By selecting the Transactional usage model, billing for the Mobenzi platforms is based on the amount of data transmitted via a device linked to the Mobenzi platform (e.g. a handset using the Mobenzi mobile application). There is no limitation on the number of devices which may submit data.
Pre-paid credits must be purchased prior to data collection. Credits are automatically deducted from the available balance as completed submissions are received. The number of credits deducted for each transaction is based on data contained in the submission which can be a combination of standard response fields and multimedia or binary data.
Prefer to pay a flat rate? Consider our Device License billing model.
Each standard field in a submission requires 1 credit to process. Standard fields include:
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Free text fields (up to 1,000 characters)
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Structured text fields (email address, password, date/time, phone number, etc)
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Multiple choice fields (single select, multi-select)
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Numeric fields (integer, decimal)
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Location fields (GPS)
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Hidden or calculated fields (variables)
Multimedia & Binary Data (50 credits per MB)
Credits are deducted for any multimedia content (photos, video, audio, files, etc) which are captured by or sent to a handset via the Mobenzi mobile application.
For every MB of multimedia transferred, 50 credits are consumed. Submitting an 80KB photograph for example would consume approximately 4 credits.
How many credits do I need?
To determine how many credits you need to process a submission to a survey or form, start by estimating the number of standard fields which will be captured in a typical scenario. No credits are consumed for skipped or blank fields.
If you plan to send or capture any multimedia (e.g. photographs), add the corresponding number of credits based on the size of the files to be transferred (about 100KB per image is a good rule of thumb).
The number of credits per submission can then be multiplied by the number of expected submissions to give the total number of credits required.
Need help deciding how much credit you need? Just contact us for assistance.
Bundled support
Free email, telephonic and instant messaging support is included with every credit purchase. For every 20,000 credits, you will receive an hour of support (to a maximum of 50 hours per credit purchase).
Bundled support is reserved for training and queries related to the standard Mobenzi mobile application and web console. Bundled support cannot be used for services such as survey design/setup, API training, customised training or other professional services. Please see our Professional Services pricing guide for further information on these services.
Support is valid for 24 months from date of allocation.
Any other potential costs to consider?
Depending on the nature of your project or requirement, you may need to consider resources to support your mobile data collection:
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By purchasing message credits, you are able to communicate with team members, respondents, customers and other stakeholders via SMS integrated directly into the Mobenzi Researcher console.
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For Mobenzi Researcher to function, each handset must either have airtime or data connectivity. In South Africa, we offer SIM monitoring, RICA registration, automated recharges and a range of related logistics services.
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Survey / form setup
First time users often prefer to seek professional survey or form design assistance. Consulting can be provided directly by our team, or one of our partners.
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Training
One of Mobenzi Researcher's key benefits is how little training it requires to operate - especially for fieldworkers. It's often beneficial however to conduct a short fieldworker and/or administrator training session to get the most out of Mobenzi Researcher's capabilities. Training can be provided directly by our team, via web conferencing, or a local partner.
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Standardising on a handset can reduce support and training requirements substantially. Simply use your preferred supplier to procure compatible handsets, or contact our team for assistance in sourcing suitable handsets and SIM cards directly. Within South Africa, we are able to provide handset rental services.
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Customisation
The Mobenzi Researcher API unlocks infinite possibilites ranging from simple integration or reporting to complete custom system development - depending on your requirements. Make use of your own development team, or contact one of our partners to discuss your needs.