Please note the following information applies to Version 1 but is equally applicable to Version 2.0. Updated information about the extensive array of new features in Version 2.0 will be released here in the near future. August 2008
Why you should consider moving up to an eM&E system:
Setting up the System
Using the System
em&e Equipment and Software
All that is needed is the eM&E USB Flash drive and a PC type computer with Windows 2000 or later. No software needs to be installed on the computer so any computer anywhere will do - at home or in the office, an internet café or at an airport or in a hotel, or of course on a laptop anywhere.
Internet Access
Internet access is only required for a few functions in eM&E which makes it perfect for use in environments where connections are slow or non-existent for most of the time. Internet access is required for the start-up phase when using Plan-IT and it is also needed when transferring data from the Flash drive to the Aid-IT servers which could be once a week or less frequently depending on the project.
Data Entry
Project staff record the required data directly into eM&E whenever a computer is available. Paper forms can of course be used to capture raw data in the field for entry at a later date. The system is also set up for PDA’s to capture and upload data. And we also offer batch processing of survey data using data scanning software.
Monitoring and Evaluation of Project Performance
Project managers, programs staff, and other stakeholders can view automatically generated analysis of project performance. The Snapshot function provides a choice of 65 charts and graphs of budget information, timeframes, overall project performance, performance for data related to outputs, beneficiary performance, earned value analysis, analysis of management risks, effects surveys, etc. Comparisons can be made between projects across time and in different locations using well-researched and cleverly designed indices and performance indicators.
Produce Reports
Generate major reports like Annual Progress Reports at the touch of a button by working with us to develop a report template to meet your specific needs. Graphs and charts can easily be copied into a Word file for inclusion in a report.
Project Information Filing Made Easy
Once project performance data is entered into the system it is there forever - all in one place and easily accessed using built-in report functions.
Sharing Information With Stakeholders
Selected project performance data and analysis can easily be shared throughout and between organisations via the internet. This is done from Aid-IT’s servers housed in one of Australia’s most secure data centres.
The Advantages of eM&E Over a Browser-based or Stand-alone System?
Most internet-deployed systems are browser-based application which enables access to a server so that multiple users can enter and access information. This approach carries known disadvantages especially in weak ICT infrastructure environments as commonly encountered in developing countries. Low bandwidth, line drop-outs and ad hoc or sporadic access to the internet, power blackouts or brownouts when part way through uploading data to a web application are just some of the challenges users face.
On the other hand stand-alone applications that do not incorporate internet connectivity lack the benefits of a centrally deployed system.
What is Special About eM&E?
Best of both worlds: The Aid-IT system overcomes many of the weaknesses of both browser-based and stand-alone models while including most of the strengths of both.
Accommodates poor connectivity: Slow and unreliable internet connectivity is accommodated by an asynchronous ad hoc data exchange process. Users can enter data onto the system and complete analysis and reporting processes even when offline. Then when internet connection is available the system on the Flash drive is synchronised with the system on the central server. Smart technology related to data packaging, batching and other innovations minimise data transfer times and loads.
Highly portable for mobile users: The need for user portability/mobility is accommodated by the system being installed on a USB Flash drive rather than on a desktop or laptop computer. This ensures mobile users can interact enter data, do analysis or complete reporting processes at any available computer, any time, anywhere.
Overcomes hardware and driver incompatibilities: No need for installation of the system on any computer with potential for hardware or driver issues. The system lives on the Flash drive and can be launched from in any available computer with MS Windows 2000 or later—independent of local hardware/driver settings. It does not leave anything in memory on the computer and doesn't modify the registry. It leaves no footprint when removed guaranteeing security and confidentiality of the data.
Centrally managed: A centrally deployed system the stores data on a server means that users with appropriate permissions can enter and access project data. Smart technology incorporated into eM&E enables seamless and automatic data exchange and access for multiples users of the same data. It also enable version upgrades, bug-fixes, data backup and data distribution to stakeholders anywhere in the world. The user simply requires periodic low-bandwidth internet connectivity for all this to occur automatically.
Secure: Each user's level of access is permissions-based which ensures that data integrity confidentiality and security are maintained. Access levels are set by the organisation's system administrator.
Import/export capability: The Aid-IT system is built on .Net which readily permits the exchange of data to and from other systems using XML data. Standard functionality allows exporting of system data to MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access and Adobe Acrobat (PDF) formats.
Multiple entry modes for data: Data can be entered into the system via:
PDA interface: An eM&E PDA application is available to increase inefficiency, doing away with the initial collection of data on a paper form. Field staff simply enter data using wizard-driven questions on a PDA and then upload the data to the system at the next opportunity.
If you would like more information about the eM&E monitoring and evaluation system just email info@aid-it.com
