Throughout Africa, South Asia and Latin America, Hunger Project programs operate in rural and sometimes remote communities. Since we began monitoring programs using cutting-edge mobile technology, areas without internet connection have posed a challenge for our committed Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team.
To meet these challenges, The Hunger Project has implemented the ThunderPlug®.
ThunderPlug® is a compact device that runs the server of iFormBuilder (the cloud-based mobile data collection platform that we use to monitor programs) without an internet connection. ThunderPlug® allows local Hunger Project staff to capture, sync and view data without requiring internet access.
The device essentially acts as a local area network that, when within 50 meters, will sync data from any assigned mobile device. The data is then stored locally on the ThunderPlug®, which frees up space on the mobile devices collecting data. ThunderPlug® then compacts the data allowing shorter transmission time of the data to the server once plugged into an ethernet outlet.
To read the full post, click here.