Redesign of Statistics Production within an Architectural Framework: The Dutch Experience

In response to a changing environment, Statistics Netherlands has embarked on a large-scale redesign of the way statistics are produced. The aim is to increase the capability to respond to changing information demand, to lower the response burden for surveys, especially for businesses, and to improve efficiency, while preserving the overall quality level. The redesign is carried out within the framework of a so-called enterprise architecture, which gives overall guidance when structuring the processes of the organisation, including statistical methods and IT tools used. The article describes the redesign approach and explains the main features of the architecture. The emphasis is on experiences that may be relevant to other national statistical institutes operating in a similar environment.