The automation of data collection is a cornerstone of our project, ensuring that we maintain a continuous and accurate flow of information. For customs and trade data, our goal is to collect a minimum of two years of historical data from each country. This historical data provides a robust foundation for trend analysis and modeling.
Moving forward, we aim to receive regular monthly updates for the next five years to ensure that our dataset remains current and relevant.
Key Aspects of Our Automated Data Collection
1. Historical Data Collection
- Minimum Requirement: We are targeting a minimum of two years of historical customs and trade data per country. This data includes detailed import and export records with 6-8 digit Harmonized System (HS) codes, depending on the country’s customs agency.
- Baseline for Analysis: Historical data serves as a baseline for trend analysis, helping us identify long-term patterns and anomalies in trade flows.
2. Regular Monthly Updates
- Ongoing Data Ingestion: To keep our data current, we are setting up systems for regular monthly updates. This continuous flow of new data ensures that our analyses reflect the latest market conditions and trends.
- Future-Proofing: The commitment to five years of regular updates ensures that our project remains relevant and can adapt to changing global trade dynamics.
3. Automation Tools and Processes
- Automated Data Ingestion: We are developing tools to automate the ingestion of data from various sources. These tools utilize machine learning algorithms to match and integrate data from different countries and formats seamlessly.
- Error Detection and Alerts: Our system includes mechanisms to detect and alert us if any automated data ingestion process fails or encounters issues. This proactive approach helps maintain the integrity and reliability of our data.
4. Comprehensive Data Coverage
- Beyond Customs Data: In addition to customs data, we are automating the regular updates of other critical data, including company registry information, sanctions data, taxes, tariffs, and trade regulations. This comprehensive approach ensures that we cover all aspects of international trade and investment.