With the world’s population set to hit seven billion over the next few days, German software and analytics giant SAP has unveiled two live dashboards to help government bodies and think tanks make intelligent use of the United Nations’ population data.

By compiling data from multiple UN agencies, the dashboard allows interested parties to monitor the effects of population growth on things like education, healthcare, literacy and age and gender development. Before, analysis of this data “would have taken months”, according to SAP, who says the initiative forms “part of its vision to help the world run better”.

SAP gave an example of how the data can be used by looking to Pakistan, where 50 per cent of the population is under the age of 19. “Girls’ primary school enrolment rates are high worldwide, approaching those of boys, but their completion rates are below 50 per cent in most developing countries,” it revealed. “Data from The World Bank indicates that each year of secondary schooling increases a girl’s future wages by 10 to 20 per cent. Based on this report, investing in girls’ education can support the future well-being of Pakistan.”

Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of the United Nations Population Fund, commented: “The milestone of 7 billion is a challenge, opportunity and a call to action to ensure that everyone can enjoy equal rights and dignity. Private sector partners like SAP can play a critical role, together with civil society, academia, governments and the United Nations system, to accelerate progress especially for women and girls in the developing world.”

Meanwhile, SAP today revealed record third quarter profits of €1.25bn, up from €500m in the same quarter last year.  Revenues for the year stand in excess of £3bn – a 45 per cent increase year-on-year.

Bill McDermott, Co-CEO of SAP, said: “SAP’s third quarter software revenue grew at its fastest rate in a decade because customers are shifting their investments to software that helps them grow and innovate. Our core solutions together with our industry-leading innovation in mobility, in-memory computing and cloud deliver exceptional value to our customers across all regions and industries. This is a growth company executing on a powerful vision.”

SAP CFO Werner Brandt said that the company is likely to achieve a record year in terms of cash flow.

The dashboards are openly available for anyone to use at www.7billionactions.org.