Collated

To 'collate' means to gather and assemble multiple pieces of information, documents, or data in a specific, often sequential, order. This process involves comparing and organizing materials to ensure completeness, accuracy, and a logical presentation. Collating often implies a degree of carefulness and meticulousness, arranging items according to a predefined rule such as alphabetical order, chronological sequence, or thematic grouping. The goal is to create a structured collection that is easy to understand and utilize. This can be done manually, by hand, or digitally using software that can sort and compile documents. The final product, the collated material, is then ready for review, distribution, or further analysis. Think of it as compiling scattered components into a complete whole.

Collated meaning with examples

• The archivist meticulously collated historical records, organizing them by date and then by subject matter. Each document was carefully compared to ensure no duplicates were present. This painstaking process resulted in a comprehensive and easily searchable archive, providing valuable insights into the region's past. The final outcome was a complete, reliable archive that could be studied by researchers.
• After the conference, the assistant collated all the presentation slides, handouts, and attendee contact information. She then combined it all into one large digital file. She emailed it to everyone. This helped with sharing information and networking opportunities for the people involved.
• The editor collated various drafts of the novel, incorporating edits from multiple sources. This involved comparing different versions, resolving any inconsistencies, and deciding on the final text. He made all the necessary revisions. After this, the text was then ready for its final publish. The book was greatly improved by his efforts.
• During the audit, the accountant collated all the financial statements, receipts, and invoices. He made certain it showed accurate accounting. He found mistakes in the previous year's report. This helped to uncover the source of the discrepancies and provided a clear picture of the company's financial health. He used the information in an investigation.
• The researcher collated data from several different surveys, creating a single, unified dataset. He then looked for any anomalies or trends to give it meaning. After looking it all over he was able to give conclusions. She was then able to draw meaningful conclusions that would not have been otherwise possible.