1. LAMAS Working Group 13-14 June 2018
ESS guidelines on temporal disaggregation

2. Background
In official statistics users often require time series at a higher frequency than they are observed.
Benchmarking and reconciliation methods can be used to achieve these aims.
The WG Methodology, in May 2017, established a dedicated Task Force (TF) to establish common guidelines for temporal disaggregation within the European Statistical System (ESS)

3. ESS Guidelines on TD Why? What for? How?
Methodology harmonization: the definition of best practices
What for?
Deriving consistent high (Q/M) frequency data from low frequency (A/Q) data
How?
Estimation methods with
quality measures

4. ESS Guidelines on TD Who? When? Where? All infra-annual data producers
Regular production and revision analysis
Where?
Stand-alone and remote solution

5. Approach
Common Guidelines for Temporal Disaggregation within the ESS as essential step for a better harmonization and comparability of infra-annual statistics.
Each stage of Benchmarking and Reconciliation process is explained and options described.
Out of these options three alternative courses of action are highlighted:
(A) Best alternative (B) Acceptable (C) To be avoided

6. Guidelines structure
1. Introduction (includes motivation, definitions, and general policy) 2. Preliminary analysis 3. Temporal Disaggregation 4. Benchmarking 5. Reconciliation and Multivariate Benchmarking 6. Specific Issues 7. Presentation

7. Work in progress Latest version is available at:
Presented to WG Methodology, National Accounts, LAMAS and Expert Group on Seasonal Adjustment. Adoption by 2018

8. LAMAS delegates are invited to:
take note of the work of the Task Force on Temporal Disaggregation to draft the ESS guidelines on temporal disaggregation;
send their comments and suggestions on the last available version of the ESS guidelines on temporal disaggregation.