What should you do before creating a new display column?

Before creating a new display column, searching for an existing column is essential because it helps to avoid redundancy and ensures efficiency. When you look for existing columns, you can determine if the data you intend to include is already available in a different format or column. This step can save time and effort, as well as maintain consistency within reports or displays. It also promotes better data management practices, enhancing the overall integrity of the data by minimizing overlap or confusion from having multiple columns representing the same information.

Evaluation of existing parameters, contacting a supervisor for approval, and reviewing past report formats may have their places in the process but do not directly address the need to first verify the presence of relevant data through existing columns. Thus, searching for an existing column sets a solid foundation for any subsequent steps in creating new display elements.