Various data collection methods in the Norwegian CPI

Traditionally, the price data used in the Norwegian CPI (Consumer Price Index) has mainly been collected using paper questionnaires. Today, questionnaires are still in use, but electronic formats are taking over more and more. Scanner data from head offices and other types of electronic data from secondary sources have gradually become more common. What are the consequences of applying electronic based data collection and methods? The burden on respondents is certainly reduced, data quality may be improved, but the consequences for data handling in the statistical agency itself are uncertain. In this paper, the application of new data collection methods and their implications are discussed.