9 Tips for Data Cleansing for AI Success

A senior leader approaches you and says, “I’d like you to build a new AI model for finance and forecasting.”

How would you react? Would you have enthusiastic rumblings in your stomach? Tension in your shoulders? A mix of both?

AI modeling comes with a blend of excitement and frustration. On the one hand, the promise of smarter predictions, faster insights, and streamlined processes is enough to inspire even the most jaded finance professionals. But on the other hand, there’s a catch: Your results are only as good as the data you feed your models. Even the most talented teams can stumble when their data is scattered, inconsistent, or just plain messy.

Data chaos is ultimately a universal challenge, especially as organizations grow and systems multiply. But there’s good news. You can turn your data from a liability into your greatest asset — with the right approach.

In this post, we’ll share nine practical tips for data cleansing that will help you unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in finance. These aren’t just theoretical best practices. They’re actionable steps you can take today, with a spotlight on how OneStream’s unified platform makes the process smoother and more effective. Whether you’re a finance leader, an analyst, or just someone passionate about getting the numbers right, these tips are for you.

Let’s jump in.

1. Establish a Single Source of Truth

AI models break when data is scattered across enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms, spreadsheets, and point tools.

OneStream angle: Unified corporate performance management (CPM) + extensible dimensionality ensures harmonized data at the core.

2. Standardize Dimensions & Master Data

Misaligned accounts, entities, and products create noise that weakens AI predictions.

OneStream angle: Built-in dimensional management simplifies governance and accelerates AI readiness.

3. Define and Enforce Data Quality Rules

Missing values, inconsistent formulas, and errors propagate into AI models and reduce accuracy.

OneStream angle: Data quality dashboards, validations, and workflows are embedded directly in the close and planning process.

4. Automate Data Reconciliation

AI can’t fix mismatches between actuals, plans, and operational sources.

OneStream angle: Automated reconciliation and drill-back ensure accuracy from source to submission.

5. Eliminate Duplicate & Redundant Data

Duplicates distort forecasts and key performance indicators (KPIs), leading to unreliable AI outputs.

OneStream angle: Unified data pipelines and governed workflows reduce manual data collection and duplication.

6. Ensure All Data Has Lineage & Traceability

AI users need confidence in where data originates and how it changes.

OneStream angle: Transparent lineage from source system to report builds trust in SensibleAI models.

7. Define Clear Definitions for Metadata

Poor metadata inflates model complexity and increases the risk of misinterpretation.

OneStream angle: Centralized metadata management drives consistency across consolidation, planning, and analytics.

8. Remove Bias & Outliers Before Modeling

AI models overfit when historical anomalies or one-off events aren’t controlled.

OneStream angle: SensibleAI’s predictive models detect anomalies and highlight data quality issues early.

9. Continually Monitor & Refresh Data Quality

Data cleansing isn’t a one-time project. AI models degrade without continuous improvement.

OneStream angle: Unified processes + automated validations maintain clean, reliable inputs for ongoing AI forecasting, commentary, and anomaly detection.

More?

Clean, consistent, and well-governed data is the secret ingredient that separates successful AI initiatives from those that fall short.

By embracing these nine tips for data cleansing, finance teams can move beyond the frustration of mismatched numbers and manual reconciliations. Data instead becomes a strategic asset — one that fuels reliable forecasts, uncovers actionable insights, and empowers confident decision-making. With unified platforms like OneStream, the path to AI success is clearer, more efficient, and far less daunting.

Ready to take the next step? OneStream’s Finance AI Academy offers expert-led courses, hands-on training, and the latest best practices in finance transformation. Explore the Academy to hone new skills, deepen your understanding, and lead the way in the future of finance and AI.