SMS as a Tool to Improve Information Flow on Humanitarian Logistics

Abstract

This chapter assesses the suitability of mobile phone technology, an established technology (humanitarian), to support humanitarian operations, create an inventory of support donations, and track the needs of people throughout humanitarian logistics after the disaster. The main objective is to reduce the exposure to the consequences of disasters by reducing the time of information flow through SMS interaction technology. Quebrada Quirio was used as a prototype. The process consists of using the INDECI rapid assessment visit to collect basic data, including a telephone number, of the people affected by the disaster, and based on this information, multiple initiatives aligned with the optimization of the flow of information were created.