Back

Tag: Online

Keeping your valuable data safe is an absolute priority for us. It’s an obligation that guides everything we do when shaping and powering Nfield’s features. Every conceivable measure is taken to ensure both our team and our software solutions comply with the highest security standards.

Holistic operation

Keeping your data secure depends on a wide range of measures working harmoniously together. A good way to visualize this is to imagine Nfield as a physical office building, where all the different market research and security departments are based. As with all commercial buildings, it is itself protected and complemented with off-site operations. 

Nfield security overview

(click image to enlarge)

Data security is underpinned by two core foundations  

Our Information Security Management System is ISO 27001:2013 certified. The same as followed by our platform provider, Microsoft.  

NIPO security

We maintain a strong security policy that ensures both your data, and our products are safeguarded round the clock. Independent security experts (ethical hackers) scrutinize our security procedures every year to evaluate our tools, processes and people. The measures to conform with ISO 27001:2013 for our Information Security Management System, as certified by an auditor (Auditor), are strictly followed in every wire connection and by every person in our company. As a matter of principle, the smallest possible number of NIPO specialists have access to Nfield’s infrastructure for carrying out deployments and maintenance. See the Nfield Trust Center where you’ll find information about NIPO practices related to security, compliance, and privacy, in the form of documents that can be shared with your clients.

Microsoft security

Nfield runs on Microsoft Azure, the highly secured cloud known for its flawless, trusted performance, extensive data storage and reliability. Microsoft’s engineers work 24/7 to protect the cloud, scale its powers and administer other services which run on it, including Office365. For more information, please visit the Microsoft Trust Center for up-to-date details on policies, processes, and practices that help you manage data control and comply with industry and government regulations.

Your security controls 

Nfield provides a number of different features that enable you to secure your domain to the highest level.  

Strong Authentication

Two-factor Authentication (2FA): Nfield accounts secured with two-factor authentication require users to enter a code (a token) generated by a standard authenticator app on a mobile phone. This has the effect of complementing something you know (your username and password) with a code obtained through something you have (your phone). It effectively blocks any unauthorized access to your Nfield account, even from those who have obtained your username and password, as these people (or their machines) are unable to retrieve the second factor code from the phone. Your valuable Nfield fieldwork and respondent data is thereby protected from prying eyes. Learn more in our article Protecting your Nfield login with two-factor authentication

Single-Sign-On (SSO): For enterprises, Nfield can be set up to use Office 365 accounts for Nfield login. Administration of your Nfield user accounts, for as many Nfield domains as you have, is centralized in your organization’s single-sign-on layer. In the case of an employee leaving the organization or other reason for revoking a person’s system access (e.g. because of a security breach), Nfield will automatically be included in the revoked permissions, with immediate effect from when the account in the single-sign-on layer is disabled or reset. With SSO, your password policy for accessing Nfield is automatically aligned with that of your organization.    

Strong password policy: Nfield can easily be configured to comply with strong password policies. Domain administrators can set rules for things such as password expiration period, old password re-use and strong password requirements (e.g. minimum number of characters and different character sets). You should also regularly revalidate your authorized users and ensure immediate removal of departing employees.

GDPR compliance toolkit 

Document Document

Click here to download our Nfield GDPR Toolkit.

 

GDPR-Nfield-Toolkit

Survey group access restriction 

Surveys contain valuable, and sometimes sensitive, information. It’s therefore essential to restrict access to certain parts of surveys to those who really need it to do their jobs. This is done by assigning users with specific roles which only allow access to designated areas and functionality. Find out more in our article Controlling access to survey rights. Setting the right access also limits the scope of risk in the case of data breach.

Our security management and facilities

The hypothetical building we’ve used to illustrate Nfield’s operation is managed by NIPO, who take care of its security and facilities to ensure compliance with the highest security and privacy standards. Our Information Security Management System is ISO 27001:2013 certified. We have procedures for everything, encrypt your data everywhere, limit access across the board and continuously test for potential security flaws.  

Private, individual domains 

Your projects are stored in your own individual domain, inaccessible to anyone else – even our employees – unless explicitly requested by you for customer support purposes. 

Access control and logging 

Nfield allows administrators to configure access on a user-by-user basis, defining the scope of activities every user is allowed to perform. Password requirements can also be set to enforce your chosen password policy, however strong you need it to be. All user actions are tracked and domain administrators can review them individually. The system automatically signs users out when inactive for more than 15 minutes. 

Data backup

Your collected data is stored in secure Microsoft SQL database servers and replicated in other data centers so it can be restored in the event of something going wrong. Microsoft security policies strictly regulate access to its data centers. 

Data encryption 

All your data is secured by SSL and encrypted, both at rest and during transfer, to protect it from sniffing.

Local data storage option 

Different countries and industries often have their own specific regulations when it comes to data storage. To comply with this, market research companies need to give careful consideration to where their respondent data is stored. To enable data storage compliance, we have developed the ability to separate survey deployment from storage of respondent data. This means it is now possible, for example, to deploy a survey from the Hong Kong SAR Microsoft Data Center and store the respondent data in the Singapore Microsoft Data Center. Find out more in our article Local Data Storage Compliance, around the World.  

Specific measures for Nfield CAPI 

Tablet devices are desirable prizes for thieves. Their thin, lightweight nature also makes them easy to forget about and accidentally leave behind. Nfield therefore also deploys additional measures to limit the extent of data exposure risk due to being locally stored on a mobile device.  

Minimal information 

Nfield ensures the minimum amount of information possible is present on any mobile device at any given moment. Each device is only sent the surveys and associated respondent information specifically assigned to its user(s). Data that no longer needs to be accessible is removed as soon as possible. 

  • You control which surveys and respondent details are assigned to each interviewer, so can limit exposure. 
  • Survey response data is transferred to a local, encrypted database and removed from the device as soon as possible after each interview is completed. (As soon as the interviewer connects to internet network.) 
  • Upon completion of each interviewer’s involvement, all information relating to a project is deleted from their device as soon as you unassign them or close the project (once the interviewer has connected to the internet and synchronized their device with the Nfield system).  

Secure device sharing 

The same mobile device can be shared by multiple interviewers. Each survey and its collected data is only accessible to the relevant interviewer, via their login credentials. Interviewers cannot review, start or modify any surveys not specifically assigned to them. 

Encoded questionnaires 

Nfield questionnaires are stored in an encoded proprietary format. The original script is never displayed in an interviewer’s device, so interviewers cannot make changes.

Get our full security whitepaper

Document Document

Click here to download our Nfield security whitepaper.

 

Nfield-security-whitepaper

We ❤ secure solutions

Fully compliant practices, means you can rest assured when it comes to data security. And with cloud-based operation delivering unbeatable cost-efficiency together with all the capacity you need, whenever you need it, Nfield is the ultimate solution for improving both your quality of work and your profit margins. 

Your data is secure with Nfield: here’s how
Gepubliceerd op: 18 December 2024 Door: admin

Market research is nothing without data. But unexpected events such as system failures, cyber-attacks or even natural disasters can result in data being compromised, lost or stolen. Having both robust security and a solid disaster recovery (DR) strategy are essential for protecting your data and maintaining its integrity.

Procedures related to Nfield’s internationally recognized ISO 27001:2013 certification for information security keep your data safe from unauthorized access. At the same time, Nfield’s highly disciplined approach to disaster recovery nothing is lost or damaged when the unexpected happens. In the event of prolonged downtime, whether caused by technical failure or external threat, your valuable data remains safe, secure, and readily accessible. So, you don’t need to worry about delayed project delivery, losing client trust, or missing opportunities.

How Nfield disaster recovery protects your data

Nfield’s disaster recovery approach is designed with both data protection and business continuity in mind.

1. Redundant infrastructure ensures high availability

Nfield operates exclusively on Microsoft Azure PaaS, which incorporates redundancy at every level: servers, networks, and databases. In the event of a server experiencing downtime, your data and operations automatically transfer to a different server in the same Azure data center. As a result, we are proud to report higher than 99.98% availability of our Nfield Interview Service.

Nfield users can always see what’s happening via a real-time status page, which shows availability of critical Nfield services across our four regional deployments in APAC, Europe and Africa, Americas and China.

2. Secure, automated backups

Nfield fully enables automated backups of all project data, including survey responses and configurations. These backups are encrypted to the highest standards and stored in multiple secure locations in Azure, so that even in the event of a major system failure, your data can be recovered.

This backup process is aligned with industry best practices, providing you with peace of mind that your valuable data is always protected.

3. Real-time data replication

To further enhance data security, Nfield employs full, real-time geo-replication in Azure. To satisfy compliance requirements, this takes place within the same region as users’ primary Azure Data Centers. This means that, even in the event of the most extreme of disasters, such as an earthquake bringing down an entire Azure data center, no data is lost. And the latest data recovery technology enables operations to resume in as short a time as possible.

4. Disaster recovery testing and validation

Nfield’s disaster recovery procedures are periodically tested, validated and safeguarded by our ISO procedures. A combination that ensures they will always work effectively, as and when needed. The routine tests allow our team to identify and fix any potential vulnerabilities, so both they and the platform are always ready to recover from any outages.

5. Comprehensive security

Nfield’s disaster recovery strategy follows ISO 27001:2013 guidelines. This is, however, just one aspect of a larger and more comprehensive approach towards security. The Nfield platform’s focus on protecting data from breaches, loss, and unauthorized access is central to its design, reflecting an ethos that runs through the NIPO team’s DNA. Your data remains completely safe during both normal operations and disaster recovery. Learn more about Nfield data security.

Minimized downtime, maximum confidence

Disaster recovery is a critical consideration for any SaaS platform provider, and a top-priority when data collection and market research are your business. We understand the questions your teams will be asked by their customers, procurement teams and security officers, and are happy to provide all the information you need to respond.

Also worth knowing, is that Nfield’s comprehensive disaster recovery framework is continuously evolving and improving as it benefits from Microsoft’s own massive investments in Azure and its software development suites. For full information on Microsoft Azure security and compliance, please refer to the Microsoft Azure Trust Center.

In short, Nfield is designed to prevent any disruption to your (market research) work, thereby ensuring your business continuity and operational resilience. NIPO’s commitment to Nfield’s security, compliance and reliability means you and your customers can rest assured that data is maximally safe, and projects will be delivered on-time. No matter what disrupting challenges may arise.

Disaster recovery in Nfield: safeguarding your market research data
Gepubliceerd op: 6 November 2024 Door: ard

In this series of NIPO Academy sessions we will take you over all the available test capabilities that Nfield covers, with an emphasis on the new “Create A Test Survey” feature.

Academy 56 – Test surveys
Gepubliceerd op: 30 October 2024 Door: ard

Longitudinal surveys are the way to go for monitoring how consumer preferences, behaviours, and attitudes change over time. This is the ideal research method for obtaining insights into things like customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, product usage, market trends, and advertising effectiveness.

Longitudinal market research involves repeatedly tracking the same variables over an extended period, by sending out multiple waves of similar questionnaires. It therefore makes sense to be able to work from a single core structure which can easily be adjusted for each subsequent wave. And that’s exactly what Nfield Online’s new Tracker capability lets you do!

A more efficient way to conduct ongoing market research

Nfield Trackers support longitudinal surveys by combining creation of a core survey with flexibility to customize multiple iterations. This is complemented by shared survey settings which reduce administration and ensure consistency.

Here’s a brief summary of how Trackers can be set up to bring ease, efficiency and flexibility to longitudinal surveys.

  • Tracker survey: A core survey acts as the parent to subsequent waves.
  • Multiple waves: Add as many waves as you like for each new round of data collection.
  • Customizable waves: Different scripting and logic can easily be applied to each wave. Individual survey questions can be adjusted without affecting the core survey framework.
  • Individual quota management: Specific quotas can be set for each wave, so every round of data collection can be targeted at appropriate demographics or responses as the survey evolves. This enables control over data quality and sample composition at every stage of the market research.
  • Shared survey settings: While each wave can have distinct characteristics, the overarching survey settings – such as response codes, button configurations, and other key settings – are shared across all waves. This reduces the need to repeat administrative tasks and ensures ongoing consistency.

Improve workflow and increase accuracy of online longitudinal surveys

Nfield Online’s Tracker capability utilizes several cutting-edge capabilities to save time, enhance workflow and ensure more accurate longitudinal surveys. It is designed to make repeated data collection as efficient and organized as possible, bringing ease to long-running research while enabling flexibility and control through streamlined management.

Learn how to implement Trackers: Watch our NIPO Academy session

On 8 and 9 October 2024 , NIPO Academy sessions were held on how to use and make the most of our Tracker capability. This included a live demonstration, tips for maximizing its potential, and a Q&A session with our product experts.

A recording of the session is now available for you to watch:

Discover how this game-changing Nfield Online capability can transform the way you conduct longitudinal market research!

Power up longitudinal market research surveys with the new Tracker capability in Nfield Online
Gepubliceerd op: 9 October 2024 Door: ard

NIPO has introduced a new Trackers feature to improve the support for surveys in waves for Nfield Online. In this series of NIPO Academy sessions we will take you through all the details of this new option.

Academy 55 – Surveys in waves
Gepubliceerd op: 9 October 2024 Door: ard

Market research and the technology that supports it are evolving fast, which means versatility is key. That’s why Nfield’s leading SaaS survey platform is designed with open architecture, so users can adjust it to every need. Both robust and flexible, Nfield’s extensive integration capabilities revolutionize how market researchers can gather, process, and utilize data.

From leveraging APIs to taking advantage of our centralized data repository and ability to integrate with panel providers, here are a few examples of what Nfield’s open architecture makes possible.   

Task automation through the Nfield API

One of the features that really sets Nfield apart is its own powerful API, which can enable any manual action in Nfield Manager to be automated. This API opens the door to numerous opportunities for streamlining market research workflows and boosting efficiency.

Benefits of task automation via the Nfield API

  1. Time-saving and efficiency: Automating repetitive tasks such as survey deployment, respondent management, and data collection frees up valuable time for researchers to focus on analysis and insights.
  2. Accuracy and consistency: Automation of manual processes minimizes the risk of human errors, which ensures data integrity and consistent execution of tasks.
  3. Scalability: Operations can be scaled without proportional increases in manual workload. Automation ensures smooth and efficient management of surveys of any size, from small local studies to extensive international research.
  4. Custom workflows: Workflows can be tailored to specific project needs.

Check out these examples of how the Nfield API can be used:

Integrate and enhance using external APIs

Nfield’s ability to call external APIs within scripts is a game-changer for integrating and enhancing data collection processes. It means market researchers can seamlessly retrieve data from and update external systems, to benefit from a more comprehensive and connected research environment. For a deeper understanding of this feature, watch Academy 48 – Request command.

External API integration lets you achieve

  1. Real-time data enrichment: Enhance survey responses with real-time data from external sources, to obtain richer and more contextual insights.
  2. Dynamic questionnaires: Improve respondent engagement and data relevance by using external data to create questionnaires that adapt according to real-time information.
  3. Centralized data management: Streamline processes by integrating with CRM systems, social media platforms, and other data repositories.
  4. Automated updates: Keep all platforms synchronized and up-to-date by ensuring new data is automatically transferred.

Seamless data repository access for advanced analytics

Nfield stores collected survey data in a centralized repository, from where it can be directly retrieved for reporting and further processing. This offers significant advantages for data analysis and decision-making. For more details, see Data Repository feature delivers real-time survey insights  and watch Academy 35 – Standard and custom reporting.

Benefits of direct-from-database retrieval

  1. Advanced reporting: Having direct access to raw data supports in-depth analysis using advanced statistical tools and techniques, to achieve deeper insights into research findings.
  2. Custom dashboards: Visualizations can be customized to specific research needs, so data can be presented and interpreted in the most appropriate way.
  3. Efficient data processing: Data processing is more streamlined, as there is less to transfer and convert.
  4. Real-time insights: The ability to generate real-time reports and analytics enables quick decision-making and agile responses to emerging trends.

Integration with panel providers

Nfield’s ability to integrate with panel providers is another key feature that enhances its versatility and reach. It means market researchers can seamlessly access a broader and more diverse respondent pool, to collect better-quality data.

Benefits of panel provider integration

  1. Expanded reach: Access to a bigger pool of respondents, for a more diverse and representative sample for your market research.
  2. Streamlined recruitment: The respondent recruitment process is simplified, reducing the time and effort required to find suitable participants.
  3. Higher-quality data: Ability to leverage panel providers’ expertise and quality controls leads to higher-quality, more reliable data collection.
  4. Cost-effective: Research budgets can be optimized by leveraging existing panel providers’ infrastructures, which reduces the need for extensive in-house recruitment efforts.

For more information on how Nfield integrates with panel providers, see Integration between Nfield Online and Panel Providers.

Conclusion

Nfield’s open architecture empowers market research companies to conduct more efficient, accurate, and insightful market research.

From automating tasks with the Nfield API to enhancing data collection with external API integrations, and leveraging direct database retrieval for advanced analytics, Nfield offers a comprehensive solution tailored to modern research needs. Integration with panel providers further extends these capabilities, making Nfield an indispensable platform for any market research professional.

Embrace the power of Nfield to transform your market research processes today!

Capitalizing on Nfield’s open architecture to unlock every possibility
Gepubliceerd op: 4 September 2024 Door: ard

Session content:
– Why can’t I save/edit the quota targets?
– Why can’t I save/edit the quota structure?
– Why isn’t the quota behaving like I expect it to?

Academy 54 – Quota in Nfield: Troubleshooting
Gepubliceerd op: 9 August 2024 Door: ard

Session content:
– Selecting least filled quota.
– Finding “free” quota cells.
– API quota features.

Academy 53 – Quota in Nfield: Advanced options 2
Gepubliceerd op: 2 August 2024 Door: ard

Session content:
– How to combine minimum and maximum quotas.
– Quota evaluation.
– Using multi codes quota.
– Quota frame evaluation.

Academy 52 – Quota in Nfield – Advanced options 1
Gepubliceerd op: 26 July 2024 Door: ard

ISO 27001 is an international standard for managing information security, and a must-have for any organization that is entrusted with large amounts of user data, as we are here at NIPO.

Following an intensive 5-day audit which scrutinized both our Amsterdam and Madrid offices, we are pleased to share the news that NIPO’s ISO 27001:2013 certification has once again been extended. Performed by SGS, this audit was fully focused on NIPO’s ISMS.

NIPO has been certified to ISO 27001:2013 since 2016. We have retained this by undergoing re-certification audits every three years, along with two additional annual surveillance audits in between.

Continuous improvement is at the heart of both the ISO 27001 certification and NIPO. In line with this, we are now working on all the measures necessary to conform to the latest iteration, ISO 27001:2022, before October 2025.

Alongside ISO certification, we also implement many additional security measures to ensure every Nfield customer can use our market research platform with confidence. To learn about these, see Your data is secure with Nfield: here’s how.

ISO certificate

Document Document

Click here to download our latest ISO certificate.

 

ISO certificate

NIPO renews ISO 27001 certification
Gepubliceerd op: 16 July 2024 Door: ard

Session content:
– How to set up quota.
– How to check quota in the survey script.
– Handling quota overshoot.
– Changing quota targets during fieldwork.
– Changing quota structure during fieldwork.

Academy #51 – Quota in Nfield: The basics
Gepubliceerd op: 11 July 2024 Door: ard

Integrating Nfield with your own system(s) can significantly enhance your organization’s market research capabilities, and the Nfield API enables this to be a seamless experience. Here is everything developers need to know about Nfield integration via the Nfield API.

Essential preparation

Before diving into the integration process, let us start with a few basics that underpin successful integration.

  1. Understand REST API technology:
    REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style that uses HTTP requests for communication. The Nfield API is built on this technology, so understanding how REST APIs work is crucial. Check out this introduction to REST APIs to get up to speed.
  2. Learn how your researchers are using Nfield Manager:
    Nfield Manager is the interface through which researchers instruct the Nfield platform. To provide the integration capability these people need, you need to get to know how they work with Nfield Manager. Observing and discussing their workflow will provide you with essential insights into the tasks you need to automate and the endpoints you need to connect.
  3. Check out the Nfield API help page:
    Region-specific Nfield API help pages provide detailed documentation on endpoints, authentication methods, request formats, and more. Be sure to refer to the correct help page for your region:
Your regionNfield API help page
Asia Pacifichttps://apiap.nfieldmr.com
Americahttps://apiam.nfieldmr.com
Chinahttps://apicn.nfieldcn.com
Europehttps://api.nfieldmr.com
Table 1: Nfield API Help Page per region

Starting the integration process

Here’s how to initiate your Nfield API integration process by setting up authentication and understanding key endpoints.

  1. Authentication:
    There are two main methods for achieving this with the Nfield API:

    Basic Token:
    The easier, and more straightforward method is to use a basic token, which authenticates API requests by being included in the HTTP headers. You can also see a practical example in our video of automating quota progress reports with the Nfield API using Microsoft Power Automate.

    Bearer Token:
    The second method involves using OAuth 2.0 for authentication. This method is more complex but offers enhanced security features. You will need to obtain an access token through an OAuth flow, which will then be required in the header of your API requests. For more information, see What is Bearer Token and How it Works?
  2. Endpoints:
    The Nfield API is extensive and covers all the manual actions that can be performed in Nfield Manager. These include creating, updating, and managing surveys, managing respondent data, data collection processes, managing user accounts, and monitoring survey progress. Essentially, any task that can be done manually in Nfield Manager can be automated using the Nfield API. This comprehensive coverage enables full integration and automation of your organization’s market research processes.

    For detailed specifications and a full list of available API endpoints, refer to the Nfield Help Page for your region, as shown in table above.
  3. Making API calls:
    Use HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, PATCH and DELETE to interact with endpoints. Make sure your requests include the necessary headers – such as the Authorization header – with your access token and Content-Type header for JSON data.
API using Postman

Figure 1: An example in Postman for getting surveys from Europe region.

  1. Handling Responses:
    The API will mostly return responses in JSON format, so you need to make sure your application is able to parse these. (A small percentage of endpoints will return responses as binary files.) Pay attention to the status codes to ensure both errors and successes are managed effectively.

Best practices for integration

Adhering to best practices will help make your integration more efficient and reliable.

  1. Start small:
    Begin with basic API calls to familiarize yourself with endpoints and responses. For example, start by retrieving a list of surveys before moving on to more complex operations like creating or updating surveys.
  2. Error handling:
    Implement robust error handling in your integration to manage scenarios like expired tokens, invalid requests, or server errors. This will ensure your integration is resilient and can recover gracefully from any issues.
  3. Testing:
    Thoroughly test your integration in a development environment before deploying it to production. Use test surveys and respondents to ensure your API calls are functioning as expected without affecting live data.
  4. Optimized data retrieval:
    When downloading survey data, avoid downloading the entire dataset each time. Instead, implement logic to download only the differences (incremental updates) since the last download. This practice reduces the load on both your system and the Nfield API, ensuring efficient data transfer.
  5. Respect API limits:
    Avoid making unnecessary frequent API calls to prevent overloading the system. Follow Nfield’s acceptable use policy, which provides guidelines on optimal API usage and rate limiting. Adhering to these guidelines ensures fair usage and system stability for all users.

Documentation and support

To stay updated and efficiently resolve issues, make effective use of available documentation and support resources.

  1. Regular updates:         
    Make sure you stay informed about system updates, new features, and changes to the Nfield API. Ask your domain administrator to set up an email auto-forward from Nfield’s update notifications. This will keep you up to date on the latest developments and ensure you do not miss any essential information.
  2. Keep the Nfield API help page to hand:
    Regularly refer to the Nfield API help page for updates and clarifications. It is a vital resource for understanding the endpoints, request formats, and best practices.
  3. Utilize support resources:
    Take advantage of the various support resources provided by Nfield, such as reach out to technical support and view Academy session recordings. These resources provide valuable assistance and insights from other developers and Nfield experts. Also an Nfield SDK has been created by Nfield users on Github.

Conclusion

Integrating Nfield with your system via the Nfield API can streamline your market research operations and provide valuable data insights.

By preparing adequately, understanding the API’s fundamentals, and following best practices, you can ensure your integration is a success.

Make the most of Nfield’s capabilities by leveraging all available resources, such as Nfield API manuals and your own researchers’ expertise.

Enhance your integration’s efficiency and performance by adopting optimized data retrieval methods and respecting API usage policies.

Stay up to date on system changes to continue getting the absolute best out of Nfield.

Developer’s guide to Nfield integration via the API
Gepubliceerd op: 2 July 2024 Door: admin

NIPO is pleased to announce the introduction of its survey-level data retention policy feature. Designed to simplify the management of long-running trackers, or waves, this feature can be set to automatically clean out Online survey data after a specified number of days.

  • Never (default): no survey data will be automatically deleted.
  • 30 days: automatically deletes any survey data that’s more than 30 days old.
  • 60 days: automatically deletes any survey data that’s more than 60 days old.
  • 90 days: automatically deletes any survey data that’s more than 90 days old.

These settings are in the Nfield Manager under the Setup survey/Retention tab. They can be configured separately for each survey, so storage practices can be tailored to specific project needs.

Benefits of implementing a survey-level data retention policy

Setting and adhering to data retention periods aids compliance and data governance, while also simplifying long-running trackers and mitigating risks associated with prolonged data storage and privacy breaches.

  • Compliance: Adhering to regulatory requirements such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is crucial in today’s data-driven landscape. Establishing and enforcing appropriate data retention periods ensures compliance with these regulations, thereby mitigating legal risks.
  • Data governance: Effective data governance practices demand clear policies around data retention. By defining specific retention periods, organizations can maintain data integrity, optimize storage resources, and streamline data lifecycle management processes.
  • Risk management: Implementing proper data retention practices is essential for mitigating risks associated with prolonged data storage and potential privacy breaches. By automatically removing outdated data, organizations can reduce the likelihood of security vulnerabilities and maintain compliance with data protection laws.
  • Simplifying long-running trackers: Seamlessly managed trackers clean-up eliminates the effort and hassle of manually removing outdated information. Long-running trackers can stay dedicated to a single survey, while long-running surveys remain organized, focused, clutter-free and up-to-date, without manual intervention.

Which data is automatically removed?

Based on the selected retention period, the following data will be removed automatically:

  • Interview data (e.g. .dat, o-file, paradata, audit log) that has not changed for the specified number of days.
  • Sample data for this interview (untouched sample data is not deleted).
  • Survey packages (script, media files, settings) that have been superseded by a newer package for more than the specified number of days (the latest package is never deleted).
  • Quota frames that have been superseded by a newer quota frame for more than the specified number of days.

Important notes

  1. The default setting is NEVER. Nfield users are always in control. Data will never be automatically removed unless a specific retention period has been set.
  2. Once data has been removed, it is permanently deleted along with its associated artifacts (scripts, data, quotas, media files, etc.), and cannot be restored.
  3. This feature is currently only available for Nfield Online surveys.

Elevate your research game with Nfield

Survey-level data retention policy is just one of the many tools Nfield equips you with to take your market research to the next level. Say hello to streamlined processes, enhanced efficiency, and control over your data retention policies.

Customized survey-level data retention policy: streamline compliance and optimize storage via automatic clean-up
Gepubliceerd op: 5 June 2024 Door: ard

In one of the previous “scripting problem of the month” sessions we looked at how surveys end. In this NIPO Academy we will look at how surveys start. How you maximize the number of real respondents and keep bots out.

Academy #50 – How to start a survey
Gepubliceerd op: 24 April 2024 Door: ard

Already for some time you can limit the access to different surveys to one or more groups of users on your Nfield domain. But until recently the configuration of this feature was only possible through the API. Now that the configuration is available through the Nfield Manager as well, it is time for a proper introduction of the survey access options.

Academy #49 – Survey access
Gepubliceerd op: 17 April 2024 Door: ard
Get a first impression, scheduled soon.

Get a first impression, scheduled soon.

Request a demo to see how NIPO can help you meet your requirements with our smart survey solutions.