Understanding Mine Action Information Management
The practice of information management in mine action is similar to information management in other fields. Information managers collect, process and analyse information to support operational activities, planning and reporting. Information management is not an end in itself; rather, it is an activity that supports the primary goal of mine action: reducing the impact of hazards on civilian populations.
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Objects and Processes
In mine action information management, the primary object or focus is a hazard, whether it is a minefield, UXO spot or other ERW contamination, and the activities or processes undertaken to reduce or eliminate the hazard. Other important objects and activities include accidents, victims, quality management and mine risk education activities. In certain programmes, these elements may take a more prominent role, with IMSMANG supporting them equally well. However, the traditional focus of information management in mine action is on hazards and the processes done to eliminate them.
The process of clearing hazards follows an operational workflow that is reflected in information management as a set of business rules. As each step in the clearance process is completed, attributes of the hazard change so that eventually the hazard is cleared. It is the role of information management to collect information about each step and accurately report the status and attributes of each hazard as it makes its way through the workflow to assist in operational activities such as planning, tasking and clearance operations. Whether a programme is implementing a land release model for hazard clearance or a risk reduction model, the concepts are the same. Hazards are reduced and changed over time by various processes. To implement this effectively in IMSMANG, information managers must first fully understand the workflow and business rules in use in their programmes.