• by Joe Mandese  @mp_joemandese, February 11, 2008

Nielsen Friday sent a notice to clients acknowledging systemic problems in the delivery of its national ratings data since the beginning of the 2007-08 TV season. Nielsen attributed the delays to a combination of factors, including data volume, A/P meter processing, software issues and human error, and said it was taking the following steps to fix the problems:

* Data volume: "We are increasing capacity and evaluating core processes and applications to reduce cycle time and create some slack time in the overall process."

* A/P processing: "We are taking two significant steps to address these A/P processing issues. First, enhancements to the A/P meters will enable us to restore crediting start times to their original schedules. These schedule changes will begin Feb. 15 and will directly improve our ability to deliver data on time. Second, we will be adding server capacity to offset the increase in A/P meter data coming in from our sample homes. This additional capacity will begin coming online Feb. 22 and continue as required."

* Software issues: "We have begun an in-depth analysis of daily delivery failures dating back to the beginning of the new season. This analysis will be completed this month and additional system improvements will be implemented as soon as the causes of the delays have been identified."

* Human Error: "These situations are always addressed through coaching, training and process modifications to prevent re-occurrence. In addition, we continue to modernize our systems in order to reduce or eliminate human touchpoints and develop more intuitive user interfaces."

Nielsen said the steps would result in a "material reduction" in the number of data delays beginning in mid-March with continuous improvement every 20 business days thereafter for the next four months.