The collected data is analyzed to draw one or more conclusion. The purpose of data collection is to test a certain hypothesis and evaluate a number of outcomes
It could be done to identify certain risk involved while taking a decision for the first time. Calculating expenses, ROI or certain numbers can be other objectives
It’s also undertaken to keep a record of certain processes, quantify specific parameters, or even measure the performance
The data collection process is not just very crucial in market research, but it has its importance in day-to-day processes of business like audit, field services, inspection, investigation, incident-reporting, and more
A survey company might run a data collection project to record customer response of a newly-launched beverage
Whereas, a facility management company might collect data using facility management software while conducting a routine inspection at one of their client premises
Here, the data is analyzed to find out details like average time taken to conduct an inspection, a number of inspections done a day, average no. of tickets raised, and more
Not all companies analyze the data for actionable insights, some merely collect it and store the forms for the sake of records
Quantitative Data Example: It was found that the average monthly income for a household in Denver was $8500
Qualitative Data Example: People in Denver like to spend their weekends at home rather than go for a movie
Although, qualitative data can always be quantified by introducing a scale. Quantification of the above example: 67% of the Denver population like to spend weekends at their homes
The most common and traditional tool for collecting the data is pen and paper. Even if it’s a face-to-face interview or a survey, the responses are recorded on the paper
Let’s say you are supposed to identify people using Ford cars in Tampa. Once identified, you are required to collect other details from the car owners like:
Every data collection project comes with a pre-decided sample size. That’s because meeting the entire population who fall under that category is impractical
When the sample size is defined, the groundwork starts, and when the sample size target is met – the project concludes. Data analysis follows later
After the data is collected from the fields, the paper forms are brought to the offices and the data is entered manually into the systems
There are various alternatives available for online data collection. Google Surveys is one option used to collect data through online surveys. There are many good alternatives available to Google Surveys though
You can create web forms using Axonator for surveys or any data collection project. Just drag and drop using the online platform to create questionnaires, and share the surveys with respondents to be filled
But if you have teams who are engaged in field data collection on a day-to-day basis, then webforms are a bad idea because teams can’t carry desktops on the field
If they are using a browser on a mobile device, then the data collection would heavily depend on the internet connection
Platforms like Axonator help businesses to create mobile forms just by drag and drop. Coding isn’t needed at all. Unlimited mobile forms can be created for a data collection project
When the app is published, it can be installed on a range of mobile devices like iPad & smartphones through App Store & Play Store (Supports devices on platforms: Android & iOS)
Since we discussed the need of internet connection, I would like to further add on that apps like Axonator don’t require a connection while collecting the data
Offline data collection is a feature that field teams love since there are times when they have to travel to remote locations where the network availability is absent, or very weak
But Axonator allows teams to capture data offline too. The internet connection is required later when the data is to be synced and sent to the cloud. Till then, the collected data stays safe on the device
Interested in knowing how Axonator can help your business? Write to us at [email protected]
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