RapidSMS is an open source platform developed by UNICEF Innovation's Team that enables mass-scale mobile data collection and SMS messaging.

The Problem
One of the biggest challenges facing UNICEF's field operations is access to accurate and timely information from and to its field offices. With the recent proliferation of mobile technology throughout the developing world, the ability to improve this access has become cheaper and the tools to do so, ubiquitous. RapidSMS capitalizes on this growth by integrating the instantaneous information transfer that mobile phones allow into established methods of UNICEF's work.

What is RapidSMS
RapidSMS is a platform created from the same underlying pieces of computer code. Each one was crafted to solve a specific problem of a field office. The underlying code-base is open-source, so anyone can use it and build upon the platform. RapidSMS is designed to be customized for the varied needs and constraints of UNICEF and the developing world. Each RapidSMS product is an SMS-based tool that enables mobile data collection and messaging. Users can collect both quantitative and qualitative data through customizable SMS forms. Quantitative data from the forms can be edited through a RapidSMS web interface, exported to Excel, and displayed with a built-in graphing tool. Qualitative data can be collected in open-ended questions known as 'general queries.' General queries can be used to poll a base of users or community on a certain question or topic, and all responses are stored in an SMS inbox for easy review. With the RapidSMS web interface, multiple users from around the world can simultaneously access the system to view incoming data as it arrives, export new data-sets, and send text messages to users. RapidSMS is free to download, use, and modify -- and runs well even on low-powered and older computers, needing only a GSM modem and SIM card to get started. RapidSMS leverages popular programming languages, and thus is easily integrated into existing ICT systems. A RapidSMS implementation has optional audio capabilities so users can leave voice messages or browse information through an IVR interface that can recite text or play audio clips over the phone. This currently requires a computer with PBX hardware installed and a land line or voice-over-IP line; however UNICEF Innovations is currently working to develop a solution that uses a standard cellphone (connected to the computer) to receive phone calls and record messages into the system.

Impact
The impact a RapidSMS implementation has on UNICEF's work practices is dramatic. In October 2008, Ethiopia experienced crippling droughts. Faced with the possibility of famine, UNICEF Ethiopia launched a massive food distribution program to supply the high-protein food Plumpy'nut to under-nourished children at more than 1,800 feeding centres in the country. Previously, UNICEF monitored the distribution of food by sending a small set of individuals who traveled to each feeding center. The monitor wrote down the amount of food that was received, was distributed, and if more food was needed. There had been a two-week to two-month delay between the collection of that data and analysis. In a famine situation each day can mean the difference between recovery, starvation, or even death. The Ethiopian implementation of RapidSMS completely eliminated this delay. After a short training session, the monitors entered the information directly into their mobile phones as SMS messages. The data instantaneously appeared on the server and could be immediately be visualized into graphs showing potential distribution problem and displayed on a map clearly showing where the problems were. The data could be seen by the field office, by the regional office, supply division and even headquarters, greatly improving response coordination. The process of transmitting logistics data into phones is easier and more cost effective for the monitors themselves leading to quick adoption of the technology. Without accurate and timely data, it is very difficult to make decisions, see where there are problems, respond quickly, and allocate resources effectively. RapidSMS is a powerful suite of tools that directly address this problem improving coordination and impact.

More Information
Download RapidSMS
Review of RapidSMS on MobileActive.org

Other articles and information:
MALAWI: SMS to fight malnutrition
USAID's Development 2.0 Challenge on Mobile Innovation