Overview
When a census file is uploaded, the system captures a snapshot of existing participant data and compares it to the new upload. A Census Data Comparison Report is then generated to highlight:
- Changes to existing participant data
- Newly added participants
- Differences at the field level (before vs. after)
This report improves transparency and helps ensure accuracy by clearly showing what changed during the upload process.
How It Works
- Upload your census file as usual.
- After the upload completes, the system automatically:
- Compares the new data to the most recent prior census data
- Identifies any differences
- A comparison report is generated and made available for download.
Note: The report is generated after the upload completes. It is not available during the upload process.
Where to Find the Report
After completing a census upload:
- Navigate to Census → Downloads
- Locate the Census Data Comparison Report
- Download the file (CSV format)
The report always reflects the most recent upload. If additional changes or uploads occur, the report is updated accordingly.
Understanding the Report
1. Changed Participants
Only participants with changes are included in the main section of the report.
For each participant with updates, you will see two rows:
- New – Displays updated values
- Old – Displays previous values
Key behavior:
- Only fields that changed are populated
- Unchanged fields remain blank
- Participants are listed alphabetically by last name
- Each “New” and “Old” pair is separated by a blank line for readability
2. Field-Level Comparison
The report compares each data field individually. Fields reviewed include:
- Birth Date
- Date of Hire (1)
- Date of Term (1)
- Term Reason (1)
- Date of Hire (2)
- Date of Term (2)
- Term Reason (2)
- Officer
- Ownership
- Family Group
- Family Group Relation
- Employee Class
- Employee Type (HCE)
- Division
- EE Class Other
- Census Status
- Active indicates the participant is included in the census
- Inactive indicates the participant has been removed or excluded
Last Name, First Name and SSN preface the checked fields
3. New Participants Section
If new participants are added during the upload:
- A “New Participants” section appears at the bottom of the report
- Each new participant is listed once with:
- A New indicator
- All current data fields populated
Participants are sorted alphabetically by last name.