Data Entry Module

The data entry module is the only customized component of the PRIMA system. Each country and type of index (CPI, PPI, etc.) has its own regional and item hierararchy whose data capture is best done on a customized basis. PRIMA data entry applications are being used in Gambia, Ghana, Malawi, Maldives and Uganda.

Data entry can be done in the following modes:

• Desktop application running on one or more networked machines
• PDF (Portable Document Format by Adobe) form files for data entry on desktop computers
• PDA (Portable Digital Assistant or handheld computer) based application for direct data entry in markets/shops. Data is uploaded to the price database using the web.

Some common features of the desktop application being used in the countries mentioned above are:

• Checking and flagging of prices which are too high or low compared with previous period
• Supervisor correction of flagged prices
• Import/Export from/to XML.

Some common features of the PDA based application (being tested in three countries) are:

• Checking and flagging of prices which are too high or low compared with previous period
• Capture on-spot comments explaining high or low prices.

Work is under way to integrate ICP (International Comparison of Prices) standardization.