With the increasing importance of data collection in the growth and expansion of most businesses, a ton of data-collection apps have sprung up, each with their own pros and cons.
But how do you settle on one option when there are so many choices in the market? Do you go for something that’s free or something that offers a more robust feature set for an affordable fee?
There are a lot of questions to consider, and we’re going to break it down for you and suggest the best data-collection app for your needs.
If you’re an online-only business, and you’re using data collection simply for customer feedback, then something like the free Google Forms would be your best option.
However, Google Forms has limitations: The data-collection metrics are pretty stringent, which makes it difficult, if not impossible, to form a complete understanding of your customer base from the information you can collect through a Google Form.
If you’re looking for something that is more data centric and can help you make data-driven decisions, you need a service that provides consolidated data-collection services. Here are three important factors you need to keep in mind:
1. Offline data-syncing capabilities
While most data collection is done online these days, there are often situations where you might have to venture into areas that have little to no internet connectivity in order to collect information about your potential customer base.
In such cases, a mobile data-collection service that depends on network connectivity for data storage will be highly ineffective, and you may find yourself resorting to paper forms. That’s a highly cumbersome method of data collection, and it can disrupt your workflow, not to mention increase the amount of time and resources needed to get the job done.
This is why it’s always better to go with a mobile app that can function even when there is no network coverage and can sync the data to a central database once the connection is re-established.
2. Cross-compatibility across devices
It’s very important that you can share your data with your colleagues and team members. Using a data-collection app that is supported across all major smartphones and desktop operating systems is a vital step in ensuring that everyone is always on the same page. It also allows you to check in on your metrics from anywhere in the world.
3. Extensive data-collection ability
Data collection can sometimes stretch beyond the realm of text. Often, responses include images or links, giving you a more well-rounded view of your customer. This is why you need an app that can store a lot of different information about a customer, like geolocation data, barcodes, and more.
We recommend JotForm Mobile Forms. It’s a complete package that has been built from the ground up with data collection in mind. The extensive features come in handy, especially when you’re trying to diagnose a problem or understand market trends.
In our opinion, the JotForm Mobile Forms app is a powerful and robust data collection solution. If you haven’t already done so, go download it for free on your Android or iOS device.
