Akvo Flow vs FormConnect

Akvo Flow is a data collection tool for organisations that use data to drive change. Its online workspace lets teams create, edit, copy and store surveys, then connect enumerators’ devices and assign survey groups for a set period. Forms can capture qualitative and quantitative responses, water test results, GPS data, images, geographical shapes, barcodes and QR codes. Monitoring forms track selected data points over time. The Android app collects information offline and can upload it automatically when coverage returns or manually by USB. Flow exports data and form codebooks, and its Comprehensive report presents basic statistics and charts. The open source platform connects with other tools through an API. Roles and permissions help control team access; Akvo says data transmission between system components uses SSL encryption and users choose what to keep private or share. Flow runs on Android, web, API and self-hosted platforms. Flow Basic is free for new clients, with a 300-submission limit, one export format and one user. Flow Pro + pricing is custom.

FormConnect is a digital forms product for capturing, managing and sharing field data online or offline. Its visual drag-and-drop builder lets users create forms with layouts, photos, signatures, logic and calculations without coding. Forms can capture photos, e-signatures, GPS locations and barcode or QR scans, then be completed offline and synced when connectivity returns. Exports are available as PDF, CSV, XML or JSON, and files can be uploaded to Dropbox, Google Drive, Box or OneDrive. Pro is a one-time purchase of 17.99 USD for a single user on iPad and iPhone, with offline access and up to 50 forms. Pro+ costs $20 a year per user and adds Mac support, unlimited forms, automatic iCloud sync and automation tools. ProMax costs $25 a year per user and supports iPad, iPhone, Mac, PC and Android, with collaboration, centralized distribution, an admin dashboard, role-based permissions and 5 GB of storage per user. The maker presents it for solo professionals, small businesses and organizations working in fields such as construction, healthcare and field service.