Part 2 of this interview is about recent innovations and efforts that have helped Forgotten Harvest (FH) to accomplish more and grow. Find out how mobile data tracking units have changed FH.
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The most valuable devices to work their way into Forgotten Harvest (FH) operations are mobile data tracking units. Because of this new technology, FH can keep track of where food comes from and where it goes, faster and easier than ever before. This use to be done manually, with pen and paper, and as FH grew, daily receipts were accumulated into large piles. For example, each driver would have around 20 handwritten receipts at the end of the day. And, of course, there were accuracy and legibility issues. Naturally, it did not take long for the FH people to notice that UPS deliverers carried handheld devices used to track packages, that would also work well for tracking food. However, the main problem was that these devices had proprietary software, nothing viable. Additionally, the software was not affordable, especially for FH with limited funds.
As FH grew, they realized how much they needed tracking devices to keep up. They were lucky enough that when they met with Kettering University, they found an intern, Donald, as well as other possible interns in the engineering program who were required to spend 3 months in class, then 3 months working their field. In addition to this, FH formed a partnership with C & C Logistics partner, Tom Cihonski for support.
Paying the interns was affordable, since under the federal work study program, students’ pay working in non-profit organizations could be compensated 75% through the federal government, so FH only had to pay the remaining 25%.
As the students worked on programming the handheld tracking devices, their purpose was to design software to work on the units.
At one point along the way, the students realized they needed to buy a test unit. When this subject came up in a meeting with the Kellogg Foundation, they gave FH a grant through the WK Kellogg Foundation for $50,000.
Then Lawrence Tech, as well as other universities jumped on board to take advantage of the learning opportunities for students in these Information Systems related fields. Addtionally, one volunteer named Anna who has a Masters degree in Statistics from a university in Leningrad, works regularly at Forgotten Harvest.
Since the handheld tracking devices have been utilized at FH, this organization has saved on labor costs. They are also able to track food more quickly, accurately and efficiently. This is especially important when there are food recalls, data entry issues, financial reporting, and contributors. In addition, the whole process is much faster, leaving more time to help the organization to grow in other areas as well. For instance, before the handhelds, FH use to be 10 days behind in data entry.