Innovations

di Monitoring, di Profile, di Gameworks, di Dashboard

di Monitoring

The Global DevInfo Initiative is pleased to announce the release of di Monitoring, a new web-based data management application intended to facilitate the tracking of development plans. The application is powered by DevInfo database technology.

 

Some of the key features of di Monitoring include:

 

  • Customization features to adapt to specific monitoring frameworks;

  • Online access to program indicators within multiple frameworks in a single web-based application;

  • Quick filtering of records to view which indicators are on track, almost on track, and off track;

  • Viewing of indicators by various user-defined dimensions, such as those associated with a particular partner or donor; and

  • Entering of actual data values online on a rolling basis

 

FAQs

 

Q: How does di Monitoring differ from the standard DevInfo database application?

 

A: di Monitoring is a web-based application that responds to the specific needs of monitoring and evaluation specialists and program administrators. The application is designed specifically to monitor the planned targets and actual results expressed in a planning document. For example, users may create an interactive dashboard to view and organize framework elements, easily track progress on performance indicators, quickly filter for underperforming indicators, and view data in real-time.

 
 

di Monitoring acts as a complement to, not a replacement for, standard DevInfo databases. Database components and values can be directly imported into di Monitoring from any DevInfo database. Conversely, a di Monitoring framework can be exported as a DevInfo database, enabling users to create tables, maps, and graphs from the data.

 

Q: Is di Monitoring a desktop or web-based application?

 

A: di Monitoring is a web-based application that can be installed on a local or external server. di Monitoring frameworks are created, saved, and updated on the host server. Users provided with login details can view and update these frameworks as long as they have access to the Internet.

 

Q: How do I begin using di Monitoring?

A: di Monitoring is available royalty-free for download. To download the application, please first submit the di Monitoring End User Agreement form, available for download here. Email the completed form back to the DevInfo Support Group at support@devinfo.info, to receive instructions on how to download the di Monitoring application.

 

Once the application has been successfully downloaded, please follow the detailed web installation instructions available here. Training and technical assistance in implementation is also available with the DevInfo Support Group and through the user guides.

 

Q: Are user guides available for di Monitoring?


A: Yes. di Monitoring User [En] [Es], Administrator [En] [Es] [Fr] and Installation guides are all available for free download.

 

Q: How does di Monitoring improve on traditional methods for tracking frameworks?

 

A: The di Monitoring system is built on established methodologies for creating logical frameworks that tie performance data to stated goals. Traditionally, these frameworks have been static documents, available only in hard-copy format. As such, users are unable to view progress on all or selected framework elements in a single location, nor can multiple partners simultaneously create and edit a framework as a team.

 

In contrast, di Monitoring converts these traditionally static reference documents into dynamic tools for development. For example, with a click, users can view only those performance indicators that are off track, or only those that are relevant to their area of interest or expertise. Actual versus planned values and progress towards development targets can be quickly displayed in graphical form. Data can be easily exported into customized reports.

 

di Monitoring streamlines the work of creating and updating monitoring frameworks. The application is designed to harness the strengths of a team of specialists, both in terms of framework design and administration. Framework elements such as pillars can be conveniently divided among a team working remotely, then joined together into a single framework once the individual components are completed. By enabling teams to conveniently share responsibilities for framework creation and data entry, the system expands the potential for creative development alliances.

 

Administrators are given freedom to coordinate web-based and localized data entry. In addition, economic or social data for projects at the local level can be automatically aggregated to generate macro-level values.

 

Q: Can di Monitoring be used for financial tracking?

 

A: Yes. di Monitoring can be used to track financial data as well as project or activity-specific data. Users can incorporate key aid effectiveness information, in line with international agreements and standards such as IATI. Financial flows, results information, timelines, project descriptions, geographic information and other aid data can be built into di Monitoring frameworks.

 

Q: Is di Monitoring currently being used to monitor national development frameworks?

 

A: A customized version of the di Monitoring application – UNDAF Info – is presently being used in various countries, including Cambodia, Panama, and Rwanda, to assist UN Country Teams in tracking joint progress towards the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF). In Viet Nam, the application is being used to monitor the UN One Plan for Viet Nam.

 

Q: Who do I contact for more information?

 

A: For queries on technical implementation of di Monitoring in your country, please contact the DevInfo Support Group at support@devinfo.info. For queries on UN programming with di Monitoring, please contact Claes Johansson, Statistics and Monitoring Section, UNICEF HQ, at cjohansson@unicef.org.