...
21.24. The eFile system also has the potential to collect more accurate data, as fillable forms allow more flexibility in checks for validity and form-specific logic than ASTAR. Additionally, BEA can better ensure data security, as respondents save and submit their encrypted data on the BEA website. Lastly, eFile users receive confirmation of their submissions almost instantaneously, whereas ASTAR respondents receive confirmation only after the data have been loaded into the internal database of BEA. BEA plans to phase out ASTAR and convert to eFile for all of its surveys. In addition, the development of a feature allowing respondents to import their data directly into eFile, without the need to enter data manually, is seen as a major improvement. The survey managers and information technology specialists at BEA are committed to working together to continually improve and augment the system.
Back to: B. Use of information communications technology at the data collection stage
...