Field Data Collection

Field Data Collection

Field data collection can be a complicated process that requires a lot of resources.

A project manager has to build well-defined forms, plan and coordinate field operations for data collection. The field teams have to take the forms and other equipment to remote locations and securely back to the office. Errors may occur when collecting the data, transporting it or when retyping the paper-based data into a digital format.

For managers, the monitoring capabilities are weak during the data collection and valuable outcomes are far from guaranteed. This is a time taking process which has a lot of chances for something to go wrong.

Oftentimes the paper ends up all dirty and scruffed up, or else lost altogether, never to be found again, leading to a little guesswork and a lot of retyping. It’s a long, tedious process for staff and volunteers and it makes reliable monitoring of programmes difficult.
– Maja Cubarrubia, Plan Thailand’s country director 

How mobile data collection can help?

When using mobile devices in field data gathering you can eliminate pen and paper-based surveys. There are fewer errors because the data is entered into the system only once. After data is entered people can analyze the data in real-time back at the office.

Mobile forms can simplify data gathering with interactive steps like calculations and conditional questions. Collected data can be anything that a smartphone or a tablet can capture, for example, images, video or location data. This does not only increase field data reliability but it cuts down cost and time.

“We’ve created a lot of excitement here, and once staff get the hang of it, they’ll think this is something we should all be doing!”
– Maja Cubarrubia, Plan Thailand’s country director  

“Poimapper makes data transparent and accessible for everyone, even in remote locations.”
– Carlos Canto, HSE Director, Transmission International, Eltel

Request a demo and learn more on how mobile technology can help you improve field data collection.

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