Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
Volume index of industrial production (Teollisuustuotannon volyymi-indeksi).
3.2. Classification system
NACE Rev. 2.
Products are classified by Prodcom.
Main industrial groupings MIGs.
3.3. Coverage - sector
Sections B, C, D of NACE Rev. 2.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
The volume index of industrial output describes the relative change in the volume of industrial output at fixed prices when compared with a specific base period. The volume index of industrial output is based on an inquiry sent to enterprises or establishments. Enterprises and establishments are asked about volume or value data every month.
3.5. Statistical unit
Local kind-of-activity unit or enterprise or establishment or establishment group.
3.6. Statistical population
Business register:
Enterprises under 50 employees 30 000 (2023);
Enterprises with 50 to 149 employees 670 (2023);
Enterprises with more than 150 employees 330 (2023).
Thus far, the production of the statistics has been based on a sample of approximately 750 establishments or enterprises. The aim has been to reduce the data supply burden and the renewal that was made in 2019 has attained it. The sample of the Volume Index is now around 330 establishments or enterprises. However, coverage has improved as part of industries are obtained through turnover data.
Three strata are used:
Establishments of enterprises with 150 or more employees (220 enterprises);
Sample of establishments of enterprises with 50 to 149 employees (110 enterprises);
Enterprises with under 50 employees (initially in 20 industries) from Tax Administration’s monthly payment control data (about 30 000 enterprises).
We check the sample annually and also the strata are checked annually and we change the enterprises industry, code or name when ever it is needed.
3.7. Reference area
The whole country.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Monthly data from 1954.
On database we have continued series from 1995 onwards.
3.9. Base period
2021
Index.
Month.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
The compilation of statistics is guided by the Statistics Act. The Statistics Act contains provisions on collection of data, processing of data and the obligation to provide data. Besides the Statistics Act, the Data Protection Act and the Act on the Openness of Government Activities are applied to processing of data when producing statistics.
Statistics Finland compiles statistics in line with the EU’s regulations applicable to statistics, which steer the statistical agencies of all EU Member States.
The Statistics Act requires that the primarily exploited sources for statistical purposes shall be the data accumulated in the administration of general government and the data produced as a consequence of the normal activities of employers, self-employed persons, corporations, and foundations. SF has the right to have access to these data under the Statistics Act. In addition, all public and private entities in Finland are obliged to provide SF with data on their finances, products and staff as necessary for the production of statistics. The right of SF to collect data by virtue of the obligation does not extend, however, to data that are kept confidential for reasons of international relationships, public safety, the interest of national defence, or the safety of the state. Before any data collection based on the obligation, the statistical authority must consult the respondents or their representatives about the contents, timing, collection methods, duration of storing of the data as well as about costs. Besides those data obtained directly from administrative sources data from natural persons are always collected on voluntary basis by using interviewing or mail and web surveys. In addition, the interviewees must be informed in advance in a written form.
The Statistics Act stipulates that a data provider who willfully fails to provide the obligatory data or willfully provides false data shall be sentenced to a fine. Nevertheless, SF is allowed to refrain from bringing charges if the violation is regarded as minor, but in practice charges have not been filed.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Tables in databases are open to all.
And we sent the monthly data to Eurostat.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Confidentiality and reference to the Statistics Act are announced in the data collection questionnaire. Links to different acts on statistics and Statistics Finland, and ethical principles are presented on the website of Statistics Finland. The guidelines on professional ethics of Statistics Finland have been published (Handbooks No 30, Statistics Finland, 2006).
Confidentiality of individual reporters' data
Several legal acts guarantee that individual data should be kept confidential.
According to the Act on the Openness of Government Activities (621/1999) data collected for statistical purposes are confidential. The rule is not applied to the publicity of data describing the activities of central and local government authorities and production of public services or to certain data in the Register of Enterprises and Establishments.
Under the Statistics Act, statistics shall be compiled so that the respondents whom they concern are not directly or indirectly identifiable. Violation of the secrecy obligation is punishable under the Penal Code. At the EU level, similar assurances are included in Council Regulation (EC) No 223/2009.
The Statistics Act obliges statistics-producing authorities to inform respondents in writing or in other appropriate manner about the intended use of the data, the procedures to be used in producing the statistics, the principles governing whether the provision of data is obligatory or voluntary, the rights of the respondents, the arrangements for protecting the data, and the duration the data will be stored.
The Statistics Act allows a statistical authority to grant access to confidential data for use in scientific research or statistical surveys if statistical units cannot be identified directly from them. The right to use data may be given in compliance with a well-defined process including a written application.
SF has implemented procedures to prevent disclosure of any individual data provider. It has published guidelines on how to apply the Statistics Act and the Personal Data Act, as well as guidelines on the protection of tabulated data on enterprises and individual persons. A section on data protection is included in the SF publication Quality Guidelines for Official Statistics. Micro data concerning individual persons released for scientific research are first edited to remove variables that would make it possible to directly identify individual persons such as name, address or personal identification number. Similar procedures are used with respect to sensitive information about units other than individual persons.
Confidentiality and reference to the Statistics Act are announced in the data collection questionnaire. Links to different acts on statistics and ethical principles are presented on the website of Statistics Finland. The guidelines on professional ethics of Statistics Finland have been published (Handbooks No 30, Statistics Finland, 2002).
The Index of Industrial Production is a so-called "insider statistic", which cannot be released into public before the official publication. Employees have an obligation of secrecy.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
If there are three LKAUs or less at the publication level, the data is confidential. Also the data of individual LKAUs are confidential.
8.1. Release calendar
Release calendar of statistics is published yearly.
Indices are published simultaneously to all interested parties on the home page of the Volume index of industrial output. No one has prior access to the statistics before their general release. The data of the statistics are supplied monthly for the use of the Trend Indicator of Output and national accounts. In addition, the data of the statistics are supplied monthly to the use of Eurostat on the day of their publication and Eurostat releases the data on its web pages.
Monthly.
Industrial production indices are published on the 10th day of the month following the statistical reference month or if the 10th is weekend then on Friday before the weekend.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
A news release about Volume index of industrial output is published monthly on statistics homepage.
Series are transmitted to Eurostat on the same day they are published in Finland. The transmission is done via eDAMIS- Web Application. The level of detail corresponds to the 2-digit level of NACE in general.
The top management of SF has made several self-assessments in line with the EFQM model. There have also been external audits by e.g. the EU and IMF experts. Processes are in place to monitor the quality of the statistical process and the processes of individual statistics. Quality considerations are an integral part of the planning and evaluation of the statistical programme.
The process owner of statistical production and it’s supporting group monitor the quality and steer the standardisation of work processes.
Statistics Finland has an internal quality audit system. The main objectives are to evaluate the ways of working, methods and techniques. An audit is carried out by an audit team of experts who are external in the sense that they do not have any direct connection with the production process in question.
About 8 audits are carried out yearly.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
We have montlhy checklist for those enterprises which have the biggest montly percentage change (+/or -) and also which have the biggest weight in stratum and industry.
The industrial production index is published on the 10th working day of the second month following the reference month. Publication dates are fixed and published for a period of one calendar year in advance. There are one big revision annually according to the revision policy at the time of first releases of January: annual updating of weights and adjustment parameters. And also the seasonal adjustedment parametres are fixed. Data is revised monthly if there are any changes in the data collected.
Series are internaly coherent.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Main users:
National accounts, and other statistics;
Bank of Finland;
Government;
Research institutions;
Eurostat;
ECB;
IMF;
Enterprises;
Media;
Economic follow-up and forecasting;
Budgeting and follow-up.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Monitoring user requirements
Co-operation between SF and important users with regard to the relevance of statistics and the users’ needs consists of an extensive feedback system and co-operative working groups with the main users, such as users of national accounts. There are regular meetings of SF directors and experts with the users, even at the senior management level. Users are usually also invited to participate in discussions concerning the establishment of new statistics or revisions of existing ones.
In addition, there are specific feedback systems for receiving the users’ opinions at SF. These systems consist of an anonymous feedback channel on the web, media monitoring, surveys among different user groups for the evaluation SF’s performance, user surveys was in 2018 and a system for collecting and disseminating information that is strategically important for SF. Specific statistical products conduct their own user surveys and keep in regular contact with their main interest groups.
12.3. Completeness
Sometimes users are looking for very long time series. We have for some series started from 1954.
EU’s STS regulation is fully met, and user needs are considered almost fully met.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
We have stratified sampling. We have 3 strata (see 11.2.)
The revisions in IPI ( Total industry BCD) for timeperiod 1/ 2022-12/2024 was
MR (OR) -0,11
MAR (OR) 0,78
MR(CA) -0,14
MAR(CA) 0,79
The most significant source of error are modelling error, coverage errors, data prosessing errors and classification changes. We use estimation in stratum 3 (enterprises less than 50 employees) and also for those enterprises where the monthly data is missing. IPI is based on sample which varies 3-digit level (Nace2008) from 40 percent to almost 100 percent.
13.2. Sampling error
We have divided our sample into 3 Strata. In Stratum 1 there are enterprises which have more than 150 employees (total coverage about 220 enterprises).
Stratum 2 which have enterprises more than 50 but less than 150 employess is base on PPS sampling (about 110 enterprises).
Stratum 3 which have enterprises less than 50 employees (about 30 000 enterprises). In stratum 3 we use adminstrative data (VAT).
Part of industries are obtained through turnover data.
We compare annually our sample to the population and select new enterprises if necessary.
Sampling error is not relevant because we have all data in stratum 1 and stratum 3. In stratum 2 we have PPS sampling.
13.3. Non-sampling error
The production of the statistics has been based on a sample of approximately 750 establishments or enterprises. The aim has been to reduce the data supply burden and the renewal that was made in 2019 has attained it.
In 2024 the sample of the Volume Index was around 330 establishments or enterprises.
Stratum 1 (220)
Strtaum 2 (110)
However, coverage has improved as part of industries are obtained through turnover data.
We update our sample annually. This could cause under-coverage.
We use admin data (VAT) in stratum 3. The population used for calculating the production of IPI is formed from VAT-data. The first data is received the coverage is approximately 90 per cent in terms of business turnover. And also because the VAT data itself is supplemented for six month’s period this could cause revisions.
The data may also contain obtical reading errors or human errors in filling the forms.
In stratum 1 and 2 first indicator compiled one month after the end of the reference period with a response rate of 95 %. Response rate reaches 100 % which is normally after 3 months.
Non-response rate in 2024 was 3,9 %.
Sample was in 2024 average 330 enterprise and missing average per month was 13 enterprises.
We use turnover data for 40 % of the industries and the Volume Index collection for 60% of the industries.
Unweighted unit response rate in 2024 was
96,6 * 0,6 + 94,3 * 0,4 = 95,7
(Response rate of Volume index collection * 0,6 )+( Response rate of turnover collection * 0,4)
We don't have the possibility to calculate size-weighted unit response rate.
We have montlhy checklist for those enterprises which have the biggest montly percantage change (+/or -) and also which have the biggest weight in stratum and industry. We also check the admin data correct errors before estimation.
In stratum 3 we have to use estimation in publication month, because the VAT-data is not available on the publication month. Estimation is used in Stratum 3 for VAT data. We use simple estimation weigted average of 3 earlier month's turnover divided by the same weighted average of 3 month's previous year. By this coefficient we multiply the previous year's turnover and we get estimation to the month and year we are publishing.
Stratum 3 VAT data for 20 industry we have graphical revision check by all industries. Publication month is based on estimation so the revisions could be quite big. Especially on turning points the estimation could go wrong.
14.1. Timeliness
The industrial production index is published on the 10th working day of the second month following the reference month.
14.2. Punctuality
Release calendar of statistics are published yearly and deadlines were respected in 2024.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
The same statistical concepts are used in the whole national territory.
15.2. Comparability - over time
Data are comparable over time (series starts with Jan 1995).
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
On statistics concerning economical trends, Statistics Finland emphasises coherence between values, prices and volumes (V=P*Q). Especially focus is on the volume measures obtained from national accounts (trend indicator of output, quarterly and annual national accounts) and also monthly index of turnover is one coherence check.
Suspicious volume measures are checked, and data on values examined in order to obtain correct estimates.
15.4. Coherence - internal
In internal level the index figures are coherent.
Nace Rev. 2.
MIGs.
Time series (Tramo Seats and Demetra are use).
Base year are coherent.
In 2024 total 400 days spent on the compilation of index of industrial production by national statsitical office.
We have stratified sampling. We have 3 strata (see 11.2.)
The revisions in IPI ( Total industry BCD) for timeperiod 1/ 2022-12/2024 was
MR (OR) -0,11
MAR (OR) 0,78
MR(CA) -0,14
MAR(CA) 0,79
18.1. Source data
Thus far, the production of the statistics has been based on a sample of approximately 750 establishments or enterprises. The aim has been to reduce the data supply burden and the renewal that was made in 2019 has attained it. The sample of the Volume Index is now around 330 establishments or enterprises. However, coverage has improved as part of industries are obtained through turnover data.
Previously, so-called mixed collection was used in the calculation of the Volume Index of Industrial Output, that is, both volume and value data were inquired inside industries. From 2019 onwards, use is made of industry-pure collection, that is, either volume or value data by industry are in use. These renewals help to improve the correspondence of the Volume Index of Industrial Output with the Trend Indicator of Output of national accounts.
Administration data (VAT) in stratum 3 less than 50 employees.
Statistical survey in stratum 2 more than 50 but less than 150 employees.
Total in stratum 1 more than 150 employees. All enterprises or establishment of these enterprises (more than 150 employees).
Part of industries are obtained through turnover data.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Monthly.
18.3. Data collection
A web questionaire is used. E-mail reminder are sent twice and rest non respontant are contacted by phone.
18.4. Data validation
VAT data is used in Stratum 3 (less than 50 employees) includes more than 30 000 enterprises. So the validation check is made only on industry level not on every enterprise level.
We check all the enterprises in stratum 1 the biggest enterprises and if necessery we phone to the company for more information.
And the biggest ones in stratum 2 (more than 50 but less than 150 employees).
18.5. Data compilation
Type of index
We use chain index and annual overlap method (previously over the year method). So we change annually enterprises weight and stratum (gross value) and value added weights.
Data editing First we weight the monthly enterprise data by stratum and then we weight the three stratum by gross value weights to Nace 3-digit industry level and the from Nace 3-digit we use value added weights.
Estimates for non-response
In 2024 the average non-response rate percent was one (3,9 %). Or 13 enterprises out of about 330 enterprises (stratum 1 and 2).
Non response (about 13) we use estimation.
The sample of the Volume Index is around 330 establishments or enterprises. Part of industries are obtained through turnover data.
We use turnover data for 40 % of the industries and the Volume Index collection for 60% of the industries. Average unit non-response rate in 2024 was 0,957.
(0,966 * 0,6) + (0,943 * 0,4) =0,957
(Non response rate of Volume index collection * 0,6 )+( Non response rate of turnover collection * 0,4)
18.6. Adjustment
Gross, working day adjusted, seasonally adjusted and trend series are produced with TRAMO/SEATS-method.
Software used is J-Demetra+.
The automated approach is used for those series for which it performs well. Others are modeled manually.
Additive outliers, temporary changes, level shifts are detected,
In some cases manually but also automation is used to fixed outliers,
Indicate the critical value for outlier detection (automatically chosen,
Indicate seasonal adjustment decomposition (additive), indicate the date of seasonal breaks in the series, e.g. new data collection method when we change the base year,
Volume index of industrial production (Teollisuustuotannon volyymi-indeksi).
11 June 2025
The volume index of industrial output describes the relative change in the volume of industrial output at fixed prices when compared with a specific base period. The volume index of industrial output is based on an inquiry sent to enterprises or establishments. Enterprises and establishments are asked about volume or value data every month.
Local kind-of-activity unit or enterprise or establishment or establishment group.
Business register:
Enterprises under 50 employees 30 000 (2023);
Enterprises with 50 to 149 employees 670 (2023);
Enterprises with more than 150 employees 330 (2023).
Thus far, the production of the statistics has been based on a sample of approximately 750 establishments or enterprises. The aim has been to reduce the data supply burden and the renewal that was made in 2019 has attained it. The sample of the Volume Index is now around 330 establishments or enterprises. However, coverage has improved as part of industries are obtained through turnover data.
Three strata are used:
Establishments of enterprises with 150 or more employees (220 enterprises);
Sample of establishments of enterprises with 50 to 149 employees (110 enterprises);
Enterprises with under 50 employees (initially in 20 industries) from Tax Administration’s monthly payment control data (about 30 000 enterprises).
We check the sample annually and also the strata are checked annually and we change the enterprises industry, code or name when ever it is needed.
The whole country.
Month.
We have stratified sampling. We have 3 strata (see 11.2.)
The revisions in IPI ( Total industry BCD) for timeperiod 1/ 2022-12/2024 was
MR (OR) -0,11
MAR (OR) 0,78
MR(CA) -0,14
MAR(CA) 0,79
The most significant source of error are modelling error, coverage errors, data prosessing errors and classification changes. We use estimation in stratum 3 (enterprises less than 50 employees) and also for those enterprises where the monthly data is missing. IPI is based on sample which varies 3-digit level (Nace2008) from 40 percent to almost 100 percent.
Index.
Type of index
We use chain index and annual overlap method (previously over the year method). So we change annually enterprises weight and stratum (gross value) and value added weights.
Data editing First we weight the monthly enterprise data by stratum and then we weight the three stratum by gross value weights to Nace 3-digit industry level and the from Nace 3-digit we use value added weights.
Estimates for non-response
In 2024 the average non-response rate percent was one (3,9 %). Or 13 enterprises out of about 330 enterprises (stratum 1 and 2).
Non response (about 13) we use estimation.
The sample of the Volume Index is around 330 establishments or enterprises. Part of industries are obtained through turnover data.
We use turnover data for 40 % of the industries and the Volume Index collection for 60% of the industries. Average unit non-response rate in 2024 was 0,957.
(0,966 * 0,6) + (0,943 * 0,4) =0,957
(Non response rate of Volume index collection * 0,6 )+( Non response rate of turnover collection * 0,4)
Thus far, the production of the statistics has been based on a sample of approximately 750 establishments or enterprises. The aim has been to reduce the data supply burden and the renewal that was made in 2019 has attained it. The sample of the Volume Index is now around 330 establishments or enterprises. However, coverage has improved as part of industries are obtained through turnover data.
Previously, so-called mixed collection was used in the calculation of the Volume Index of Industrial Output, that is, both volume and value data were inquired inside industries. From 2019 onwards, use is made of industry-pure collection, that is, either volume or value data by industry are in use. These renewals help to improve the correspondence of the Volume Index of Industrial Output with the Trend Indicator of Output of national accounts.
Administration data (VAT) in stratum 3 less than 50 employees.
Statistical survey in stratum 2 more than 50 but less than 150 employees.
Total in stratum 1 more than 150 employees. All enterprises or establishment of these enterprises (more than 150 employees).
Part of industries are obtained through turnover data.
Monthly.
Industrial production indices are published on the 10th day of the month following the statistical reference month or if the 10th is weekend then on Friday before the weekend.
The industrial production index is published on the 10th working day of the second month following the reference month.
The same statistical concepts are used in the whole national territory.
Data are comparable over time (series starts with Jan 1995).
