Innovating and improving the quality of statistics.

Statistical information is playing an increasingly important role in the management, administration, and policy planning of socio-economic development. To meet practical requirements, the Provincial Statistics Department is focusing on improving the quality of data from the grassroots level, innovating survey methods, and promoting the application of digital technology in all professional activities.

Báo Sơn La•23/05/2026

Mr. Dang Trong Diep, Acting Head of the Provincial Statistics Department, stated: "The quality of statistical information depends heavily on input data from the grassroots level. Therefore, the department always focuses on strengthening the grassroots statistical system and improving the quality of the surveyors to ensure that the collected data is complete, accurate, and reflects the local reality. Currently, the grassroots statistical system is organized into 6 units responsible for specific areas, ensuring that information collection and updating are carried out regularly and continuously. The entire province maintains approximately 60 grassroots statistical surveyors, mainly village heads, neighborhood group leaders, or grassroots officials who are familiar with the local area, customs, traditions, and language. This is the force directly carrying out socio-economic surveys in the locality."

Each year, the Provincial Statistics Department conducts approximately 250 monthly, quarterly, and annual statistical surveys across various fields: labor and employment; industrial production; trade and services; agriculture and rural areas; living standards, etc. The large workload, wide geographical area, dispersed population, and many remote and inaccessible areas place high demands on survey organization and data quality control. To ensure data accuracy, before each survey, enumerators receive standardized training on information collection procedures, skills in approaching survey subjects, and the use of electronic survey software. Simultaneously, regular inspections and monitoring are carried out to promptly detect and address any errors that arise during the survey process.

Ms. Lu Thi Tuoi, an investigator in To Hieu ward, shared: "Statistical survey work requires frequent field visits, direct meetings with households and businesses to collect information. During the process, investigators not only record data but also have to explain the purpose of the survey to the people, thereby encouraging them to cooperate and provide more complete and accurate information."

Along with improving the quality of surveyors, the Statistics sector has identified digital transformation as a crucial solution to innovate survey methods and enhance the efficiency of statistical operations. Currently, over 84% of statistical surveys have replaced paper forms with electronic forms such as CAPI, Webform, or applications using scanning technology. The application of digital technology shortens the time for data collection and aggregation, reduces survey organization costs, and improves accuracy and transparency in the statistical process. Data is updated in real time, supporting progress monitoring and quality control throughout the survey process.

Ms. Pham Thi Hong Van, Head of Statistics at To Hieu branch, said: "Currently, most surveys are conducted using electronic questionnaires, allowing surveyors to update information directly at the branch. During the survey process, the software system automatically checks and warns of unreasonable or missing information fields, helping to minimize errors from the outset. At the same time, the responsible staff can easily monitor progress, review, and compile data faster than with the previous manual data entry method."

Not only have the methods of data collection been innovated, but the content of statistical surveys has also been increasingly expanded to closely follow the practical requirements of socio-economic development. From the collected data, the Statistics sector continues to strengthen the analysis, synthesis, and forecasting of socio-economic conditions; build growth scenarios for each quarter, six months, and the whole year, contributing effectively to the leadership, direction, and management of the province's socio-economic development. At the same time, it has completed the connection of the reporting system and data sharing with the province's operating system; sharing and exploiting data with departments and agencies through the Intelligent Operations Center (IOC), the province's electronic portal, and the unit's website. In addition, initial research and testing of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in supporting statistical analysis, forecasting, and report drafting is underway.

With the increasing volume of surveys and the growing demand for higher data quality, the Son La Statistics Department continues to innovate its data collection methods, enhance the capacity of its surveyors, and promote digital transformation across all statistical activities. Through this, it is gradually building a comprehensive, accurate, and timely statistical data system to meet the requirements of managing and monitoring the socio-economic development of the locality.