The Challenge

UNICEF India is committed to engaging children and youth as key actors in their own development and aims to reinforce real-time information, two-way communication, and citizen engagement initiatives using mobile technology. To support this mission, UNICEF India had deployed RapidPro (rapidpro.io) in support of selected flagship initiatives, including U-Report, Real Time Monitoring (RTM) systems, and other targeted sector-specific communication programs.

However, UNICEF India faced a critical gap: there was no unified platform to visualize the data collected through RapidPro and ODK (Open Data Kit) in a manner that could technically support real-time monitoring and community engagement within government programmes. The organization needed:

• A centralized data collection and visualization platform bridging RapidPro, ODK, and other data sources
• Customizable dashboard templates to serve different programmatic needs
• A middleware layer to import, organize, and transform data for visualization
• A resilient, load-balanced, and highly available three-tier architecture
• Role-based access management for dashboards across multiple stakeholders
• Dedicated resources to develop ODK forms, RapidPro flows, and customize dashboards on an ongoing basis

The vendor needed to provide critical external support for ICO (India Country Office) technology for development (T4D) systems using mobile technologies to improve the situation of women and children in India.

Velocity’s Solution

Scope of Work

Velocity Software Solutions was engaged to deliver a comprehensive middleware and dashboard platform that would serve as the data visualization backbone for UNICEF India’s RapidPro and ODK-based data collection systems. The engagement was structured around three major activity areas:

Activity A: Data Collection Platform & Visualization
– Established a platform for data collection using ODK (Open Data Kit) and RapidPro as primary data collection tools
– Built and deployed the system on both Amazon Web Services (AWS) and UNICEF’s on-premise datacenter in a hybrid cloud environment (Azure/AWS and on-premise DC)
– Created a middleware layer to import, organize, and transform data from multiple sources for the visualization layer
– Developed a Business Intelligence (BI) and visualization dashboard system populated with data collected through ODK and RapidPro
– Established a dashboard system to present critical information for decision making with customizable data source connections
– Deployed using Docker for easy containerized deployment

Activity B: RapidPro Dashboard Templates
– Built 5 standard dashboard templates with different look-and-feel options to import data from RapidPro
– Designed configurable templates allowing users to pick and choose various fields from the dashboard
– Built further on the U-Report (india.ureport.in) codebase hosted on GitHub
– Provided dedicated resources to develop ODK forms, RapidPro flows, and customize dashboards

Activity C: Platform Maintenance
– Provided ongoing maintenance support including performance optimization, bug fixing, and technology upgrades
– Delivered patches, updates, and upgrades for software maintenance
– Provided telephonic, email, and on-site support as required
– Ensured all documentation was kept current for changes and upgrades
– Minimum 16 hours (2 days) per month of maintenance support

Key Features & Deliverables

• Hybrid cloud deployment architecture (AWS + UNICEF on-premise datacenter)
• Middleware data integration layer connecting RapidPro, ODK, and alternate data systems
• 5 configurable dashboard visualization templates
• Docker-based containerized deployment for portability and scalability
• Role-based access management system
• Three-tier resilient, load-balanced, and auto-scalable architecture
• Open-source technology integration with RapidPro APIs
• Business Intelligence (BI) dashboard system
• Comprehensive system architecture documentation
• Training for ICT team on system administration and maintenance
• Active participation in open-source community (GitHub, ODK communities)
• 6 months maintenance warranty support post establishment

Technology Stack

• Data Collection: Open Data Kit (ODK), RapidPro
• Cloud Infrastructure: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, UNICEF On-Premise Datacenter
• Containerization: Docker
• Visualization: Custom BI Dashboard Framework, U-Report Codebase
• Integration: Open Source APIs, RapidPro Connectors
• Architecture: Three-tier architecture (load-balanced, highly available, auto-scalable)

Implementation Approach

The project followed an iterative, milestone-based delivery methodology structured around the three defined activities:

Phase 1 – Platform Establishment (Activity A): The team first conducted a thorough assessment of UNICEF’s existing data collection ecosystem, then designed the system architecture connecting ODK, RapidPro, and alternate data sources through the middleware layer. The platform was deployed in a hybrid cloud environment spanning AWS and UNICEF’s on-premise infrastructure.

Phase 2 – Dashboard Development (Activity B): Velocity developed 5 distinct dashboard templates with configurable fields, building on the existing U-Report codebase. Templates were designed for various RapidPro flows and data visualization needs across different programme areas.

Phase 3 – Maintenance & Support (Activity C): Monthly maintenance support was provided with a minimum commitment of 16 hours per month, covering performance optimization, bug fixing, troubleshooting, and platform upgrades.

The team worked both on-site at the UNICEF Delhi office and off-site from their own premises, with the contract supervised by UNICEF’s ICT Officer (Operations), Aviral Bartar, and approved by Tauhidur Rashid, Chief of ICT, UNICEF India.

Key Outcomes & Impact

• Unified Data Visualization: Established a single platform that aggregated data from multiple collection tools (RapidPro, ODK, and other systems) into cohesive, actionable dashboards
• Real-Time Monitoring: Enabled real-time monitoring of UNICEF India’s flagship programmes including U-Report, RTM systems, and sector-specific communication initiatives
• Scalable Architecture: Delivered a three-tier, cloud-hybrid architecture capable of handling increasing data volumes and user demands
• Empowered Decision Making: Provided government programme managers and UNICEF teams with critical data visualizations for evidence-based decision making
• Open Source Contribution: Actively contributed to the global open-source community through GitHub repositories, ODK communities, and volunteer engagement
• Sustainability: Built capacity within UNICEF’s ICT team to administer and maintain the system independently through comprehensive training and documentation

Why Velocity

Velocity Software Solutions was the right partner for this engagement because of:

• Deep UNICEF Relationship: Extensive experience working with UNICEF India as an existing LTA (Long Term Agreement) vendor, ensuring seamless integration with UNICEF’s operational processes
• T4D Expertise: Strong capabilities in Technology for Development (T4D) solutions, particularly in mobile technology deployment for development sector programmes
• Open Source Commitment: Demonstrated proficiency in open-source technologies and active participation in global development technology communities
• RapidPro and ODK Experience: Hands-on expertise with both RapidPro and ODK platforms, critical for the middleware integration requirements
• Hybrid Cloud Capabilities: Proven ability to architect and deploy solutions across hybrid cloud environments (AWS, Azure, and on-premise)
• Agile Delivery: Ability to quickly deploy resources and deliver solutions in a fast-paced development environment while maintaining quality standards