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.

These are the recommended role permissions:

• Ensure that the Central Mine Action Authority has exclusive control over user accounts and roles, Data Entry Form templates, the Data Inventory Manager and Auxiliary data.
• Ensure that the implementing partners have Data Entry, Approval and export/import Data Entry Forms permissions.

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