Hi Cory -  An interesting question and spec.  Hopefully, I'm not too off base with this email. 

In the Seattle area, COSTCO, which sources its coffee from Rwanda, is potentially a good resource - but you probably already know that.  I don't have a contact, but you might try finding the local COSTCO purchasing rep in Rwanda and/or send an email to the CEO, Jim Sinegal.   http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/134/special-report-rwanda-rising.html 
 
COSTCO would have the kind of corporate relationships to perhaps help with this type of device sourcing.  And $$.

My guess is that there is nothing quite like what you are describing.  Embedding of data in devices that are wireless network aware is still an emerging field. 

Rephrasing the question:  How could you marry the ODK/ Android-device with a standard weighing device? 

Setting aside the specific data input device:  A grocery equipment manager (that you might find at COSTCO), would be better able to send you device specs for a scale. 

My advice would be to keep the devices separate.  Get a low cost analog scale, and have them record the amt on the Android. 

But that's not very technically satisfying... so if you do want to try for device convergence...most (all?) of the Android phones have a mini-USB port that I believe the ODK can access for other purposes (external bar code readers?).  So the trick would be in selecting a weighing device (scale) with a serial data output and then in getting whatever drivers or API changes would be necessary to make the connection work (non-trivial). 

Under the heading:  If you can build a solution for more than one customer, you have a market, it occurs to me this could also be useful in infant weighing programs, a part of many public health programs in Africa.  So, you might find common cause around that, ie where the "transaction data of the coffee bean" is instead date of birth, mother's name, etc. 

Best of luck with this. 

Regards,
James


On Thu, Dec 10, 2009 at 1:18 AM, Bush, Cory <CBush@tns.org> wrote:

Greetings all,

I’m trying to scope a solution for coffee cooperatives here in Rwanda that will enhance transparency into the sale of coffee at small community-level collection points, and would appreciate any thoughts / ideas / device recommendations.  Basic requirements would include:

-       A digital scale capable of weighing up to 30kg

-       Ability to capture transaction information including: ID#, price per kilo, KG delivered, coffee grade, collector ID#, payment type (cash/bank)

-       Ability to generate a paper receipt

-       Ability to transmit transaction information in real-time if mobile data network available or store-and-forward batches if data network unavailable

-       Ability to generate daily/weekly/monthly reconciliation or summary reports

-       Ideally the scale, transaction device, and printer would be integrated, but not necessary

-       Device(s) should have low power requirements, and be able to function for a full day between charges or be powerable via standard batteries.

-       Device(s) should be rugged enough for use in rural settings

Thanks in advance for any insight,

Cory

Cory Bush
RW Mobile: +250-788-309287

RW Office:  +250-252-580414
Skype: corycbush


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