Evolution of Data Collection
When mobile computing started to appear in the early 2000's, way before the iPhone was even a thought, businesses with field staff were literally using pen and paper in the field to collect data. The operator would collect information on a delivery they had made, an order they had taken or stock availability. At the end of their shift they would fax, post, or, if they were advanced, scan and email the “paperwork” to head office who would type in to the appropriate system. Putting in mobile computers with touchscreens and drop down menus meant that the data entry was moved from the office to the field. This was a big win from an efficiency perspective.
Nowadays, 20 years later, the technology has improved, a lot. Faster, more reliable devices, almost ubiquitous, inexpensive mobile internet and GPS, have all made great advances in data transfer. All of these things make a big difference and the older systems now look like dinosaurs by comparison. BUT, the process is still more or less the same as it was when we were all much younger. The field operator does their task and then spends anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours, typing the records in to a device. This process is both time consuming and prone to error. Last but not least, I have yet to meet a single person who enjoys this task.
The good news is, that today, there really is no need to spend a lot of time on data entry. Advances in technology allow you to use the camera on the device you already use (to punch data in to) to take photos that can be turned in to data. This replaces the laborious and often flawed human element. The result is huge time savings for field staff. It also means that field staff can accurately record data on items they have never seen before.
The icing on the cake is, this process is very easy. Phone cameras improve with every annual model release meaning focus and anti-shake features allow even the novice to take good photos. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technology do all the heavy lifting in the background meaning the operator generally only has to point and shoot and then get on with their day.
Much as today’s smartphone’s make yesterday’s PDAs look expensive and outdated, today’s technology makes yesterday’s data collection processes look expensive and outdated.
If you are still collecting data in the “traditional” way, maybe it’s time to rethink.
Founder/Director of Sales, Strategy and Growth
4 年Great article graham!
Global Supply Chain Executive | Digital Transformation Leader | Port Systems Expert | Follow for Actionable Insights Shaping Oceania’s Supply Chain Future
4 年Thanks for the good Article, Graham! I am looking forward to see how DTEX will change the landscape moving forward.
Executive Educator, Inspiring Leadership and Driving Exceptional Customer Experience for ambitious Enterprises | Founder: Commercial Excellence Partners | Speaker | Travel-Tech ?
4 年Really interesting. Also a very valid point about the "delight" (not) of people having to take manual inventories. It'd be great to get more information about your solution Graham Nisbet!
I grow businesses
4 年Great article Graham. It’s amazing how many companies have half addressed “digitisation” of a process - adding a digital device early in the data collection process but not following through to an end to end digital solution. That one little lazy element is where it can all go wrong. Good to see a solution that captures data digitally and then manage sit through to completion.