Usability-based data reporting with smartphones for efficient and sustainable resource planning

Spreadsheets are often used for data input and resource planning, but studies in health care indicate various barriers causing under-reporting. Other studies suggest mobile reporting systems could prevent under-reporting. Nevertheless, the importance of smartphone-based reporting systems within industries is scarcely researched. This thesis studies the importance of such systems and their usability within an industrial context, and the connection to sustainable resource planning. A literature study was conducted and a smartphone prototype was developed. Using a qualitative and mixed-methods approach, eight industrial employees currently using a spreadsheet-based reporting system were asked about barriers to data reporting and the importance of smartphone-based reporting systems. After testing the prototype, they were asked about the importance of different usability-related aspects. The recordings were transcribed and the collected data was sorted and analyzed. This was done to understand the reasoning behind the aspects perceived as the most significant among the respondents. The case study showed that not remembering was regarded as the most important barrier to data reporting among end users of a spreadsheet-based reporting system. Smartphone-based reporting systems that are easy to use with daily reporting and reminders sent to the phone were considered by all respondents to have a positive impact on reporting frequency. However, privacy concerns and phone-related distractions could be issues if no work-related smartphones are provided. This thesis is of interest to developers of smartphone applications with usability in mind, and to companies striving for more efficient and cost-effective resource planning. On a larger scale, it provides insight into how smartphone-based reporting based on usability could lead to improved sustainability through more effective resource usage.