The eCompendium can be used in very different ways depending on who is using it and for what purpose.

Reference Tool

At its core it is a user-friendly compilation of state-of-the-art information on all relevant SWM technologies, cross-cutting issues and preparatory considerations relevant when planning and implementing SWM interventions in humanitarian contexts. Hence it can be used as a structured reference tool for WASH practitioners and capacity development institutions to easily find information on specific technologies, cross-cutting issues or key terms used. Basically, a more interactive version of the hard/softcopy publication. 

Filtering of Technologies and Rapid Decision Making

Using the filter bar at the top of the ‘SWM Technology Overview’ section can be another potential entry point that allows reducing complexity and pre-selecting only those technologies that are suitable for a specific scenario or context. Based on concrete site settings (like e.g. the phase of emergency for which a technology solution is needed, the application level or the local availability of materials) the number of potentially suitable technologies can be considerably reduced to a more digestible size and makes technology selection easier. The categorisation of technologies used for each of the filters should not be seen as fixed and incontrovertible and may vary under certain local conditions. The categorisation is rather meant to support rapid informed decision making and is a complement to, not a substitute for, sound professional judgement.

Watchlist

Specific topics and technologies of interest can be put on a separate watchlist (by clicking on the asterisk next to each technology or topic) either to safe it for later, for print out or to share and discuss it further with colleagues. The watchlist can be accessed by clicking on the ‘watchlist’ tab on the upper left corner. For each technology a 2-page pdf-document is available for download or print out.