Going Paperless

Exciting advances in data collection methods are part of CRC's new sustainability initiatives. CRC has gradually implemented the data management tool eStudy(TM), designed by iAdvantage Software, Inc. All standard guideline studies conducted at CRC are now done using eStudy. This process eliminates the need for paper forms, printed reports, and printed archive storage, facilitating client requests for interim reports, or a copy of the hefty "egg production data" file. With one click of a button, the study director can summarize and analyze the data for interim analysis or communicate progress with a client, easing deadline burdens. With a quick review by QA, the draft is off to the client. The technicians no longer have to worry about possible paper contamination, and they know that their hard work isn't at risk of being ruined by flood, fire, or shipping loss. Christine Redmond, CRC Biologist, is relieved to be eliminating the paper forms. She exclaims "No more ink blots or questionable stains (or smells!) on data forms!"

Christine has been delving into the world of instrument-to-computer communications, and, while exploring various software systems, has designed a tidy data collection system that merges WinWedge(R)instrumental communications software with eStudy. Her system utilizes WinWedgeto transmit instrument readings from a measuring device (be it a scale, RFID tag reader, micrometer, pH probe, etc.), directly into an eStudy data form, bypassing the human typing error element. Says Christine "Setup time for gathering data may take slightly longer and be a bit more complicated (as opposed to grabbing a pen, paper form and clipboard), but once the data is captured, it's safe and secure, viewable and useable." Amy Littleton, CRC Biological Technician, anticipates that pushing a couple of buttons on instruments, as opposed to writing or typing the readings, will present a marked time savings. Amy says that going paperless "saves trees" and "helps to easily have all study data and information at your fingertips" so that you can "efficiently examine data input".

During 2010, CRC plans to convert all of the primary facility records into iAdvantage web-based facility record logs for seamless reference and archiving. Gone will be the dread date of December 31st, when all facility records must be archived and new books for the new year be physically printed, bound, and set in the appropriate laboratory. With a click of a button we will archive the old and select the new.

CRC sees nothing but possibilities for how far they can take this paperless trail, and are all very happy to keep exploring it. At the end of the day, it's much more fulfilling to remember the novel behavior observed by a test animal, or to know your source colony for the next passerine study is healthy and active, than to reflect on archiving 10 volumes of 200 page data books.