Automation

Net4kids’ rapid growth means it is no longer possible – let alone desirable – to improvise. Solid processes and systems need to take on the workload, not only within Net4kids, but also between Net4kids and project partners. Preferably, the local project organisation takes care of uploading reports directly to Net4kids servers. This saves both time and money, and standardised input increases quality immensely.

A pilot project was set up in cooperation with the Partnership Foundation to have project reports delivered in standardised formats. Two members of the ICT team, Hugo Lingeman and Marielle van der Wardt, travelled to Calcutta in early 2006 in order to implement the right tools on location. Even with personal training and support on-location, it was still several months before the first standards compliant reports were delivered as agreed. The system now works well, and the new process saves the local organisation in Calcutta not only time, but also money.

Improving the input end, the project partner side, will remain a spearhead in 2007, although the timeframe has been adjusted given the implementation difficulties experienced during the pilot in Calcutta.

A second development to improve process streamlining regarded clear availability of financial data. The goal was to publish the information on the website concurrently with online transactions and information about sponsors. The blueprint for improvements has been made, and clear process agreements will bridge the period until the implementation of the new website – which will also address these issues.