Considering alternatives - Should I use OnaData or ActivityInfo

As we are often asked about the difference between ActivityInfo and tools from the ODK ecosystem, in this article we look into the main differences between ActivityInfo and OnaData, the mobile survey software.

Both software support the design of forms for mobile and desktop data collection, online or offline, collecting attachments, geolocation, signatures and more types of data. They also offer tools for data analysis and visualization, webhooks, allow for local hosting and offer various options for training, onboarding and support.

However, they follow a different approach as far as information management is concerned and as a result they are very different products. In this article, we look into their main differences in more detail.

Data collection tool vs a complete information management system

OnaData is software designed for mobile data collection with a focus on field surveys. For this reason, it will always be one part of a larger information system. You will need to add additional tools for data cleaning, importing, transformation, de-duplication, analysis, visualization, and sharing.

Much like other popular mobile apps, OnaData uses Enketo forms (webforms), ODK Collect and XLSForm authoring offering a solution for diverse data collection requirements. This means that you can author a form in a spreadsheet software, upload it to Ona and then use ODK Collect (Android) or Enketo webforms to collect data (website accessed on December 10th, 2024).

It also offers limited built-in visualization tools such as maps and summary charts for simple statistics, and requires an additional suite of tools under the “Canopy” brand to complete your information management system, increasing the costs, complexity, and the time required to go live. Additional features such as webhooks, merging datasets and integrations are offered as premium features.

ActivityInfo offers tools and features to support the complete data lifecycle in all subscription plans within the same platform. There is no need for additional, external tools or services to bring together datasets. Form design, data collection and data analysis, all happen within the same system, simplifying the process and reducing error risk. The result is a comprehensive information system that meets field and HQ level requirements in one, centralized database.

ActivityInfo’s robust set of information management tools include:

  • Centralized overview of data: Create different databases and data collection forms and link them together easily thanks to the relational database model. Access all data in one place and do advanced analysis within the same system.
  • Data collection: ActivityInfo supports web-based data collection, data importing and includes an integrated mobile application working online and offline in both Android and iOS. It also allows you to deploy online or offline-ready field surveys using only a link and without the need for user accounts or licenses.
  • Data validation and data cleaning: ActivityInfo offers data management tools for data validation and data cleaning such as validation rules, locks, and a duplicate scanner that allows you to easily review and merge duplicate records.
  • Data analysis and data transformation: ActivityInfo offers built-in tools for data analysis including powerful tools for data transformation such as Calculated Measures and Calculated Tables. These allow users to combine data from different forms, create advanced indicator calculations and create new tables or categories for their datasets. Because you can create relationships between your datasets, you can get advanced insights and at the same time access the data sources in the same system.
  • Data visualization: Last but not least, ActivityInfo offers various data visualization options (dashboards, notebooks, charts, maps, pivot tables) as well as powerful integrations with other software.

ActivityInfo is built on the relational database model

An important distinction between ActivityInfo and ODK-based solutions lies in the fact that ActivityInfo is based on the relational database model. This helps solve various challenges, including double counting of beneficiaries.

Linking forms together in OnaData can be challenging. It requires preparing a separate dataset with a list of beneficiaries and pulling that data into the form using special formulas. The dataset is static, and doesn’t update automatically if new beneficiaries, facilities, or other entities are registered.

In ActivityInfo, on the other hand, you can create multiple forms to collect different datasets and relate them to each other within the platform. With two-way automatic synchronization, everything is updated in real time so there is no need to check for updated versions of the records submitted in your related forms or manually update external datasets. This makes working with beneficiaries, case management and other longitudinal types of data collection much faster and easier.

As a result, ActivityInfo’s foundation in the relational model makes it a better type of software for managing longitudinal data.

OnaData can be a great tool for one-off surveys such as Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) Surveys, Population health surveys, Research surveys or other types of surveys where the identity of the interviewees is not relevant to the data.

ActivityInfo is also a great tool for these types of surveys, but the platform is also designed to support ongoing activities and processes with a complete information management system. The relational database model, once again facilitates any situation where you need to make repeated measurements of a person, a facility, or another entity, and relate those measurements to other, changing aspects of your programme. ActivityInfo is great when you are working with:

  • Continuous facility monitoring
  • Longitudinal studies
  • Monitoring and Evaluation systems
  • Case Management systems
  • Partner reporting and more

Data security and data recovery

BeDataDriven, the company that provides ActivityInfo, has invested in a robust, ISO-27001 certified information security management system. OnaData has not obtained a comparable certification as a provider (website accessed on December 10th).

Formal ISO-27001 certification serves as a formal assurance that ActivityInfo is aligned with international information security best practices and certifies that there are the right processes and procedures in place to provide a secure environment for our service.

This is reflected in our approach to data loss protection. In ActivityInfo, you can easily revert deletions of records and even fields that included records via the audit log. OnaData claims no responsibility for data deleted by users and is not expected to recover it (website accessed on December 10th, 2024).

Cost

OnaData offers a variety of plans for individuals and for organizations. The price of each plan depends on various factors including the amount of public and private projects, private and public forms, and form submissions, as well as on the specific features included in the plan.

In ActivityInfo, the main differentiating factor in price is the number of full and basic users who will be using the system. There is no limit to the number of forms users can design or to the records they can submit. The cost of a subscription plan can be distributed among multiple projects or teams too.

These are the main differences between the two software, if you are considering alternatives to OnaData.

Do you wish to see ActivityInfo in practice, on a demo customized to your needs? Never hesitate to contact us!