Dragonfly Data Science and App-Based Data Collection
Dragonfly Data Science, a New Zealand-based company, specializes in analyzing complex datasets across diverse industries. Faced with the challenge of obtaining the necessary information for each project, they sought a more efficient and scalable way to collect this frontline data from remote environments. To address this, Dragonfly partnered with Deckhand Solutions, leveraging its flexible data collection platform and the Catchflow™ IDE to rapidly develop custom data collection workflows to suit their clients’ unique needs.With no prior mobile app development experience, Dragonfly needed a system that allowed them to control data inputs across multiple projects without the complexities of app development, distribution, and maintenance.
The Data Entry Challenge
Before working with Deckhand Solutions, Dragonfly wrestled with how to address inefficiencies when facing the need to develop custom data collection solutions for each project. Building dedicated applications for different clients, managing updates, dealing with deployment issues, and tackling spotty internet connections made the process cumbersome and costly.For Dragonfly’s client, the goal was clear: gather reliable and accurate frontline data from fishers operating in remote environments with minimal effort on the part of end users.
Why Dragonfly Chose Deckhand for Frontline Data Entry
The Deckhand software’s unique ability to host simple, rapidly developed workflow applications allowed Dragonfly to focus on their core mission—data analysis. Using Deckhand and the Catchflow IDE, Dragonfly eliminated the need to build or maintain mobile apps. The Catchflow IDE provided flexibility to create fully customizable data collection workflows without deep mobile development expertise.With Deckhand, Dragonfly could configure data inputs and interfaces quickly. The team used the Catchflow language to build out workflows in real time, while the IDE enabled rapid prototyping on iPads for immediate feedback. The live development connection and the ability to instantly send changes to remote users via sharecodes allowed them to iterate quickly on ideas with clients, science consultants, and fishers.
Improved Efficiency and Speed in Data Collection
Dragonfly estimates that using Deckhand reduced their spending by 30-50% on tools needed for critical data entry and collection. By eliminating the need to build apps from scratch, they could immediately focus on solving their clients’ field data collection challenges. Deckhand’s sharecode feature enabled rapid feedback, ensuring that client and user requirements were met in real time.
Flexible Data Collection Workflows Without Complexity
Deckhand provided the flexibility Dragonfly needed without the complexity of mobile app development. Instead of dealing with certificate signing or app store deployment, they could focus on creating custom data collection workflows. The combination of Catchflow’s familiar XML syntax, powerful scripting language, and robust data transformation system made the development process efficient and straightforward.
Collaborative Development and Rapid Prototyping
Working with Deckhand’s support team was another standout benefit for Dragonfly. The team at Real Time Data offered hands-on assistance, from technical troubleshooting to guidance on best practices for data workflows. Dragonfly appreciated the collaborative approach, which made the entire process smooth and productive.
Conclusion: Transforming Data Collection for Workers in the Field
Dragonfly Data Science’s approach to field data collection using Deckhand for their clients has proven to be a successful partnership. The ability to rapidly build, iterate, and deploy customized workflows without the technical overhead of mobile development has saved time, reduced costs, and provided Dragonfly’s clients with adaptable tools for frontline operations. As the project progresses, Dragonfly is confident in Deckhand’s ability to meet their evolving needs for data collection and analysis.
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