Information Exchange

IMSMA^NG is designed to support information exchange with many IMSMA users and Mine Action stakeholders at numerous sites. These users can include implementing partners, Regional Mine Action Centers and other authorities (e.g. Ministry of Health).

IMSMA^NG supports nearly any conceivable patterns for exchanging data including

• multilateral exchange
• peer-to-peer exchange
• one-direction exchange
• two-direction exchange.

The most common pattern is two-direction exchange between a Central Mine Action Authority and implementing partners.

IMSMA^NG supports nearly any conceivable patterns for exchanging information including

• producing maps with external GIS software
• producing reports with iReport and Excel
• producting online reports and dashboards with MINT
• publish information to websites via the Staging area.

An important part of establishing data/information exchange is to plan and document the workflows so smooth data exchange and high-quality information is obtained.

Ensuring Correct Roles and Permissions are Assigned

Establishing correct roles and permissions is a key factor in managing and maintaining data exchange within IMSMA^NG. Using the permissions structure, the information manager can carefully control access to key functions that affect data exchange including Data Entry Form templates, Custom Defined Fields, Auxiliary data and Data Entry Form approval. When permissions are correctly established and roles and user accounts created, information managers can distribute the IMSMA^NG dataset to implementing partners knowing that key data controls are in place.

Using the example of the Central Mine Action Authority and regional sites, the following principles for user account creation and permissions should be considered:

• Central Mine Action Authority: Ensure Central Mine Action Authority has exclusive control over user accounts and roles, Data Entry Form templates, the Data Inventory Manager and auxiliary data.
• Regional Sites: Ensure that regional sites have data entry, approval and import/export permissions. Remove permissions for user accounts and roles and auxiliary data.

By establishing a set of limited permissions for the regional sites, information managers can prevent the accidental or intentional creation of new data elements not available at the Central Mine Action Authority that could affect the ability of the Central Mine Action Authority to import Data Entry Forms and cause the dataset to become fractured.