Electronic Data Capture (EDC) has been one of the technologies frequently adapted to cloud-computing for clinical research. In this two-part blog, ARITHMOS will first list 10 reasons to consider a cloud-based approach to electronic data collection, analysis and reporting. In Part two, we will discuss how to implement a cloud-based EDC system.

1. 10 REASONS TO CONSIDER A CLOUD-BASED EDC SYSTEM
The pharmaceutical industry has already been using cloud computing primarily for research
purposes. It has been estimated that cloud computing techniques could lead to a 30 percent
increase in speed to trial for clinical work, resulting in up to $400 million USD in savings.
If the market continues to adopt EDC/ePRO technologies, paper diaries may no longer exist in 10
years.
Electronic Data Capture (EDC) has been one of the technologies frequently adapted to cloud-
computing for clinical research. In this two-part blog, ARITHMOS will first list 10 reasons to consider
a cloud-based approach to electronic data collection, analysis and reporting. In Part two, we will
discuss how to implement a cloud-based EDC system.
10 Reasons to Implement Cloud-Based EDC:
1. No more hardware/software installation
According to Comprehend Clinical, computer systems can cost a company up to $2 million USD plus
the additional costs for experts to install and maintain these systems. The Cloud eliminates the need
for hardware and software installation and allows data to be accessed through a web browser with
personal credentials, significantly reducing costs.
2. Pay on a Per Study or Per Functionality Basis
With no hardware/software installation and no need for an expert consultancy team, the Cloud
allows users to pay per study, or in some cases, by functionality used. This can result in huge cost
savings for companies on a tight budget.
3. Risk-Based, Remote Monitoring
It is encouraged by regulatory authorities, and Cloud based EDC allows for real time data collection
and immediate analysis and reporting from various devices, anywhere there is a connection.

2. 4. Mitigate Risk
The Cloud makes it easy to collect and transfer data into one database for quick and accurate
analysis. Using HTTPS connection and various security measures, companies can ensure secure and
private data transfers. Avoiding hardware/software installation also means fewer technical
problems to deal with as a company, and therefore the company can focus on trial conduct and not
technology issues.
5. Faster Trials
Cloud-based data delivery and management is a surefire formula for speedier clinical trials and
makes proof of concept testing faster and easier.
6. More Efficient Data Management
Resolve discrepancies faster and reduce time and costs with immediate feedback from patients;
Data can be transferred in real time during the study and query management is accelerated.
7. Better Global Study Program Organization
Organize multi-language, global study data into a single database; This is especially beneficial to
statisticians who need up-to-date study metrics in other parts of the world.
8. Improve Data Quality
Ensure automated edit and discrepancy checks, faster data cleaning, audit trails and compliance
with GCP and regulatory guidelines.
9. Reduce training time and costs
Training efforts are kept to a minimum because of high usability and the ability to implement cloud-
based eLearning solutions for EDC systems. This reduces training logistical costs for companies on
strict budget requirements.
10. Considerable Cost Savings
All of these above-mentioned factors lead up to the main selection driver for most companies: COST.
The elimination of hardware/software and the associated consultancy, quicker and more efficient
trials and better management all result in considerable cost savings.