Data Tagging
Data tagging adds meaning to raw information by attaching labels that describe what each data point represents. Instead of treating data as plain text or numbers, tagging tells systems how to interpret each value.
In SEC filings, data tagging is most visible through XBRL, where financial values are tagged with standardized labels. These tags explain whether a number represents revenue, expenses, assets, or another financial concept.
Tagging turns documents into structured data. It allows filings to be searched, compared, and analyzed automatically across companies and time periods.
Why It Matters
Data tagging makes large-scale financial analysis possible. It improves accuracy, reduces manual work, and enables consistent comparison across filings.
How does data tagging work in SEC filings?
In SEC filings, data tagging assigns standardized labels to financial facts and disclosures. Each tag points to a defined concept, such as net income or total assets. These tags are applied consistently across companies. This allows software to extract the same type of data from different filings reliably.
Why is data tagging essential for automation and analytics?
Automation depends on knowing what each data point represents. Data tagging removes ambiguity by replacing visual interpretation with explicit labels. This allows models, dashboards, and alerts to operate without manual review. Without tagging, large-scale analysis would be slow and error-prone.
How does data tagging improve data quality and comparability?
Tagged data follows shared definitions and structures. This reduces inconsistencies caused by formatting differences or wording choices. Analysts can compare values across companies with confidence. Over time, tagging also supports trend analysis and historical research.
Real-World Example
A financial platform pulls revenue data from hundreds of SEC filings. Because the revenue values are tagged consistently, the platform can compare companies without manual adjustments.
Data Tagging and FinFeedAPI
FinFeedAPI’s SEC API provides access to tagged financial data from SEC filings. This allows users to work with structured, machine-readable disclosures instead of raw documents. Tagged data supports faster extraction, comparison, and automation.