. After the soils information has been systematically entered into the data bank and the necessary equipment and operating instructions have been organized, the data are available for many kinds or operations.
Software development is usually the most expensive and time-consuming aspect of data processing.
A good data management system can reduce the amount of software needed. Statistical studies, particularly multiple correlations, can be made for many purposes. Testing the numerical limits of values in Soil Taxonomy , determining what soil properties observable in the field correlate well with laboratory results, and determining what observable soil properties reliably indicate soil behavior are among the purposes. Tabular material can be arranged and printed out for soil survey manuscripts and other reports. Text that is repeated in published surveys of a given State or region can be stored in finished form.