Using SMS to make UNHCR warehouse management more efficient.
UNHCR tries to respond as fast as it can to humanitarian crises; when refugees or displaced people come pouring in, it wants to deliver aid immediately. Warehouses located around the world allow for relief supplies to be stored at the ready. But the numerous steps required for managing their databases are not so speedy to update.
Influxes of displaced people can deplete warehouse stores more rapidly than expected. Numerous steps in updating the databases sometimes cause bottlenecks, which slow aid deliveries to those for whom every day counts.
As an Innovation Fellow, Senior Supply Officer Gerard Moya Anton had an idea for a more efficient system. He created an SMS-based supply system that reduced the amount of time spent on approving warehouse supplies and making decisions about stocking and shipping.
Two warehouse locations will soon serve as pilot locations to test the computer and smart phone-based system, which will be linked to SMS services to cut down on the time and geographical constraints of the old database.
With the new system, relief will reach refugees through a process that is highly transparent, and much more efficient.
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