1. Validation Break-out sessions
2nd Meeting of the Working Group on Methodology
Luxembourg, 5 April 2017
Eurostat, Unit B1

2. Objectives of break-out sessions
exchange views on practical implications for NSI of the deployment of an ESS validation framework:
Methodology
Business and IT Architecture
Tools and services
VTL
Outcomes of discussions are expected to feed the work in the ESS (TF, ESSnet, between countries, …)

3. Organisation in 5 steps and 1H45'
(10') Plenary: introduction and choice of sessions
(40') Work in sessions (spokesperson needed)
(15') Coffee Break
(4*5') Plenary: Report by 4 spokespersons and Q/A
(10-20') Plenary: Overall conclusions

4. Session 1: Methodology Context & Objectives
Need for a common framework for validation in ESS:
Definitions, Classifications, Metrics, ...
Methodological handbook created by ESSnet
Objective: feed work in the ESS
Improvement of the handbook (metrics, …),
Standard for Validation report
Standard description of validation rules and roles …

5. Suggested discussion points
Session 1: Methodology
Suggested discussion points
Description of validation rules
Types of validation rules
Metrics
Validation reports
Warnings …

6. Session 2: Business Architecture
Context & Objectives
The Business and IT Architecture was developed by the TF Validation. The document:
Introduces a list of validation principles
Describes the “To be state” of validation in the ESS
Presents the three different ways MS could validate data prior to transmission to Eurostat
Provides a common classification of rule severity and proposes a standard data acceptance process

7. Session 2: Business Architecture Suggested discussion points
What kind of documentation/information would be useful for MS to be able to choose the most appropriate scenario?
What kind of support would be necessary to implement the to-be state (communication/training)?
Implementation of the Business Architecture:
Criteria to prioritise specific domains?
Which ESS body to monitor the implementation?
Comments on the data acceptance process?

8. Session 3: Tools and services
Context & Objectives
Increase understanding of the use and re-use of validation tools and services in the ESS,
Learning from others concerning the use of validation tools and services,
Identify needs in the area of validation tools and services,
Discuss interest and potential maturity for sharing tools and services in the ESS.

9. Session 3: Tools and services Suggested discussion points
What commercial tools and services are used for data validation?
What custom (developed) tools and services are used for data validation?
What tools/services – developed by other statistical organisations like Eurostat or NSI's from other countries – are used for data validation
Which validation service would add the greatest value to you concerning production of European Statistics?
Are you familiar / do you participate in initiatives like CSPA and ESS Shared Services?

10. Session 4: VTL Context & Objectives
A standardization of validation rules and validation reports guarantees:
the transparency of the validation process within the ESS
creating ESS interoperable IT services
Session on VTL – exchange of view on:
the current situation in countries on a corporate approach for data validation
the level of understanding of VTL and plans to use VTL

11. Suggested discussion points
Session 4: VTL
Suggested discussion points
With regard to data validation in your NSI, have you developed:
1.a Common validation language
1.b. Repository of validation rules
1.c Common metadata repository (for data structures etc.)
1.d Typologies of validation rules
1.e Standard methods
How much do you (your NSI) know about VTL?
2.a Participated to the TF VTL
2.b Participated to the public review
2.c Read the manual
What could be the potential for VTL in your NSI?
3.a Use VTL to pre-validate data sent to Eurostat, ECB, OECD, IMF
3.b Use VTL internally, for your own data collections
3.c Use VTL for communicating the validation rules with your partners (e.g. raw data providers)

12. QUESTIONS ?