Review of Survey Tools and Development of a Mobile

Save the Children is an esteemed global organization committed to improving the lives of children. In order to efficiently deliver on their mandate of improving children’s lives, they recognized the need for data-informed decisions. And this necessitated the development of a mobile-based data collection system. Traditional paper-based surveys and manual data entry proved to be time-consuming, error-prone, and limited in scope. To address these challenges, Save the Children sought the expertise of our team to modernize their data collection system and harness the potential of mobile data collection technology. IRES conducted an in-depth analysis of existing survey tools utilized by Save the Children. This involved assessing the strengths and limitations of various data collection platforms, checking compatibility with the organization's objectives and considering the unique challenges posed within the Kenyan context. Our team meticulously evaluated factors such as user-friendliness, data security, offline data collection capabilities and integration with existing systems.Based on the findings from the survey tool review, we set out to develop a tailored mobile-based data collection system for Save the Children. Leveraging our expertise in software development and user experience design, our team designed an intuitive and versatile solution that would empower the organization's field staff to collect data efficiently, accurately, and in real-time. The mobile-based data collection system developed by IRES seamlessly integrated with the existing processes and resources of Save the Children. The solution incorporated features such as customizable surveys, multimedia capture capabilities, GPS data integration, and robust data encryption to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the collected information. Additionally, IRES provided comprehensive training and technical support to ensure a smooth transition for Save the Children staff. The streamlined data collection process has significantly reduced the time and effort required for information gathering. Field staff could submit data instantly, eliminating the need for manual data entry and minimizing the risk of errors. With the new system, Save the Children gained access to real-time data insights, enabling them to respond promptly to emerging needs and make informed decisions. This empowered the organization to deliver timely and targeted interventions in their efforts to improve the lives of children.