This research aimed to explore the current uses of digital data collection tools in Plan International, to tease out the lessons learned from adoption and implementation, and document the benefits and challenges of transition from paper-based to digital data collection processes. It intended to represent experiences in different areas of work, and to distil some key learning points to inform future adoption of digital tools in Plan. The report includes examples of how digital data collection tools had been used in Plan, and analysis of the types of benefits and challenges that had been noted at the level of programme or country office.
Based on the experiences and insights of Plan staff, this report provided useful inputs and guidance for those considering adopting new tools for their work, whether in the field or for global information systems. Plan had been using a tool called Poimapper (PM) since 2012. As PM was the most widespread and widely used digital data collection tool within the organisation, its users were an entry point to the research. The report relied heavily on their experiences to generate findings, learning and conclusions. Some of these apply to digital data collection as a whole, while others are specific to the use of Poimapper.
