1001.0 - Annual Report - ABS Annual Report, 2002-03  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 10/10/2003   
   Page tools: Print Print Page  
Contents >> Section 1 - Summary of Operations >> Chapter 1 - Executive Summary - Business Statistics Innovation Program

In 2002-03 the ABS embarked on a major re-engineering of its business statistics processes with the commencement of the Business Statistics Innovation Program (BSIP) on 1 July 2002. The BSIP has a three-year implementation time-frame.

The ABS regularly reviews the work that we do and how we do it so as to find better ways to deliver a high quality work program in an efficient and effective manner. The purpose of the BSIP is to re-engineer the ABS’ business statistics processes through the use of innovative technologies and methodologies, with a view to improving the quality and relevance of our business statistics in a manner that is most efficient for both the ABS and its providers. Outcomes from BSIP will include:

  • improved data quality
  • improved provider relations, improved reporting mechanisms and reduced provider load
  • increased capacity to respond to emerging statistical demands
  • stronger statistical leadership to provide a better national statistical service
  • significant operating efficiencies that will allow the expansion of the statistical service and sustain competitive pay and conditions for staff
  • enhanced opportunities for staff.

It is still ‘early days’ in the life of BSIP, but as we approach the end of the first of the three years of implementation, ABS management is satisfied with progress to date. A great deal of planning has taken place, and a lot has already been achieved. One of the critical objectives of the BSIP implementation strategy is to maintain business continuity during transition and this has been achieved to date.

Image - Participants at the state statistical forum



The three functionally specialised organisational groups (the Economic Statistics Data Centre (ESDC), Business Statistics Centres (BSCs) and National Statistics Centres (NSCs)), together with the new Economic Statistics Group branch structures, were established on 1 July 2002.

The role of the National Statistics Centres is to focus on issues to do with expanding and improving our national statistical service in the different fields of statistics. In particular, establishment of NSCs has increased our capacity to progress Information Development Plans and investigations into the use of administrative data.

There has been a smooth transfer of functions between offices and the transfer of data collection functions to the ESDC has so far proven successful.

Re-engineering initiatives are a major part of BSIP. With the first phase of BSIP implementation focusing on organisational change to adopt the functionally oriented model, the priorities for re-engineering at this stage are to ensure a smooth transition. There are two major re-engineering developments being undertaken under the BSIP banner, the input data warehouse and systems to support generalised regression estimation.

The BSIP has and will continue to impact on the staff in the ABS. The buy-in and commitment to BSIP shown by staff across Australia working on its implementation has been outstanding.

The BSIP is a major initiative and will be a key focus of the ABS for the next two years. The benefits from BSIP are already emerging in the form of Information Development Plans and the development of common systems and processes. BSIP will leave the ABS well positioned in regard to its business statistics program for the foreseeable future.



Previous PageNext Page