A Quick Look at Using a Mobile Data Collection App

7th May

You've probably spent way too much time collecting data and manually entering it into spreadsheets. There must be a better way, right? Luckily, mobile data collection apps are here to save the day. The NestForms mobile data collection app allows you to ditch the clipboard and streamline data gathering using just your smartphone or tablet. The evolution of technology has significantly transformed the way we collect and manage data. With the help of the NestForms offline survey app, field workers can quickly collect, analyse, and submit data from anywhere, anytime. 

In this article, I will walk you through everything you need to know to get started collecting data on the go. From choosing the right app to designing efficient forms, you will learn tips and tricks to make mobile data collection a breeze. So put down the pen and paper, and get ready to enter the automated mobile data capture world!

Introduction to Mobile Data Collection Apps

Mobile data collection apps allow you to gather information on the go using your smartphone or tablet. No more paper forms or clunky laptops - with these apps, data collection is fast, easy, and digital. However, the rapid development of remote work and improved internet accessibility has revolutionised this process.

According to a 2020 study by Pew Research, the number of people working from home has drastically increased from 20% before the COVID-19 pandemic to 71% during the pandemic. This significant change in work culture has led to the increased importance of smartphones in our daily lives.

A 2017 study commissioned by Samsung revealed some eye-opening findings. It found that 93% of respondents use a smartphone for work daily, spending nearly a third of their day using it. The most common tasks performed were emailing, texting, and making calls. Moreover, 42% of respondents would choose their smartphone over a traditional computer if they could only use one device at work.

These findings suggest that software companies need to adapt by developing mobile data collection apps that give smartphones the same, if not more, capabilities as traditional computers.

The benefits of using mobile data collection include:

1. Reduces Cost

Mobile data collection lowers expenses by eliminating the necessity for printed paper forms and reducing the time required to complete a form. Furthermore, the need for additional workers to cross-check information on printed forms can be minimised through digital data collection and validation.

2. Saves Time

Mobile data collection streamlines the information-gathering process, cutting down on the time required. With data stored digitally in a database, the time needed for analysis is diminished. Managers can receive notifications or alerts whenever there's a data change.

3. Control over Quality of Data

Utilising digital methods for information collection involves numerous validations and checks within mobile forms, ensuring users input correct data.

Data filters and validations can be employed on data fields to maintain information quality, guaranteeing users' input accurate and pertinent data.

4. Flexibility to Collection Process

Due to the flexibility of mobile forms compared to paper forms, adjustments or corrections can be easily implemented at any time to ensure accurate information collection. Conversely, altering printed forms can be challenging and occasionally impossible, posing a costly problem for companies that need to reprint them.

5. Backup and Safe Storage

Paper forms are prone to be misplaced, lost, or damaged, leading to potential difficulties. In contrast, data within digital forms can be effortlessly stored, duplicated, and encrypted to thwart unauthorised access.

For added security and resilience against emergencies or data loss, data can be automatically copied to the third party location of your choice ensuring secure backups.

Features of Mobile Data Collection Apps

A robust mobile data collection app should have several essential features. It should allow users to:

• Create and customise data collection forms
• Collect a wide range of data types (text, numbers, images, digital signatures, etc.)
• Work offline, storing data locally and syncing when an internet connection is available
• Share and collaborate on data with team members
• Integrate with other software for data analysis and visualisation

Key Features to Look For:

When evaluating mobile data collection apps, several key features can significantly enhance usability and effectiveness:

Intuitive Form Builder: A user-friendly form builder interface empowers users to create and customise data collection forms without requiring coding skills or extensive training.

Multi-Media Support: The ability to capture various types of media, including images, and audio recordings, enriches the data collection process and provides context to collected data.

GPS and Geotagging: Integration of GPS functionality enables location-based data collection, allowing users to precisely pinpoint where data was collected and visualise data spatially.

Data Security: Robust security measures, such as encryption protocols and user authentication mechanisms, safeguard sensitive data throughout the data collection and transmission process.

Integration and Compatibility: Seamless integration with existing software systems, as well as compatibility across different operating systems and devices, ensures smooth workflows and data interoperability.

How does a mobile data collection app work?

The app lets you build mobile-friendly forms to capture information like:

• Customer feedback
• Employee Surveys
• Inspection Checklists
• Research data

You can include things like:

• Text fields
• Multiple  answer questions (checkboxes)
•  Single answer questions (Radio buttons)
• Drop-down lists
• Signatures
•  Images
• Barcode and QR code scanning

The data collected on your mobile devices is uploaded in real-time to the cloud, where you can view and analyse responses, export reports, and more.

Collect Mobile Data Anytime, Anywhere

With NestForms, the process of collecting mobile data becomes effortless and efficient. Whether it's conducting customer satisfaction surveys, performing on-site inspections, or gathering market research data, NestForms empowers users to collect data anytime, anywhere.

Here's a quick overview of how NestForms simplifies the data collection process:

Form Creation: Start by creating a custom form using the intuitive form builder. Add various question types, and multimedia inputs, and customise the design to suit your needs.

Deployment: Once the form is ready, deploy it to your field agents or target audience. Users can access the form via the NestForms mobile form app on their smartphones or tablets.

Data Collection: Field agents can now collect data using the mobile app, even offline. Capture text, images, GPS locations, and other relevant information seamlessly.

Data Analysis: Gain real-time insights by accessing the collected data through the NestForms dashboard. Analyse trends, generate reports and make informed decisions based on actionable insights.

Data Storage and Security: Rest assured that all collected data is securely stored on NestForms cloud servers. Data encryption and access controls ensure maximum security and compliance with data protection regulations.

Mobile Data Collection Apps like NestForms are revolutionising the way businesses and organisations gather information. By leveraging the power of mobile technology, these apps offer unparalleled convenience, accuracy, and efficiency in data collection processes. Whether you're conducting surveys, collecting field data, or managing inventory, NestForms provides the all-in-one solution you need to streamline your data collection efforts. Embrace the future of data collection with NestForms and unlock endless possibilities for your business.

Find out more about how our mobile form app functions and get started straight away.

Check out NestForms by signing up for the free two week trial. 

During our free trial you can review, analyse and test the features and modules available to Premium plan subscribers. This means everything on the platform!

With our simple drag-and-drop form builder, create your first form and off you go! You will see very quickly how simple it is to use!