Developing the MIS platform for Good Neighbors Bangladesh
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Introduction
Good Neighbors Bangladesh (GNB), a member of Good Neighbors International (GNI), has been dedicated to assisting deprived children, mothers, and families through various projects since 1996. These projects span education, health services, economic security, protection, community development, sanitation, and disaster relief across 12 districts of Bangladesh.
The Need for Automation
Prior to the GNB MIS project, GNB struggled with managing project information using traditional methods such as papers, Microsoft Excel, and Word. This made tracking project activities, and monitoring and evaluating data, budget, and expenses challenging. In 2021, GNB embarked on developing a comprehensive Management Information System (MIS) to move towards a paperless system, despite challenges like resource training, data migration, and maintaining existing processes. And after a thorough selection process, they selected Kaz Software as their implementation partner.
The Challenge
The primary challenge was understanding GNB's existing business processes and translating them into user-friendly software solutions. The focus was on scalability and extensibility to accommodate all project types. Key objectives included successful execution of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), ensuring user-friendliness, and achieving compromise on delivery dates and milestones.
The Start, the Process
Given the requirements' evolving nature, we chose Agile Kanban as the project management methodology. The project faced challenges in meeting the initial timeline, leading to a compromise between Kaz Software and GNB. A dedicated individual handling multiple roles mitigated stakeholder management issues - creating a single point of contact. Incremental SRS preparation prevented significant redesign and redevelopment. We selected Microsoft .NET as the technology stack and decided to use MongoDB to address the need for dynamic properties in the MIS solution.
The Solution
Initial Phases: In the project's early stages, meetings focused on identifying solution modules and high-level requirements. A roadmap with milestones was created. A skilled professional engaged by Kaz Software handled requirements analysis, proposed software requirements, prepared the SRS, planned sprints, executed them, and delivered the product. The Agile KANBAN SDLC process ensured prompt client feedback through AWS hosting.
Project Management: A senior project manager at Kaz ensured the project's success by preparing architectural codes, managing code implementation, creating task tickets, planning sprints, and publishing sprint deliverables. Sprints were 3-4 weeks long, involving detailed planning and immediate deployment of features for client feedback.
Technology Choices: To meet dynamic entity property requirements, MongoDB was chosen over other databases. The GNB MIS solution included a web portal and an Android app for field users to collect beneficiary data using GPS within a specific perimeter.
Challenges and Solutions: Meeting the initial timeline was a significant challenge due to the project's size. Both parties, Kaz Software and GNB, compromised to extend the timeline. A resource crisis was managed by a dedicated individual handling various roles. The SRS was incrementally prepared, minimizing redesign risks.
Results and Outcomes: Despite challenges, the project was successfully delivered within the extended timeline. The smooth release boosted client confidence, leading them to adopt the GNB MIS solution for all projects ahead of schedule.
The Outcome
The resulting software platform is a comprehensive MIS platform and one of the most advanced now in use in Bangladesh. With this platform, GNB can:
Track and monitor projects at all locations of operation.
Manage KPIs and other performance metrics.
Manage project-related activities, financing, and budgeting.
Run surveys with GPS-enabled location tracking with an Android app.
Offer transparency to project activities to all stakeholders.
The Software Team from Kaz
As an innovative and forware-looking NGO, GNB was looking to build a solution that was going to manage an established but inefficient process. This meant GNB needed a software team that was both talented and experienced. A team that can get the job done fast but is fine with the constant need to change and adapt. Together we put in place an engineering team that could meet their needs in record time. With software architects and designers who can imagine and visualize the software and with software engineers who can implement those designs. And our highly experienced project manager ensured that everything ran swiftly and according to plan.
