Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. What is Cobflow and what does it do?
Cobflow is a tech product for planning and analysing public consultations developed by Alma Economics. It helps organisations process, clean, analyse data and generate reports. It combines AI-powered tools and customisable workflows to streamline both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
2. Who can use Cobflow?
Cobflow is designed for public service teams, researchers, analysts, and consultancy professionals involved in public consultation analysis. It is used by governmental and non-governmental organisations, as well as private companies.
3. Is there a free demo available?
Yes. You can book a free demo via filling out this form.
4. How do I create an account on Cobflow?
To create an account, your organisation will first need to purchase a license. After that, you can register using your work email and a password. Your account will then be linked to your organisation and usage tier.
5. I forgot my password, how can I reset it?
On the login screen, select the “Forgot password?” link, which will allow you to enter your e-mail address. You will then receive an e-mail with a link to reset your password.
6. What are the system requirements for Cobflow?
Cobflow is a web-based application that can be accessed via modern web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari). Ensure your internet connection is stable for the best experience, and that you have downloaded the latest browser version.

Data & Privacy

7. Who owns the data I upload to Cobflow?
You retain full ownership of all data uploaded to Cobflow. Alma Economics acts as a data processor and only processes data on your instructions, as per GDPR requirements.
8. Is my data safe on Cobflow?
Yes. Cobflow uses Google Cloud Platform to host data securely and implements encryption, access controls, and regular audits. Anonymisation methods such as pseudonymisation and data masking are used to protect identities.
9. How can I upload data on Cobflow?
You can upload your data to Cobflow through an Excel template, called the data upload template.
10. Can I delete or export my dataset from Cobflow?
Yes. You can export your datasets and results at any time. If your account is terminated, you have 30 days to retrieve your data before it is anonymised or deleted.

Functionality & Features

11. What types of data can Cobflow process?
Cobflow allows you to analyse open-text and multiple-choice responses, so you can process both qualitative and quantitative questions. 
12. Can Cobflow help me clean my dataset?
Yes. Cobflow offers built-in tools to carry out quickly and easily four common data cleaning tasks: removing hate speech and offensive language, anonymising responses (by removing personally identifiable information), removing potential duplicate and campaign responses.
13. How does Cobflow analyse qualitative responses?
On the qualitative coding page, researchers can manually assign themes (codes) to individual responses. Themes can be merged and/or edited based on the needs of the consultation project. After coding a sample of responses, researchers can automate the analysis of the remaining responses using Cobflow’s human guided AI tool ensuring high accuracy and quality.
14. Does Cobflow support quantitative analysis?
Yes. Cobflow allows you to generate summary tables and graphs using various segmentation variables with just a few clicks.
15. Can Cobflow help me write reports?
Yes. Cobflow’s report builder allows you to create exportable reports with just a few clicks using text, graphs and tables with your desired segmentation variables.

Pricing & Licensing

16. Is Cobflow free to use?
Cobflow is a licensed product. The Core License is priced at £4,950 per year and includes:

  • Number of users: Up to 5 users
  • Support: Email support during business hours, with access to FAQs and tutorial resources
  • Training & onboarding: One 2-hour virtual onboarding session with a Cobflow expert
Additional users, support tiers, or bespoke training packages can be added upon request. Contact us for tailored pricing or enterprise needs.
17. Can I purchase Cobflow through public sector frameworks?
Yes. You can purchase Cobflow through the following frameworks:

  • Bloom – NEPRO3
  • Crown Commercial - Automation Marketplace DPS
  • Crown Commercial - Research & Insight
  • Crown Commercial - Artificial Intelligence
  • ESPO - Consultancy Services 664-21 (ESPO)
18. What technical support plans are available?
There are three tiers:

  • Core Support (included): Email support with a response time of up to 5 business days.
  • Plus Support (£200/month): Includes phone support during business hours and response times of up to 2 working days.
  • Premium Support (£350/month): Includes dedicated Account Manager and response times of 2–4 hours.
19. What training plans are available?
There are three tiers:
  • Core Training (included): A 2-hour virtual session including basic setup and configuration, overview of key features and a Q&A session.
  • Plus Training (£500/ session): An additional 2-hour virtual session, similar to the core training.
  • Premium Training (£2,000/session): Full-day workshop virtual or on-site or 3x2-hour sessions. Hands-on training, advanced feature sessions, with tailored examples.

Security & Ethics

20. Can I process sensitive personal data using Cobflow?
Only if you have obtained explicit, documented consent from individuals and the data complies with GDPR. Processing such data without valid consent or legal basis is prohibited.
21. How do I report a security issue?
Report suspected security incidents immediately to tech@almaeconomics.com. Fast reporting helps us protect your data and minimise risks.

Ethical Use & Fair Usage

22. Are there any prohibited uses of Cobflow?
Yes. You must not use Cobflow for:

  • Illegal activities
  • Uploading harmful or discriminatory content
  • Reverse engineering or bypassing security features
  • Overloading the system with abusive automation
21. How do I report a security issue?
Report suspected security incidents immediately to tech@almaeconomics.com. Fast reporting helps us protect your data and minimise risks.

Getting Help

23. How can I get support or training on using Cobflow?
For direct support, email tech@almaeconomics.com. Training, onboarding, and walkthroughs are also available on request.

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