mTechnology is a tool, developed in PCSL lab which enables researchers to effectively harness the power of technology to conduct surveys and ensure the integrity of data. While developing the tool, we keep in mind the difficulties researchers face in getting timely and accurate data, such as:

Ensuring the enumerator’s actual presence in target locations.

Eliminating computer-based data entry errors.

Minimizing data cleaning efforts.

Minimizing the logistical cost.

Inability to track progress on the ground during the survey process.

Making changes to a questionnaire after field deployment.

mTechnology uses mobile technology to bring you information that is accurate, instant and digitized.

This powerful tool has brought notable value additions over traditional (paper-based) research processes these include

Instant Digitization: No printing of questionnaires and no further data entry after data collection.

Real Time Editing: Instantly correct or modify the questionnaire and no reprinting issue.

Web Based Dashboard: Continuous tracking of data and instantaneous report generation where the Unique ID of each data set is given. Data layout can be done in various formats.

Real Time Monitoring & Evaluation: Tracking progress and use of allocated resources gives in a broader picture. Thus, right and timely decision-making takes place.

Respondent Registration: : Unique IDs for each respondent/household are auto-generated to eliminate the possibility of duplication.

Supervisor’s Approval: Each questionnaire passes through the supervisor if required by the client.

Access Control of Information: Different layers of management can access data as needed and can be visualized dynamically.

Picture Storing: Increases authenticity and gives an extra edge to the survey. Highly effective for evidence-based research.

Voice Record: In the case of open-ended questions, it creates a more sophisticated option.

GPS Tagging: Providing a pinpoint location where the survey took place and tracking of enumerators is a strong aid to the researcher.

On Demand Report Generation: Critical analysis of data can be designed. Dynamic visualization of data makes decision-making easy and effective.

Editing: Eliminates the Scope of data fraud/data creation or Human error.

Data Validation: Inbuilt logic ensures the right data is in the right place, can handle complex issues and uses a secure channel.

Time Optimization: Less travelling, no printing and no further data entry after field collection/deployment.

Efficient Human Resource Allocation: Reduces the number of supervisors per project and no need for quality controllers.

Cost Optimization: No need to physically send questionnaires, attributing to fewer transportation issues. Reduces other logistic steps and resources involved. No need for paper printing or reprinting.

Flexibility: Questionnaire size or number of questions is not an issue. Instant access to data and real-time intervention as required.

Environment Friendly: No use of paper means less CO2 emission. Physical and logistic resources are used at optimal levels.

Digitized questionnaires for mobile phones and tablets.

Dashboard for viewing incoming data in real-time and exporting data in any format.

Google-map-based dashboard with GPS coordinates of data collection along with pictures and time stamp of data submission.

Training of surveyors to use mobile applications.

Storage of data in our servers/accounts.

Rental of mobile phones/devices for data collection.

Trained enumerators, Supervisors, Monitors, Back-checkers etc.

Data analysis and report writing.