The use of automated tracking to monitor database construction in large surveys

Surveys involve the conversion of the survey instruments (questionnaires, permission forms, etc.) into machine readable form. Such a process consists of functional modules, each designed to fac i l i t a te this conversion, and through which each instrument passes. I t is desirable to know the location of each document in this flow, and to know the aggregate movement of documents through the process. This informat ion pinpoints problem areas in the flow, signals completion of database construction, and ident i f ies the status of any given document.