Data Collection with Hand-Held Electronic Devices

P.M.R. FernandoDepartment of Census & StatisticsSri Lanka

Overview of the Presentation

• Challenges with Paper-based Data Collection and Processing

• Problems faced in the Scanning

• Moving to Hand-held devises to Data Collection (CAPI)

• Challengers Of Using CAPI

Challenges with Paper-based Data Collection & Processing

• Slow and time-consuming

• Re-keying information is inefficient and increases chance of error

• Paper-based forms increase chance of error

• Submitting multiple forms for a single process

• Cannot capture GIS data

• Data Integrity and Authenticity

Population and Housing Census - 2012

• Enumeration was based on De-jure method

• Census 2012 adopted image based form processing technology such as OMR/ICR through scanning the questionnaire

• e-Census technology was introduced for the first time on experimental basis

Problems faced in the Scanning

• Bulk handling of questionnaires

• Scanning preparation and printing

➢Nearly 6 months delay

• Storage issues

• Shifting image

CAPI at DCS• Demographic and Health Survey –

➢ CAPI System experimented for DHS

➢ In 2016 data entry and validation was done onsite for the first time in DCS history

• Labour Force Survey -

➢ LFS conduct using CAPI System since 2017

➢Two Methods:

✓Online Mode

✓Offline Mode (When there is no internet connection)

• Agricultural and Household Survey

➢Currently ongoing with the CAPI system

CAPI System - DCS

Data Collection using tablet computers

Data Analysis Decision Making

Integrate interviewing and data entry through the use of a handheld device preloaded with an electronic questionnaire

Reduces data entry, data cleaning and data processing steps

DHS Survey : Communication

Enumerator

Supervisor

Central OfficeBluetooth ISP

Mobile hotspot

Assign HHUpdates / Patches

Upload ClustersAccess dashboardSend data

Sample Updates / Patches

LFS & AHS Survey : Communication

Enumerator Central Office

ISP

Send data

Sample Updates / Patches

➢Connectivity problems▪ Some areas do not have Internet

▪ Some areas have low signal

➢Data Synchronization issues

➢Geographical and Climate Conditions

▪ Rain

▪ Mountains

Challengers Of Using CAPI

Future With CAPI

• Further training will be required for interviewers and supervisors

• New sensor devices, compatible with the software will have to be produced

• Users will require better questionnaire compilers/ live preview functionality

• CAPI should become compatible with a wide range of devices