Method	Pros	Cons
Manual creation: Testers physically enter data on an individual or case-by-case level	Testers can create the data to meet specific models they need for testing.	Data may not reflect real world data. Data may not be voluminous enough for performance testing. Data may not have aged enough for certain test cases where time passage is a key element. Process is time consuming.
Use of Automated tools to generate data	Saves time	Data may not reflect real world data. Tools may not be available
Conversion of live production data to the test application database.	Data reflects real world conditions. Allows test of conversion processes. Provides new and aged data.	Conversion may not be possible due to security issues. If new application has new fields, the data may not be complete enough to test all facets of application. It may be impossible to isolate cases for conversion since individuals are related to multiple cases. It may not be cost effective due to the effort needed to purify the data prior to the start of testing.
Conversion of test data from other test regions	Security is not an issue. Allows test of conversion processes. Provides new and aged data	If new application has new fields, the data may not be complete enough to test all facets of application. It may not be cost effective due to the effort needed to purify the data prior to the start of testing.
OTHERS