ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL4.SIT/2026/Guide.1
Country: Global
Publication Type: Information material
Cluster: Statistics, Information Society and Technology
Focus Area: Statistics, Technology & innovation
Initiatives: Trade & industry statistics, Monitoring Sustainable Development Goal Data, Digital Development
SDGs: Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Keywords: Australia, Business enterprises, Cost of living indices, Data collection, Guidelines, Information systems, Manuals, Netherlands, Norway, Prices, Recommendations, Retail trade, Scanners, Statistical data, Statistical methodology, Statistical organizations
Guide on the implementation and integration of scanner data into official price statistics 2025
April 2026
The rapid evolution of data ecosystems and the growing demand for more timely, granular and policy-relevant statistics are transforming the environment in which national statistical offices (NSOs) operate. Among the most promising opportunities for modernizing price-statistics production is the use of scanner data, which consist of detailed transaction records captured at the point of sale by retailers. These datasets provide rich information on product characteristics, quantities, values and purchase dates, offering a level of detail and coverage that goes well beyond traditional field-based price collection.
This publication provides practical guidance on how NSOs can access, assess and integrate scanner data into Consumer Price Index production. It presents the main characteristics of scanner datasets, outlines recommended approaches for data preparation and processing, and discusses key methodological considerations for effective implementation. The guide highlights both the potential benefits and operational challenges associated with scanner data, and proposes a structured approach for incorporating them into price-statistics programmes in a reliable and sustainable manner.
Related content
Statistics, Technology & innovation
The rapid evolution of data ecosystems and the growing demand for more timely, granular and policy-relevant statistics are transforming the environment in which national statistical offices (NSOs) operate. Among the most promising opportunities for modernizing price-statistics production is the use of scanner data, which consist of detailed transaction records captured at the point of sale by retailers. These datasets provide rich information on product characteristics, quantities, values and purchase dates, offering a level of detail and coverage that goes well beyond traditional field-based price collection.
This publication provides practical guidance on how NSOs can access, assess and integrate scanner data into Consumer Price Index production. It presents the main characteristics of scanner datasets, outlines recommended approaches for data preparation and processing, and discusses key methodological considerations for effective implementation. The guide highlights both the potential benefits and operational challenges associated with scanner data, and proposes a structured approach for incorporating them into price-statistics programmes in a reliable and sustainable manner.
