SNA-NT

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 SNA by using standard NA classifications; 2) Loading and storage of data according to same logic; 3) Ensuring perfect consistency between data storage and compilation; 4) Facilitation of NA compilation by making available: a) templates for SUT; b) pre-determined equation-defined functions for the commodity flow part of the SUT – these equations are fixed and compulsory, also SUT balancing must start at current prices; c) equation-defined functions specified by user for remaining SUT balancing and conversion to IOT; 5) Production of relevant output tables, e.g., of GDP by activity; 6) Provision of snapshot and sandbox functionality for experimental versions of the national accounts.

Users

Concurrent multiple-user environment. Users may be authorized for certain areas only.

Includes features to facilitate data exchange

No, SNA-NT does not include SDMX for data exchange. Presently, the output is in Excel.

Compilation software

A database: SNA-NT, written in Oracle with C++ The compilation software enacts the underlying equations specified in the software while ensuring full data consistency with the underlying database. Non-linked Excel workbooks are used for data input and output.

Organization of links between Excel workbooks

Excel is not used. Thus, the issue of links between Excel work-books is not relevant. The under-lying 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 database, namely Oracle

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

SNA-NT is organized such that there are no data inconsis-tencies between the different components of the various aspects of the national accounts.

Includes feature to trace adjustments

Yes, but not widely used.

Flexibility

1) User to specify their own classification systems, which should follow the logic of 2008 SNA; 2) Any existing Excel workbooks that the user might have can sometime be adapted to SNA-NT; 3) User to determine whether also to compile a SUT at constant prices and IOTs at current and constant prices. The latter would be based on the current price version of the SUT and various price measures.

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; and 2) Many calculations automated, e.g., a) the accounting equations, which checks the balance between supply and use at detailed product level; b) the RAS procedure, which automatically finalizes SUT balancing, 3) Generation of a SUT with corresponding IOT automated; 4) Recompilation of a previously stored exercise automated; 5) Uploads and downloads between storage and compilation components automated.

Documentation

A full user manual as well as a document providing a nearly exhaustive list of the equations used with explanations.

Support

Technical support: Hans Kristian Langva (previously at Statistics Norway) Previously supported by economists from Statistics Norway

Training trainers

None

Countries using the toolkit

Czech Republic (supported by Hans Kristian Langva), Slovakia (not supported by Hans Kristian Langva), and Slovenia (supported by Hans Kristian Langva) Have been used in: Bulgaria, Eritrea, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Malawi, Norway A predecessor of SNA-NT, SNACZ, was used in Zimbabwe

Time normally required for instalation

Technical installation: One week Technical training: One to three weeks Introducing the documentation and the basic equations and compiling the first year’s accounts: Normally between one and two years.

Copyright

Statistics Norway and Hans Kristian Langva

Others


Languages
  • Available in English

Cost

Available for free

Resource link(s)

Contact details
  • Technical: hklangva@googlemail.com or info@collstat.de Concepts and equations: lchsimp@gmail.com

Associated topic(s)