SUT-EQUALIZER

Facilitate: 1) National accounts compilation consistent with international recommendations, namely the SNA; and 2) Data storage for the national accounts in a time series format.

Functions

1) Organization and aggregation of data according to logic of 2008 SNA by using standard national accounts classifications; 2) Loading and storage of data according to same logic; 3) Ensuring perfect consistency between data storage and data compilation; 4) Facilitation of NA compilation by making available: a) templates for SUTs and IOTs - templates are normally at prices of previous year; b) calculation modules for relevant SUT adjustments, e.g., for trade and transport margins, and RAS for automated finalization of SUT balancing; and c) a tool to generate results from an iterative process between commodity flows and centralized balancing; 5) Production of relevant output tables, e.g., of GDP by activity.

Users

Multiple user environment..SUT-Equalizer organizes the work so that the national accountants share tasks and data in a structured and secure environment. Access can be regulated by administrator.

Includes features to facilitate data exchange

Yes, SUT-Equalizer tables are available in Excel and SDMX formats

Compilation software

A database: e.g., SQL, Access, or Oracle To compilers, they work in sheets in the tool interface like in Excel. This set of sheets is interacting with the database so that full data consistency is ensured. Any sheet in SUT-Equalizer format may be exported to Excel and vice versa.

Organization of links between Excel workbooks

Excel is not used. Thus, the issue of links between Excel workbooks is not relevant. The underlying database ensures that data consistency between the various parts of the compilation components is maintained.

User interface in Excel included

Not applicable

Storage software

A relational database management system using SQL, i.e. Access or Oracle. The IT interface is normally ODBC.

Principles for data storage

Data stored in database tables with several dimensions. Each dimension corresponds to a classification, for example, transactions, industries and products.

Storage and compilation fully integrated

Yes, a database software is used both for compilation, storage and dissemination. SUT-Equalizer is organized such that there are no data inconsistencies between the different components of the system.

Includes feature to trace adjustments

Yes, the system: 1) Traces the changes in the set of formulae solving a sheet; 2) Traces all steps of transformations and allows for backtracking; 3) Allows user to make comments in all cells.

Flexibility

1) User to specify their own classification systems, which should follow the logic of 2008 SNA; 2) User free to choose between and modify all available SUT templates (30) or apply their own – templates accommodate, e.g., different degrees of exogeneity/ endogeneity of data; 3) User to determine which accounts of the IEAT to include as well as their specific format; and 4) Compilation at current prices possible but requires a specific initialization of the tool (normally compilation is at prices of previous year).

Classifications shown as Excel header and stub

Not applicable

Automaticity

1) Aggregations automated through classification structures, with data in lower levels automatically aggregated into higher levels without room for error, provided classifications correctly specified; 2) Many calculations automated, e.g. a) commodity flow balancing, after the user has chosen own set of assumptions; and b) trade margin adjustments, the RAS procedure, which automatically finalizes SUT balancing, and the Denton application to avoid the step-problem in QNA; 3) Generation of the 1600 to 1950 tables of the ESA2010 dissemination programme automated; 4) Generation of a SUT with corresponding IOT automated; 5) Recompilation of a previously stored exercise automated; 6) Uploads and downloads between storage and compilation components automated.

Documentation

User Guide – The full user manual Reference Manual – The reference manual Training material: • General aspects of National Accounts • SUT / IOT principles • Modelling in SUT-Equalizer with (a) Building models and review of the SUT-Equalizer modelling library, and (b) Solving models • The deflators • SUT_Equalizer for IT administrators • SUT-Equalizer for end-users.

Support

Hendyplan International

Countries using the toolkit

Europe: Cyprus, Malta Africa, Middle East and Pacific: Under prospection and negotiation

Time normally required for instalation

Software: Installation is very quick once all IT components are in place (networking, database system, etc.). SUT Compilation: One or two years depending on how the data are structured/available; if the country already compiled SUT, etc. Additional assistance is also provided remotely or on-site upon request. This includes initialization, training, and coaching.

Copyright