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With the recent announcement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for the next fifteen years, it’s clear that there will be more intense scrutiny on organizations to deliver work which yields strong, quantifiable results. This means it’s now more important than ever to make sure you’re using the right mobile data collection tool. However, there are so many tools out there that it can be overwhelming to decide on the right one. At TaroWorks, we speak to lots of organizations at the early stages of looking for tools, and want to share 5 major themes that come up consistently, so that you can find the most appropriate one that allows you to focus on making an impact.

1. What will the data be used for?

Field research: Generally one-time projects spanning over a few months, where you don’t need a heavy tool and a general data collection tool should be adequate

Impact monitoring & evaluation over time: If you need to track results over time for a specific entity, make sure the tool allows for that. If you sample and don’t need to track specific entities, then a general data collection tool can work.

Managing business operations: Monitoring ongoing transactions in order to make business decisions. This entails managing field operations and supply chain activities, and may require tools that go beyond simple data collection.

2. What kind of analysis are you doing?

Ad hoc reporting: If you’re doing one-off analysis and need quick results, you may not need anything heavier than an Excel spreadsheet!

Monitoring over time: If you have set performance indicators that will be monitored over time, your tool should be able to capture historical information, and generate those indicator figures.

Statistical analysis: If you’re using stats packages like SPSS or Stata, make sure that your data collection tool can export data easily, in a format that plays nicely with your stats package.

3. Where are you storing data?

Where you store your data is significant because it affects the analysis you can do, and who will have access to it. There are 3 factors that define the spectrum of choices: the degree of centralization you need, how flexible the system is to changes, and the amount of set-up time needed. At one end of the spectrum, there are spreadsheets and databases (i.e. Access, SQL), which are easy to spin up, are super flexible for making changes, but are very decentralized systems. At the other end of the spectrum are CRM (i.e. Salesforce, Zoho, MS Dynamics) and ERP (i.e. SAP, Oracle) systems, which are increasingly cloud-based and therefore centralized so all analysis is accessible throughout the organization, are more standardized, but require more upfront set-up.

4. What level of resources do you have?

There are 3 types of resources to consider. Depending on these, you may need to consider providers who offer service options like set-up, maintenance and training.

Staff skills: Do you have staff who can implement a tool? Cast away the impression you need a software developer. Previous knowledge of spreadsheets, databases, system architecture or mobile devices may be a good starting point. Genuine interest in implementing a system can get you the rest of the way there – some of our fastest implementers have been people who’ve never used databases!

Staff bandwidth: Consider that implementing a more centralized and standardized tool may require someone’s full capacity in the initial months, but will taper off over time. Meanwhile, a less standardized tool will take less set-up time, but may require a consistent level of attention over time.

Budget: Now let’s talk budget. Is budget for the solution coming from in-house or is it outsourced? Also, there are solutions which are free but they won’t necessarily meet all your needs. Other solutions require investment but come with more robust capabilities.

5. Where is your data coming from?

Now let’s consider the actual point of data capture, as this will really narrow down the tools you consider.

Direct channels: Getting information from beneficiaries or clients directly through an SMS or IVR system. A direct solution is scalable, discreet, and cost effective because it doesn’t require equipment. However, this relies on accurate self-reporting, and doesn’t allow for long or robust forms.

Intermediated channels: Getting information via a field agent. Intermediated systems can provide robust and deep data sets, doesn’t require beneficiaries have devices, and works well with programs who may already have staff in the field. However, they can be more costly because of equipment, staff, and training.

Written by Emily Tucker, CEO of TaroWorks. TaroWorks is a mobile data collection tool that seeks to make it as easy to manage across the last mile as it is across the first mile. Learn more at www.taroworks.org