Kyle
Do you run a business with lots of workers in the field? Are they coming back from collecting data with clipboards full of paper? Well Hong Kong startup DataField is hoping to help change that for you and your company.
DataField is a SaaS startup that helps businesses and enterprise with field workers collect data on forms or surveys quickly, easily and digitally. DataField is the perfect solution for route drivers that collect orders while on their route. It’s also perfect for those workers out there collecting data from customers completing surveys. DataField could also be used for political canvassers that are out door to door trying to get easy questions answered.
No matter how big or small the data sample is, DataField offers a paperless way of collecting that data which then also gives companies the option of getting the data back wirelessly in real time.
DataField solves several pain points which all lead to increased productivity. Say for instance you own a food delivery company. Route drivers could use DataField instead of traditional order sheets. When the delivery person is at the customers home delivering their current food order and taking the next, the minute the new order is complete in the DataField system it can be processed back at the warehouse while the driver is on their way to the next customer.
Traditionally, before systems like this, the warehouse wouldn’t see the order sheets until the end of the day when the route driver returns.
We got a chance to speak with Antoine Dercoche co-founder and CEO of DataField. Check out the interview below.
What is Data Field?
Datafield is a SaaS to help enterprises create forms and surveys for smartphone. Datafield help enterprises go paperless and collect onsite data with a mobile application.
In layman’s terms, how does it work?
3 simple steps to use Datafield:
1- Compose your forms and surveys on Datafield web dashboard (www.data-field.com), using any kind of questions, including text based or multiple choices but also media rich questions such as GPS location, pictures and more.
2- Your field workers, pollster or targeted audience access and process your forms instantly, using their smartphones.
3- You’ll receive responses in real time with a smart, web-based, dashboard allowing your to filter by location, profiles, pictures or else. Easy CSV import is also available.
Who are the founders and what are their backgrounds?
Datafield has been founded by two complementary french guys:
– Nicolas Embleton, co-founder and CTO of Datafield, has been working with large and complex ERP during most of his career, being involve in both server side work and operational implementation. Prior to Datafield, Nicolas was managing a Jewelry production factory of 350 people. At Datafield, Nicolas is taking care of all technical (I.T) work.
– Antoine Dércoche, co-founder and CEO of Datafield, has spent most of his career working with investment found. His has overseen over US$50Mio in investments, taking care of sourcing, appraising and closing deals in both private and public equity. At Datafield, Antoine is taking care of all non-technical (non I.T) work.
Where are you based?
Datafield headquarter is in Hong Kong with offices in Vietnam (Production, Sales & Marketing) and France (Sales and marketing). We are also planing to open an office in the USA.
What’s the startup scene/culture like where you’re based?
The Start-Up scene in Hong Kong and Vietnam are still in their infancies. On the developer side, more and more young graduate are looking to create disruptive businesses. However, the ecosystem is still pretty weak (lack of dedicated Angels, VCs, incubators, advisors…). One interesting initiative in Vietnam is the START incubator which recently organized the first Start Up Week End in HCMC.
How did you come up with the idea for Data Field?
We started our business as an outsourcing company and we received several request from customers to develop a dedicated tool to collect onsite data. We gained technical and functional expertise and felt there was a specific market needs that we could fill.
How did you come up with the name?
Finding the name was very difficult. Very. Selecting between a cool or a meaningfull name was hard, then trying to match with an available .com domain was impossible. 100 names cam across our minds, trying to mix and match specific keywords. Then we felt good with Datafield which was simply making sense for us. As the .com domain was not available, we decided to pursue with data-field.com.
What problem does Data Field solve?
Datafield solves 2 main issues:
– Datafield help enterprises reduce data-entry mistake and be more efficient when doing onsite data collection (using a mobile application instead of paper based solution)
– Datafield help enterprises comply with new regulations with regards to transparency, traceability or accountability. New KPI made of pictures + location + Date are evidence of business being done.
What’s your secret sauce?
We love what we do and we are happy to spend lot of time on small details ! We are also customer driven and we take decision fast when it comes to please customers !
What’s one dilemma you’ve encountered in the startup process?
Deciding between going fast to market or spending more time for the best customer experience. We usually go for the latter but sometimes “better is the enemy of good”.
What’s one challenge you’ve overcome in the startup process?
Going to the point where we can say : this version is bug free and good for release. We do offer enough value added for our users to be willing to pay to use our services !
Who are some of your mentors and business role models?
We are following the Lean Startup model and we always iterate to improve success and conversion. We are of course following closely advices from Silicon Valley leaders… No specific names here.
What’s next for Data Field?
Gaining the first 1000th customer !
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