Achieving visibility into logistics data at lower levels of the health system is always a challenge for logisticians. Developed by IAPHL and JSI, the presentation “mHealth for Logistics: Solving Data Challenges through Mobile Technology” is an introduction to the ways in which mobile technology can improve your logistics programs. The purpose of this presentation is to give an overview of several of the mobile solutions available to program implementers. We begin by presenting the least resource-intensive intervention and work our way up to the most robust mobile information systems. Categories of tools that are covered include: mobile forms for data collection; basic SMS databases for routine reporting; paying for a customizable generic platform; and working with a developer to build a new system to your specifications from scratch. The presentation also explains practical aspects of implementing mobile solutions, such as costs and human resources required, to help viewers gauge which options best meet their needs. This presentation was given as a webinar on May 26, 2013. To view a recording of the webinar, go to https://jsi.webex.com/jsi/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=MC&rID=71779802&rKey=057d4c3e85b68164

1. Welcome
mHealth for Logistics: Solving Data
Challenges through Mobile Technology

2. To Ask a Question
• Via Twitter: #mHealth4Log and
@HealthSCM
• Via the Webinar Chat window
• If you have technical problems, contact
Ben Bruno at bbruno@worlded.org

3. Resource Intensiveness of
Mobile Solutions

4. Resource Intensiveness-
Mobile Data Collection

5. Mobile Forms for
Data Collection
Megan Noel
SC4CCM Project

6. What logistics data can the
tool provide to program
implementers and decision
makers?

7. Who is trained to use the
technology?
• Intuitive design interface
• Data collectors need basic training –
SC4CCM held 7-8 day training on Magpi
and SC, including 2-day pre-test
• Simple to enter, edit, save, and send data
using forms

8. What kinds of hardware are
needed/can be used?
• Design: Computer with internet (high speed
preferred), and mobile device to verify functions
work correctly
• Data collection: any of 47 models of mobile
device (brands include Nokia, Samsung,
SonyEricsson, Apple, Android)
• Nokia e71, used by SC4CCM, costs around
$120

9. What software is used and
approximately what does it
cost?
• The application is called Magpi, available
for free download
• Additional costs for greater storage space,
special features
• Data can be loaded and sent to the online
database by cellular, wifi, or cable
connection to the mobile device

10. Data Security
Phone
• Password protected on all devices
• Encryption
• All Blackberry, iPhone/iPad
• Some Android (not all devices)
Transmission/Uploading
• Encrypted to 256 bit strong standard
Online
•Password protected, encrypted, backed up 4x daily
(including to remote site), monitored 24/7/365

11. Data Outputs

12. Basic Analysis
Label Name Code Value %
A Yes 1 44 59.5
B No 0 9 12.2
Total 53 71.7
Is the stock card available for
cotrimoxazole 120mg tabs?
Measure Value
Mean 89742.2
Maximum 816400.0
Minimum 0.0
What is the physical count (usable
stock only) of cotrimoxazole 480mg
tabs today?

13. Advantages
• Easy to design data collection tools
• Eliminates need for data entry before viewing
data, allows trouble shooting if needed while
teams are still in the field
• Flexible to accept many kinds of data – open
text, bivariate, multiple response, coded-
numeric or text
• Multiple ways to transmit data to site
• Relatively low cost

14. Limitations
• Limited ability to perform calculations
within the program – do this after data are
collected, ex.OFR, stock status
• Smart phones can be prohibitively
expensive for community and low
resource settings
• Heavy front end work (design and training)
required for larger data collection activities

15. Programs:
• Available programs using ODK (Open
Data Kit) platforms:
– iFormBuilder, FormHub, ODK Collect, KoBo
Toolbox
• Proprietary software:
– Magpi, CommCare
*All require some programming skills except
Magpi

16. Thank you!

17. Resource Intensiveness-
Sending SMS to a Database

18. Using Basic SMS Systems
for Logistics Data
Mike Frost
USAID | DELIVER PROJECT

19. In a typical paper-based
LMIS, detail is often lost
between levels
Facility
District
Region

20. Transmitting essential
logistics data via SMS
can help

21. 17670 # 23 # 0 # 71 # 2 # 0 # 41 # 30 # 2 # 0
Send the above message at the end of every Friday:
•Start the message with 17670
•Separate every entry with #
•Do not use spaces
•Enter information for every product, in the order indicated
Code CONDOMS
Issued
CONDOMS
Received
CONDOMS
Physical
count
MICROGYNON
Issued
MICROGYNON
Received
MICROGYNON
Physical
count
DEPO
Issued
DEPO
Received
DEPO
Physical
Count
Send every Friday (Family Planning)
7797805460

22. The options are growing…

27. Activities
• Assessment activity
• Design (products, data elements, forms,
dashboard, etc.)
• Training
• Testing

28. Costs
• Any assistance with assessment
• Any assistance with design
• Magpi pro user license (5,000 USD
annual. SMS? Gateway?)
• Training

29. Use Cases
• Limited set of facilities
• Limited set of products
• Concept testing
• Sentinel Sites

30. Thanks

31. Resource Intensiveness-
Existing Mobile Logistics Platforms

32. Using a
Customizable Platform
Leona Rosenblum
John Snow, Inc.

33. What logistics data can the
tool provide to program
implementers and decision
makers?
• Routine logistics data
• Snapshot survey data
• Supervision data

34. Who is trained to use the
technology?
• Data entry- All levels
• Dashboards and reporting- Supervisors,
decision makers

35. What kinds of hardware are
needed/can be used?
• Basic feature phones- send data by SMS
• Smart phones- design forms for more
complex data capture
• Computer with internet connection-
manage system

36. What software is used and
approximately what does it
cost?
• Several software platforms exist, with
multiple pricing models.
• All include an online platform for building
forms and managing data.
• Pricing plans are per user, per facility,
and can include training.

37. Why choose a customizable
platform?
• Robust system
• Pre-tested
• Upgrades
• Customer Service

38. Why not?
• Not open source
• Funding
• Limits to customizability
• Sustainability

39. What are some options?
• Mango-Greenmash
• LogiMobile and LogiWeb-Logistimo
• CommTrack-Dimagi
• Others?

40. Thank You

41. Resource Intensiveness-
Develop a System

42. ILSGateway: Developing a
Mobile System to Improve
the Availability
of Essential Medicines
Marasi Mwencha
USAID | DELIVER PROJECT
TANZANIA

43. Integrated Logistics System (ILS)
Supply Chain Challenges
• Stock outs of essential medicines
• Infrequent adherence to reporting groups
• Difficulties with ordering and reporting
• Absence of facility level data for decision-makers
• Insufficient logistics supervision at health facilities
• Need to empower new and untrained staff

44. ILSGateway: The Solution
• The ILSGateway is a mobile health alert
and reporting system designed to
support and strengthen the ILS by:
– Expanding the accessibility to
and visibility of logistics data
– Improving the use of logistics
data for supply chain
decision-making

45. What logistics data does the
ILSGateway provide program
implementers and decision
makers?
• Stock on hand
• Losses & adjustments
• Calculated consumption
• Supervision frequency
• Lead times
• Reporting rates
• Stock outs
• GIS reports

46. What kind of hardware are
required to be used?
• Personal cell phone
• Personal computer with web connectivity

47. Who is trained to use the
technology?
• MOHSW program managers
• District Pharmacists and Medical Officers
• Health care workers from health facilities
• Medical Stores Department
• NGOs

48. What software is used and
approximately what does it
cost?
• RapidSMS – an open source platform
• SMS aggregation services
• Initial cost of ~$50,000
• With subsequent enhancements the total
spent to date has been ~$200,000

49. Pros of building on RapidSMS
• Robust platform
• Open source
• Multiple developers available for support
• Readily customizable for the country needs

50. Challenges encountered
• Time frame it took to build system
• Cost for customizations
• System limitations

51. Impact of mHealth on Supply Chain
• increase in reporting rates &
adherence to reporting groups
• improvement in attention to
inventory management
• increase in product
availability at health facilities
• Increased accountability,
transparency and responsibility
• Growing use of data for supply
chain management
Improved supply
chain performance

52. Thank You

53. Questions
iaphl@jsi.com