ERETES

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 SUT (or only production approach) and IEAT, SAM, quarterly accounts; b) calculation modules for relevant SUT adjustments, from-whom-to-whom matrix, backcasting; c) a tool to generate results from an iterative process between commodity flows and centralized balancing; 5) Production of relevant output tables such as: a) GDP by activity (production approach), GDP by expenditure approach; b) the IEAT including balance sheets; 6) Production of MORES for purchasing power parities.

Users

Multiple user environment. ERETES organizes the work so that the national accountants share tasks and data in a structured and secure environment. For this ERETES uses data extraction/ loading techniques and decentralization/ repatriation techniques. These procedures are managed by the software and require no IT skills on the part of users. Access can be regulated by administrator.

Includes features to facilitate data exchange

Yes, outputs are in Excel. In the future, Eretes will include SDMX for data exchange.

Compilation software

A database: 4GL Progress Language For compilation, the database mimics Excel while ensuring full data consistency. To compilers, it appears they work in Excel. Any sheet in SUT-Equalizer format may be exported to Excel and vice versa. 4GL Progress Language works under Windows, but not under Apple Mac OS.

Organization of links between Excel workbooks

Excel is used for data loading and output tables only. Thus, the issue of links between Excel work-books 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

A dedicated user interface is provided, with multiple controls and user-support features, and exports to Excel are possible.

Storage software

A database, namely the Progress ® database management system.

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. ERETES is organized such that there are no data inconsistencies between the different components of the various aspects of the national accounts.

Includes feature to trace adjustments

Yes, through the “status of value” function, which consists of a memory of past adjustments. Moreover, the history of national accounts compilation campaigns is fully preserved.

Flexibility

1) User to specify their own classification systems, which should follow the logic of 2008 SNA. A maximum of two levels is permitted for industries and a maximum of three levels for products; 2) Any existing Excel workbooks that the user might have can be adapted to Eretes; 3) User to determine whether to include a SUT at current or constant prices, and which accounts in the IEAT to include.

Classifications shown as Excel header and stub

A dedicated user interface is provided for managing and using classifications. Classifications are always accessible through this interface

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) Some calculations automated, e.g., the work on accounting equations, which checks, for each valuation, the balance between supply and use at detailed product level; 3) Uploads and downloads between storage and compilation components automated. 4) Semi-automatic balancing of supply and use balances.

Documentation

Eretes User’s Manual – The full user manual Eretes, un système en constante évolution – A description of the toolkit.

Support

INSEE, Afristat, Statafric

Countries using the toolkit

Africa: Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Togo and Tunisia Europe: France (overseas regions: French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion) Middle East: State of Palestine Pacific: French Polynesia and New Caledonia South America: Brazil and Peru Ongoing implementations: Bolivia and Liberia

Time normally required for instalation

Software : Installation is very quick. SUT and IEAT Compilation: One or two years depending on how the data are structured/available; if the country already compiled SUT and IEAT, etc. Additional assistance is also provided remotely or on-site upon request. This includes initialization, training, and coaching.

Copyright

Eurostat and INSEE

Others


Languages
  • Available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic

Cost

Available for free ERETES requires Progress ® Personal RDBMSTM License – one lifetime license per user, around $400.

Resource link(s)

Contact details
  • eretes@insee.fr cooperation-international@insee.fr

Associated topic(s)