# Best Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Software for Medium-Sized Businesses

  *By [Emma Stein](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/emma-stein)*

   Products classified in the overall Electronic Data Capture (EDC) category are similar in many regards and help companies of all sizes solve their business problems. However, medium-sized business features, pricing, setup, and installation differ from businesses of other sizes, which is why we match buyers to the right Medium-Sized Business Electronic Data Capture (EDC) to fit their needs. Compare product ratings based on reviews from enterprise users or connect with one of G2's buying advisors to find the right solutions within the Medium-Sized Business Electronic Data Capture (EDC) category.

In addition to qualifying for inclusion in the Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Software category, to qualify for inclusion in the Medium-Sized Business Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Software category, a product must have at least 10 reviews left by a reviewer from a medium-sized business.





## Category Overview

**Total Products under this Category:** 114


## Trust & Credibility Stats

**Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:**

- 30 Analysts and Data Experts
- 1,600+ Authentic Reviews
- 114+ Products
- Unbiased Rankings

G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category.



## Top-Rated Products (Ranked by G2 Score)
  ### 1. [cubeCDMS](https://www.g2.com/products/cubecdms/reviews)
  At CRScube, we’re on a mission to make clinical trials more accessible, efficient, and impactful. By providing intuitive eClinical technology, we empower researchers to accelerate medical breakthroughs and improve lives around the world. Since 2010, our solutions have been used in over 5,800 trials, by more than 1,000 clients around the world. cubeCDMS helps clinical data managers work smarter, not harder. Our affordable, feature-rich EDC solution makes clinical operations more efficient, allowing researchers to focus on what truly matters – advancing clinical research through impeccable data management. cubeCDMS streamlines data management with features such as automatic protocol violation detection, batch query management and native risk-based monitoring. It helps increase data quality with AI-powered medical coding and seamless integration with other CRScube products. cubeCDMS also helps setup studies faster thanks to its intuitive user interface, its no-code solution and its pre-configured eCRF library. Visit our website and contact CRScube to see it in action!


  **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 150

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Data Capture - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
- **Compliance - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **eCRFs - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Quality of Support:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [CRScube](https://www.g2.com/sellers/crscube)
- **Company Website:** https://www.crscube.io/
- **Year Founded:** 2010
- **HQ Location:** Seoul, KR
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/crscube/ (84 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Who Uses This:** CRA, Data Management Associate
  - **Top Industries:** Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology
  - **Company Size:** 49% Mid-Market, 43% Small-Business


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (61 reviews)
- Intuitive (45 reviews)
- User Interface (39 reviews)
- Data Management (28 reviews)
- Customer Support (23 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Difficulty (10 reviews)
- Query Limitations (9 reviews)
- Data Management Issues (8 reviews)
- Missing Features (8 reviews)
- Limitations (7 reviews)

  ### 2. [Medrio EDC](https://www.g2.com/products/medrio-edc/reviews)
  More than just an electronic data collection (EDC) tool, Medrio’s clinical data management system (CDMS) combines an intuitive user interface and comprehensive data management in a single solution to give you full control over your study data. This includes eCOA/ePRO, eConsent and RTSM capabilities. We guide the industry's leading innovators, including within the pharmaceutical/biotech, medtech/medical device or diagnostics, animal health industries and more. Our drag-and-drop builds and automated workflows introduce new efficiencies without compromising data quality. When your data capture strategy is built on the right technology foundation, anything is possible – including shorter timelines that allow you to scale up with ease. Complete study builds in less than 3 weeks, compared to the industry average of 12 weeks -- make mid-study changes in as little as a day with no downtime, build your own library of reusable study templates and maintain real-time visibility into trial data. Medrio CDMS/EDC scales with you as you grow. No matter the study size or phase, our technology safeguards your most important asset: your data.


  **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 197

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Data Capture - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
- **Compliance - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **eCRFs - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Quality of Support:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Medrio](https://www.g2.com/sellers/medrio)
- **Company Website:** https://medrio.com/
- **Year Founded:** 2005
- **HQ Location:** San Francisco, CA
- **Twitter:** @medrio (1,015 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/132347/ (174 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Who Uses This:** Clinical Data Manager
  - **Top Industries:** Research, Biotechnology
  - **Company Size:** 47% Small-Business, 37% Mid-Market


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (48 reviews)
- Customer Support (31 reviews)
- User Interface (20 reviews)
- Ease of Building (15 reviews)
- Data Management (14 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Inadequate Reporting (18 reviews)
- Difficulty (17 reviews)
- Missing Features (14 reviews)
- Limitations (11 reviews)
- Data Management Issues (8 reviews)

  ### 3. [Viedoc](https://www.g2.com/products/viedoc/reviews)
  Viedoc streamlines clinical trials with a powerful, web-based eClinical suite centered around EDC. Designed for efficiency, compliance, and seamless collaboration, our feature-rich platform accelerates research and simplifies data collection, management, and analysis. Trusted in 75+ countries, Viedoc powers 7,000+ studies with more than 1.6M+ participants, bringing life-changing treatments to market faster.


  **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 214

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Data Capture - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
- **Compliance - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **eCRFs - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Quality of Support:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Viedoc Technologies](https://www.g2.com/sellers/viedoc-technologies)
- **Company Website:** https://www.viedoc.com/
- **Year Founded:** 2003
- **HQ Location:** Uppsala, Uppsala County
- **Twitter:** @ViedocOfficial (200 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/viedoctechnologies/ (127 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Who Uses This:** Data Manager, Associate Analyst
  - **Top Industries:** Pharmaceuticals, Research
  - **Company Size:** 39% Enterprise, 33% Mid-Market


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (38 reviews)
- User Interface (31 reviews)
- Intuitive (23 reviews)
- Customer Support (22 reviews)
- Design Ease (21 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Slow Performance (13 reviews)
- Difficulty (11 reviews)
- Access Control (8 reviews)
- Form Design Issues (8 reviews)
- Missing Features (7 reviews)

  ### 4. [Oracle Clinical](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-clinical/reviews)
  Oracle Remote Data Capture provides a single application and infrastructure for electronic data capture and clinical data management.


  **Average Rating:** 4.1/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 23

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Data Capture - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
- **Compliance - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **eCRFs - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Quality of Support:** 8.2/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Oracle](https://www.g2.com/sellers/oracle)
- **Year Founded:** 1977
- **HQ Location:** Austin, TX
- **Twitter:** @Oracle (827,310 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1028/ (199,301 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NYSE:ORCL

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Top Industries:** Pharmaceuticals, Hospital & Health Care
  - **Company Size:** 41% Enterprise, 38% Mid-Market


  ### 5. [Greenlight Guru Clinical](https://www.g2.com/products/greenlight-guru-clinical/reviews)
  The only Electronic Data Capture (EDC) system designed specifically for Medical Devices & Diagnostics. A complete electronic data collection toolbox for Post-Market Clinical Follow-Up (PMCF), Post-Market Performance Follow-Up (PMPF), Clinical Investigations and Clinical Performance Studies.


  **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 116

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Data Capture - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 8.6/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
- **Compliance - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **eCRFs - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 8.6/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Quality of Support:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Greenlight Guru](https://www.g2.com/sellers/greenlight-guru)
- **Company Website:** https://www.greenlight.guru/
- **Year Founded:** 2013
- **HQ Location:** Indianapolis, IN
- **Twitter:** @greenlightguru (10,615 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/3837459/ (142 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Top Industries:** Medical Devices, Research
  - **Company Size:** 64% Small-Business, 24% Mid-Market


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- Implementation Ease (1 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Limitations (1 reviews)
- Missing Features (1 reviews)
- Poor Navigation (1 reviews)

  ### 6. [REDCap](https://www.g2.com/products/redcap/reviews)
  REDCap is a secure web application for building and managing online surveys and databases. While REDCap can be used to collect virtually any type of data in any environment (including compliance with 21 CFR Part 11, FISMA, HIPAA, and GDPR), it is specifically geared to support online and offline data capture for research studies and operations. The REDCap Consortium, a vast support network of collaborators, is composed of thousands of active institutional partners in over one hundred countries who utilize and support their own individual REDCap systems. Please visit the Join page (https://projectredcap.org/partners/join/) to learn how your non-profit organization can join the consortium, or explore the first section on our FAQ (https://projectredcap.org/about/faq/) for other options to use REDCap.


  **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 213

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Data Capture - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
- **Compliance - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **eCRFs - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Quality of Support:** 8.2/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [REDCap](https://www.g2.com/sellers/redcap)
- **Year Founded:** 2004
- **HQ Location:** Nashville, Tennessee
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectredcap/ (67 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Who Uses This:** Research Assistant, Research Coordinator
  - **Top Industries:** Hospital & Health Care, Research
  - **Company Size:** 63% Enterprise, 20% Small-Business


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- Data Management (2 reviews)
- Features (2 reviews)
- Ease of Use (1 reviews)
- Intuitive (1 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Slow Performance (1 reviews)

  ### 7. [Castor](https://www.g2.com/products/castor-edc-castor/reviews)
  Castor is a leading cloud-based clinical data platform designed to democratize research and streamline the complexities of decentralized, hybrid, and traditional clinical trials. Trusted by academic institutions, biotech, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide, Castor enables researchers to capture high-quality data and accelerate study timelines through a modular, human-centered ecosystem.   Our plug-and-play platform seamlessly integrates the four critical components of modern clinical research: Electronic Data Capture (EDC): A user-friendly, rapid-deployment EDC system that allows researchers to build and launch studies in a matter of clicks, not months, ensuring robust data integrity and security.   eConsent: A flexible electronic consent solution that simplifies patient enrollment and improves comprehension, supporting remote and on-site recruitment strategies to maximize participation.   eCOA (Electronic Clinical Outcome Assessment): Intuitive tools for capturing Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) directly from participants, enhancing engagement and retention while reducing the burden of data entry. Real-World Evidence (RWE): Advanced capabilities to capture and unify real-world data from wearables, medical devices, and EHRs, providing a holistic view of patient health beyond the clinical setting.   By prioritizing a "participant-first" approach, Castor improves the trial experience for both researchers and patients. From rapid study build and enrollment to final analysis, Castor delivers the speed, scalability, and compliance needed to drive successful outcomes in the evolving landscape of clinical research.


  **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 125

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Data Capture - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
- **Compliance - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **eCRFs - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Quality of Support:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Castor EDC](https://www.g2.com/sellers/castor-edc)
- **Company Website:** https://www.castoredc.com
- **Year Founded:** 2011
- **HQ Location:** New York, US
- **Twitter:** @CastorEDC (29 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/castoredc/ (292 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Top Industries:** Hospital & Health Care, Research
  - **Company Size:** 48% Small-Business, 36% Enterprise


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (5 reviews)
- Navigation Ease (3 reviews)
- Data Management (2 reviews)
- Design Ease (2 reviews)
- Organization (2 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Data Management Issues (1 reviews)
- Inadequate Reporting (1 reviews)
- Login Issues (1 reviews)
- Poor Navigation (1 reviews)
- Slow Performance (1 reviews)

  ### 8. [Clinion EDC](https://www.g2.com/products/clinion-edc/reviews)
  An award-winning, AI-native Electronic Data Capture platform Clinion EDC is built on a native AI foundation, enabling faster study builds, more efficient data review, and quicker database lock. As part of a unified eClinical platform, it ensures seamless data flow across modules while maintaining high standards of data quality and compliance. Key Capabilities: ● Accelerated Study Setup with Standardized Libraries Configure and deploy studies in weeks using prebuilt, CDASH-compliant templates. Remove manual programming with a flexible, codeless setup. ● AI-Driven Data Review and Discrepancy Detection AI reads protocol and CRF context to identify discrepancies and generate queries directly within the EDC, reducing manual review effort. ● Real-Time Mid-Study Changes Apply protocol amendments without downtime. Update forms or visits in live studies with automatic version control and no data loss. ● AI-Powered Reporting Generate custom reports using natural language inputs. Maintain audit trails and automate report sharing without coding. ● Automated CDISC/CDASH Mapping Map variables to standards within minutes using AI-assisted suggestions, reducing manual effort and supporting compliance. ● AI Assistant for In-Platform Support Access instant guidance through a conversational assistant trained on study protocols and system workflows. ● Unified Platform with Seamless Integration Works natively with RTSM, ePRO, CTMS, eConsent, and eSource, ensuring consistent data across the study lifecycle. Impact: 1–2 week average study go-live timeline 40–50% faster database lock Up to 50% reduction in study build effort Reduced manual queries and review cycles


  **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 36

**User Satisfaction Scores:**

- **Data Capture - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
- **Compliance - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10)
- **eCRFs - Electronic Data Capture (EDC):** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Quality of Support:** 9.6/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Clinion](https://www.g2.com/sellers/clinion-e18ccd88-cb44-4bcb-a5cf-8a814664dc7a)
- **Year Founded:** 2010
- **HQ Location:** Austin, US
- **Twitter:** @clinion (53 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/clinion-eclinical-platform/?viewAsMember=true (73 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Top Industries:** Pharmaceuticals, Research
  - **Company Size:** 49% Mid-Market, 43% Small-Business




## Parent Category

[Clinical Research Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/clinical-research)



## Related Categories

- [Clinical Trial Management Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/clinical-trial-management-systems)



---

## Buyer Guide

### What You Should Know About Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Software

### What is Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Software?

Electronic data capture (EDC) software collects and manages patient data for life sciences organizations during clinical trials, replacing traditional paper collection systems. This software improves data quality, streamlines data collection, and ensures regulatory compliance. Electronic data capture evolved from remote data entry (RDE) systems used in the 1980s, which allowed for local data collection on portable computers. EDC systems, by contrast, allow web forms to be created and accessed on the Internet, eliminating data silos and serving as a central hub for source data.

Depending on the EDC software, patient data may either be transcribed from paper forms or collected electronically at its source (e-source). This data is then saved as an electronic case report form (eCRF). Clinical trial participants may use connected devices to input responses, but study coordinators at research sites will commonly collect and manage data in the EDC system. Sponsors and contract research organizations (CROs) may also interact with the software for data verification, validation, or management.

EDC systems are most beneficial for assessing pharmaceutical and medical device safety, often in later phases of trials, but can be employed in various clinical trials. They significantly reduce the time needed for clinical study design and trial data collection while reducing human error and improving data workflows. 

### What are the Common Features of Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Software?

The following are some core features within EDC software that can help clinical trials manage data collection:

**eCRF builder:** eCRFs are intended to mimic paper forms, and EDC software provides point-and-click or drag-and-drop tools to build out case report forms and store templates for future use. Versioning allows eCRFs to be iteratively tested, with audit logs to track changes to forms over time. Collaboration tools allow multiple study and site staff to work from the same interface, building out forms exactly as they’ll appear to trial participants. eCRFs can be built to ensure erroneous data isn’t collected and specific triggers occur based on responses. Some EDC systems may also offer a library of standard form templates gathered from external sources.

**Data entry and collection:** Once eCRFs have been approved for use in clinical trials, data can be collected from trial participants and assigned to the right forms within the EDC system. Study coordinators can edit check data in real-time based on pre-designated protocols whenever discrepancies arise. Depending on the system, participant data can be collected from any device, with some allowing for randomization to protect clinical trial integrity. Modern EDC software also supports cloud data storage and API integration to support batch data importing and exporting.

**Data validation:** EDC software allows collected data to be checked against defined clinical trial protocols, ensuring both completeness and correctness of all captured clinical data. This ensures that trials are being conducted in compliance with regulatory requirements, most commonly 21 CFR Part 11. Data validation ensures no data is duplicated and that invalid data is not collected. This is often automatic within the system, preventing data that doesn’t meet all the defined parameters and formats from entering the database.

**Query management:** Given the complexity of clinical trials, multiple personas and stakeholders are involved in the process from start to finish. Query management features allow users in the EDC system to communicate with each other, raise and respond to questions, and address any issues with data before it is locked and finalized. Specific queries can be built into the system to trigger approval workflows, but manual queries can also be raised.

**Role-based permissions:** EDC software allows users to be assigned permissions based on their role, depending on if they are a site coordinator, data monitor, or another party. This promotes data security and integrity and reduces the likelihood of data tampering or breaches.

**Data reporting:** Data can be visualized and accessed in various formats, including dashboards, graphs, charts, and exported sheets. EDC software allows data to be imported or exported in several formats, and analytics helps measure ongoing trial outcomes. This data can be shared across different trial sites, and automatic updates can be configured in the system to send out triggers based on time or event.

### What are the Benefits of Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Software?

The following are the benefits of EDC software:

**Improved data quality:** Electronic data capture (EDC) software promotes data quality by eliminating outdated paper systems, which slow down trials. Duplicate and invalid data could take weeks to identify before electronic systems were introduced. An EDC system allows these issues to be raised and resolved in real time and even avoided entirely depending on how the parameters for valid responses to eCRFs are built. 

**Quicker data collection:** By consolidating data from multiple sources into one system, EDC software allows sites to complete trials quicker. Forms can be built and deployed faster, data entry is streamlined, querying and validation are resolved in real time, and data can be locked by the appropriate users—all within one system. Data can also be accessed much faster by searching within the database, allowing faster decisions to be made and for trials to be adapted as needed. EDC software unifies the various working parts that go into ideating and conducting clinical trials. 

**Improved data security and compliance:** EDC software promotes security standards that protect sensitive health data by offering audit trails, role-based permissions for data access, and built-in regulatory compliance standards (which may include 21 CFR part 11 compliance, GDPR compliance, and ISO 27001-2013 compliance). Data access is limited based on user type, and designated trial protocols ensure adherence to data integrity throughout the data collection process. Additionally, EDC vendors ensure data is protected and backed up, with more now offering cloud storage.

### Who Uses Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Software?

EDC software is used broadly across life sciences organizations, such as pharmaceutical, medtech, and biotechnology companies. There are three main personas involved in clinical trials and studies.

**Sites:** Sites coordinate the trial and are responsible for collecting data from clinical trial participants. These are typically hospitals or clinics, with nurses, physicians, and other designated site coordinators working to enter clinical data into the EDC system. Each trial site will have a principal investigator responsible for ensuring the site adheres to all trial protocols and reviews all collected data for approval.

**Sponsors:** A sponsor is an organization responsible for a clinical trial. This is typically the life sciences organization looking to have its medical product(s) approved for the market. Sponsors employ a number of staff who will work with an EDC system to monitor and manage data, conduct source data verification, and submit ongoing queries as needed to ensure data integrity.

**Contract research organizations (CROs):** CROs are essentially the middle-men between sites and sponsors. They are contracted by the sponsor organization to manage the clinical trial, often from planning to completion. CROs will often handle site visits on behalf of sponsors, in addition to a number of key trial management functions depending on the sponsor’s needs. CROs may use EDC software to support protocol development, clinical trial data management, data analysis, data querying, and ultimately monitor each trial site to ensure they remain compliant.

#### Software Related to Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Software

Related solutions that can be used together with electronic data capture software include:

[Clinical trial management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/clinical-trial-management) **:** Clinical trial management software (CTMS) works in tandem with EDC software to support the project management-related trial tasks. This can include participant screening and recruitment workflows, document management, financial management, and staff monitoring. EDC software should be able to interface with a clinical trial management system, promoting data exchange.

### Challenges with Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Software

Software solutions can come with their own set of challenges. 

**Initial implementation and adoption:** Utilizing EDC software requires every site to be trained on how to use it at each role level. This can be an ongoing process repeated each time a new trial is conducted. 

**International compliance:** If trial sites exist inside and outside the US, an EDC system may not provide all the necessary compliance support. For in-house designed EDCs, this is even more likely. 

**Browser compatibility:** Since EDC software is web based, browser compatibility and security are essential. A stable internet connection and uninterrupted access to a particular browser are needed, as well as data privacy standards depending on the browser.

### Which Companies Should Buy Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Software?

While EDC software users fall under the three personas of sites, sponsors, and CROs, the companies prompting the trials fall under the broader life sciences umbrella.

**Pharmaceutical companies:** Pharmaceutical companies involved in clinical trials use EDC software to collect data around drug testing. This is important in later phases of trials where pharmacovigilance matters.

**Medtech companies:** Medtech companies collect trial data with EDC software to ensure medical devices operate as intended and provide the advertised benefits. This extends beyond clinical trials and into post-market safety surveillance as well, once devices have been made available to the general public.

**Biotech companies:** Biotech companies that don’t fall under pharmaceutical or medical device development may also use EDC software in their clinical research trials. Vaccine testing is one important example where multiple trial phase data collection is important for getting vaccines approved. Biotech companies conducting other R&D trials rely on EDC software to ensure ethical testing.

### How to Buy Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Software

#### Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Software

Whether a company is just starting to explore electronic data capture (EDC) software or is looking for a more appropriate solution for their needs, G2.com can help inform buyers of the market and assist them in selecting the best software product for their business.

For EDC software, the core functionality does not differ much across products. They promote data capture and validation and will likely only differ in areas such as cloud storage, device compatibility and integrations, and advanced user permissions. Buyers should consider what is working and not working with their current EDC system and use that as a starting point. Some of the questions to explore could be—does the organization need a different EDC to integrate with its existing clinical trial management tools? Does the current system lack key data management features? Is the current system too complex for certain users?

#### Compare Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Software Products

**Create a long list**

The first step to finding the perfect software solution is to create a preliminary list of products that fit the buyer’s general needs. The next step is to narrow down the list by selecting specific features that are must-haves or requirements for the buyer. G2.com provides information about the best electronic data capture (EDC) software, allowing buyers to filter options and user reviews to help narrow the product list to a more relevant selection.

**Create a short list**

Creating a short list of software products is an important step in the buying process. While it may be daunting to filter through various products, users can get help by utilizing G2’s compare feature. This feature will take products of choice and display them side by side so the buyer can easily determine which software ticks the important boxes on the list.

**Conduct demos**

Once the buyer has narrowed down the product list, the next step is to conduct a demo. Demos allow buyers to see a product and its features in more detail. To ensure a buyer gets the most out of a demo, it’s important to go in prepared. Buyers should be prepared to thoroughly test each product from the perspective of multiple trial users. Some of the questions to keep in mind would be how intuitive is the system for site staff as opposed to sponsor or CRO staff? How elaborate are the eCRF design features? Additionally, buyers should inquire about cost, integrations, vendor support, and any concerns they have about the product. Adequate preparation will make it easier for a buyer to compare products after completing the demos.

#### Selection of Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Software

**Choose a selection team**

A combination of sponsor and CRO staff will most likely be involved in selecting the appropriate EDC software for trial use, as they have the biggest stake in ensuring trials are completed satisfactorily. This will include higher-tier roles involved in data management and validation but may also ultimately fall upon the CRO’s recommendation if the sponsor defers to their expertise. 

**Negotiation**

Once the selection team has narrowed down their software picks, it’s time to discuss customization options, pricing, and the type of support needed from the vendor. It’s always important to address pricing options, even when they are listed on a vendor’s website. Many software vendors will provide discounts and custom pricing options based on what the buyer is looking to purchase.

**Final decision**

Once a buyer has made the final decision on a product and is ready to move forward with a purchase, it is recommended to conduct a final demo, enquire about a trial run, and determine the next steps if the product doesn’t ultimately fit their needs. These steps can give a buyer an additional sense of security and confidence when making a final decision.