1. Manual Data Capture – Key Entry
UNSD Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 2008

2. Key Entry data capture To
Forms To
Data Capture
Data
File

3. Key Entry – Main characteristics
Computer-assisted keyboard data entry usually uses personal computer data entry programs with built-in logical controls.
Some of the tasks accomplished by the programs are:
Verifying that EA codes are valid and copying them automatically from one record to the next;
Assigning a number to each person in a household automatically and to each household within an EA;
Switching record types automatically if required;
Checking that variable values are always within pre-determined ranges;
Skipping fields if the logic indicates doing so;
Supporting keyboard verification of the information entered earlier;
Generating summary statistics for the operator and the batch.

4. Key Entry – Main characteristics
Coding complex classifications (occupation, industry, education) can be included in a computer-assisted keyboard data entry application,
Or a clerical process prior to keying to assign the classification class to be key entered.
In order not to delay the data capture task, data entry applications should limit checking to problems that are:
Either very serious (for example, wrong EA code),
Or likely to be caused by a simple misread or key entry mistake.
More sophisticated checking is deferred until the editing stage.

5. Key Entry – Main characteristics
This method requires relatively simple software systems (if complex coding not included)
Requires many more staff than automated data capture method
More elapsed time to complete.
UNSD Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 2008

6. Key Entry – Elements for decision
Decision to use manual entry versus automated entry may take into account:
Timetable requirements
Relativities between staff and hardware costs.
Possibility to implement more sophisticated technology
Where staff costs are low and computing infrastructure is moderate, keyed entry may be the optimal method.
UNSD Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 2008

7. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 2008
Key Entry – Software
Basic key entry programmes:
Used in-house or outsourced
Software packages:
CsPro
...
User specific applications:
Developed in-house or outsourced
UNSD Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 2008

8. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 2008
Thank You
UNSD Regional Workshop on Census Data Processing for the English speaking African Countries: Contemporary technologies for data capture, methodology and practice of data editing
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-13 June 2008