The different stages of the survey ensure that the process meets the requirements for statistical production:           
- stratified sample selection
- reminders and checks of data being collected
- clearance
- adjustment for total non-response
- shimming
- adjustment for partial non-response
- winsorisation
The questionnaire was tested (in the 4th quarter 2012) as part of the survey's appearance before the label committee in early 2013.

The survey shows a slight increase in response rate: 86.3% (85.4% in the previous edition on divisions 05 to 35).

Before any exploitation, it is also useful to assess the quality of the variables through their partial non-response rate and the confidence intervals provided in the survey quality indicators.

Thus, as in the previous edition, the partial non-response rate is particularly high for the variable PART_ENVIR (share of investments to protect the environment) and stands at 18.5%.

This variable should therefore be analysed with caution, as a significant proportion of the responses have therefore been imputed.

The other variables all have a partial non-response rate of less than 6%.

In terms of precision, the main numerical variables have the following coefficients of variation:
Total amount of studies to protect the environment (TOT_ETUDE): 3.2%
Total amount of specific investments (IT): 2.6%.
Amount of integrated environmental protection investments (I2): 6.2%.

Accuracy degrades when one focuses on finer diffusion domains. In particular, the following sectors of activity have a coefficient of variation exceeding 20% and should be analysed with caution:

(for TOT_ETUDE)
Coke extraction and refining
Paper and cardboard industry
Printing and reproduction of recordings
Manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products
Manufacture of electrical equipment
Automotive industry

(for TI)
Manufacture of wood and of products of wood and cork, except furniture; manufacturing
Manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products
Manufacture of electrical equipment
Furniture manufacturing

(for I2)
Coke extraction and refining
Chemical industry
Manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products
Manufacture of machinery and equipment n c a
Furniture manufacturing
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning generation and distribution

For variable I2 also, the 50 to 99 employee bracket is in the same case.