The Capacity Project recently piloted an iHRIS appliance at the Christian Social Services Commission (CSSC) headquarters in Tanzania.

The appliance addresses the problem of implementing a human resources information system (HRIS) where there are limited funds to purchase equipment and limited technical expertise. It is a small, self-contained computer without a screen, keyboard or mouse that is preloaded with the Project’s iHRIS software, decreasing the time and expertise required to install and administer the software. Users can access the appliance with a web browser, connected to a network.

This approach requires little maintenance, further reducing the cost of IT support. Project staff helped CSSC set up the appliance and import 11,700 health worker records into iHRIS Manage (an HR management system). Next, the Project will assist with installing appliances in CSSC’s five Zonal offices; data will be periodically aggregated at headquarters. CSSC employs 40% of health workers in Tanzania, so the data will help build a complete picture of the country's available health workforce.

March 2009