Assessor Series FAQ #23

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Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION:  Why can we access the data only during the quarter for which it is released? I understand that you want your customers to access the most up-to-date data, but what if we wish to compare this quarter with previous quarters' data?

Assessor Series® software database access is licensed as an annual software subscription, with access to the database limited to a period specified for each release (for example, three months for the October update).  Because the databases are constantly improving, ERI does not wish to support any earlier release than the most recent quarterly update.  ERI's survey population changes from quarter to quarter.  With the addition of new survey resources, historical comparison between quarters is not statistically relevant.  (If our data population were to remain consistent from quarter to quarter, as with a single survey that queries the same entities through time, then trending could be inferred.)  Likewise, cost-of-living data is continually being collected and updated.  For these reasons, the Assessor Series software applications and databases are accessible only during the quarter for which they are released. 

Customers are encouraged to save comparisons by printing reports with which they may compare future release data.  Please note, however, that the reason for most historical comparisons of compensation data is the analysis of market movement.  Again, because we do not survey the same data population from quarter to quarter, these inferences would be misguiding.  A change in value from quarter to quarter may not be the result of inflation, for example; rather, it may be the result of improved data and/or improved methodology.

What to do if you receive a date expiration message when you try to run an Assessor Series application:

If you are a subscriber in good standing, you should have received an update CD-ROM in the mail.  Updates are also available via the Internet. 

If you have the data for the new quarter, but have not yet installed the new data, please see FAQ Installation Question #1 for your installation options.  Otherwise, please contact ERI to check on the status of your subscription and to obtain information regarding when and to where the most recent update was shipped.