Toward Generic Systems Shifra Haar - Central Bureau of Statistics-Israel

2 The Motives  IT supports more than 150 information systems, 40 new systems each year.  Implement a GIS unit within the Information Technology department.  There is need to change the organization strategy about IS development

3 1. Minimize the number of Information Systems. 2. Decrease the creation time of a new Information System One of the solutions’ challenges *** Generic Systems*** Main Goals

4 The ICBS main business activities were divided into three main stages:  Data Collecting  Data Processing  Data Distribution Each of these stages were analyzed for the potential of implementing a Generic System. ( “ on the shelf ” or “ tailor made ” )

5 The Six Systems That Can Bring Us Closer To Our Goal Generic Surveys Management Generic Questionnaire Generic Data Flow Administrative Files Remote MUC files File generator Maps and Table Generator Collecting Geographical anchoring Data Warehouse code Sdmx dictionaries Metadata

6 Administrative Files  The Extract Transform Load software  read data from several types of technologies  convert the data from its previous form into the required structure  combine the data with other files  check the data by using lookup tables  cleanse the data according to our predefined rules All the processes are "accompanied" by control tables and documentation.

7 Administrative Files... Teachers’ file Students’ file Pupils’ file X file External dictionaries; Cities, Statistical area Standardize the files Entities creating Building Data Warehouse Tables and documents. Control documents Data Warehouse Entities Data Base Select algorithm for multi variable Standard files Data base source files data base Informatica and Trillium

8 Generic Coding And Anchoring  Four systems were found written by different departments.  One single system translates the addresses to geographical codes and coordinates.  The Aim – independently use by the subject unit with an online view of the coding result

9 Generic Survey  management transmission questionnaire Only the three combined modules will be recognized as a whole Generic Survey We decided to divide the Generic Survey into three sub systems in order to be able to use each of them individually in existing projects

10 WEB USERS CATI Questionnaires ’ Database Administrative database Mail questionnair es MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Generic Managing System CAPI USERS

11 (prerequisite : an available computerized questionnaire) Creating A New Survey (prerequisite : an available computerized questionnaire) Set up Interviewees. Assign Interviewers to The survey. Install sample file Setting due to survey requirements Managing the survey Create a final file

12 –Initiating Processes –Performing actions as a result of obtained information –External SITE Managing CAWI –Monitoring sampled status –Updating sampled file –Recommendations for further treatment –Handling multiple questionnaires General Management –Performing initiated actions –Performing actions as a result of obtain information –Connect to printed questionnaire –CADI – Managing paper ( mail ) CALL SYSTEM connect ion to CATI questionnaire Managing CATI

13 Generic Questionnaires  Generic Survey Management significantly shortens the time needed to create a new survey, however, creating a specific questionnaire, especially in different languages, is time consuming.  Together with the field unit a standard template was created to define their needs.  Creating 30 question templates  A system is developed to allow the field unit to independently choose the suitable template and fulfill it. (navigation, checks, and connection to the DB are not included)

14 Generic Transmission Web user Servers Interviewer PDA Interviewer laptop Telephone line Cellular line IIS Secure Zone Managing and Monitoring Internet

15 Distribution  Three sets of dissemination systems were diagnosed as having the capability of a generic system.  Generic Maps and Tables generator. ICBS developed and distributed three maps and tables generators - a template which could be the basis of a generic tool. (SUPERSTAR)  Generic File generator. As the Data Warehouse includes the files, their variables and the Metadata, it is possible to allow the office users to independently create their own files by a generic mechanism.  Remote Working on Micro Data under Control Files. A virtual research room allows researchers to securely connect from their own offices and homes and access the relevant data permitted to use.

16 Summary Distribution Generic Surveys Management Generic Questionnaire Generic Data Flow Extract,Transform, Load Remote MUC files File generator Maps and Table Generator Collecting Geographical code Data Warehouse ?

17 Problematical Aspects  The employees have to adapt themselves to the generic systems - management commitment  "A Single Point of Failure ” (SPOF ( is part of a system which, if fails, will bring the entire system to a halt  The system must run continuously – This reduces the opportunity of handling systems, upgrading tools, maintenance and repairs when necessary. - define “ time out ”

18 DIRECT BENEFITS ACHIEVED  Surveys – ROI was improved (if a omputerized questionnaire is made-one month is sufficient to start the survey)  The tool and knowhow bought for the administrative file will serve the entire organization. (Identical methodology, technology and procedures)  Reduce the number of information systems in the organization

19 Thank you questions???