Managing and maintaining an online diagnostic tool for agri-food systems: SI-BOAT

Abstract

Bringing together multiple national databases to facilitate the diagnosis of local agricultural systems and sectors—this is the goal of SI-BOAT, an information system created and maintained since 2019 by two research teams: the AGIR joint research unit (INRAE-INPT) and the LESSEM research unit (INRAE). SI-BOAT is based on the Système d'Information Dédié au Territoire (SIDDT), which is used for socio-economic diagnostics. The system operates by i) bringing together data from multiple sources, generally freely accessible online and covering the national territory, and ii) offering an online interface for accessing specific indicators for a sub-regional territory selected by the user. SI-BOAT currently consolidates and utilizes 20 public and freely accessible databases.

Among the wide range of issues surrounding the management and maintenance of SI-BOAT, this article focuses on the following objectives: ensuring that data is as up to date as possible, gaining better insight into its evolution, and, where feasible, reducing maintenance time.

We present the procedures implemented for adding and/or modifying databases and tables, as well as for updating the resulting indicators. These procedures structure the import of raw data from the web, its pre-processing and storage on our database server, and the formatting of indicators for dissemination through the web interface. Metadata management is a key element we highlight: it facilitates developers' work in updating data and, almost automatically, existing indicators. It also supports exchanges and follow-up with thematic specialists and provides interface users with essential information on data and indicators.

In view of the growing popularity of this type of information system, we emphasize the importance of considering the organization, time, and collaboration needed for their management and maintenance. Looking ahead, SI-BOAT aims to incorporate user feedback to better understand how the tool is used and the topics it covers. This would allow us to expand our set of databases and key indicators while identifying potential needs for adding new data and indicators. However, despite our work to streamline processes, time remains the primary constraint, and SI-BOAT depends on the availability of developers and thematic specialists.