Integrated platform for end-to-end publication planning
Introduction
The Swiss Federal Statistical Office planned to replace its outdated article planning database (ADB) with a modern output planning database (ODB) to make the planning of around 700 diffusion packages per year, comprising more than 25,000 individual information items, more efficient, transparent, and fully digital end-to-end, thereby increasing overall effectiveness. The new solution was tendered in compliance with WTO requirements and realized as a custom development in collaboration with isolutions AG. The ODB runs on the Swiss government’s sovereign infrastructure (BIT) and integrates seamlessly with existing systems such as the BFS digital asset management system (BFS-DAM), Jira, and Power BI.
Initial Situation
After more than 20 years of operation, the existing ADB no longer met current requirements in terms of technology, efficiency, and interoperability. Media discontinuities, outdated technology, and new regulatory requirements (FADP, ISchG, StatGebO) made a replacement necessary. The goal was to implement a modern, sovereign, and future-ready solution that better supports the BFS publication program and integrates seamlessly with surrounding systems.
Solution
The output planning database was implemented as a web-based custom solution using .NET Core and Angular. It runs in a containerized setup within the Swiss government’s infrastructure (BIT) and integrates with surrounding systems such as the BFS digital asset management system (BFS-DAM), Jira, and Power BI via standardized interfaces. The solution was developed using an agile approach (Scrum) under HERMES governance and successfully brought into production.
Business Value
Time savings in publication planning
The implementation of the specialist application for the MBA has led to a significant increase in efficiency. By automating internal processes, processing times were reduced by 50 to 90 percent. As a result, subsidy applications and settlements are handled much faster.
Increased productivity through automation
The level of automation in planning is now around 80%. Manual activities such as duplicate data entry, email-based coordination, and spreadsheet management have been replaced by integrated workflows. This enables more efficient collaboration and reduces sources of error.
Comprehensive training and migration
A total of 80–100 BFS employees were migrated to the new system and trained with authoring and approval rights. The training was conducted based on roles (Planning Manager, Order Object Manager, Reviewer, Approver, Admins) and supported by a train-the-trainer approach.
The Swiss Federal Statistical Office (BFS) is the central producer of statistical information in Switzerland. It provides data and analyses for government, business, media, and the public, thereby creating a reliable foundation for informed decision-making. Its work is based on federal legislation and international standards. Through its statistical services, the BFS ensures transparency regarding social, economic, and environmental developments in Switzerland.




















































