Electronic Data Capture
The Electronic Data Capture (EDC) system builds on decades of experience developing technology to automate data entry during fish sampling.
EDC systems have been used routinely in Cefas’ fisheries
data collection programme since the early 1990’s. The
capability to automate the recording of data eliminates errors in transcribing data from hand-written records into an electronic database. This new system performs additional data entry checks to give a high level of assurance that any data collected is valid.
Routine use of the system has led to significant productivity rises and consequently a reduction in data collection costs. Efficiency savings since adopting the system equate to around 3-4 man months per month of survey time.
At the heart of the latest system is Cefas Technology’s
specialist software packages, Deckmaster & Measure,
running on an easy-to-use touchscreen PC. The lightweight Measuring Board utilises over 200 RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags on the surface to input a range of parameters including fish length, species and sex. These data are instantaneously transferred directly into the database on the PC using a handheld Wand & Headstock combination which is used to physically scan the tags on the Measuring Board.
Alternatively, a set of specially designed Callipers can be employed as a means of measuring carapaces of crustacea. Connection to the Headstock or Callipers is via USB or Bluetooth, the latter providing a wireless connection where desired.
Key features:
Easy-to-use, IP67-rated touchscreen PC
System powered by mains or by external IP67-rated
battery packLightweight & robust fish Measuring Board
RFID-scanning Wand
Callipers for measuring crustacea & bivalves
Interface for electronic balances
Rechargeable Wand Headstock unit
USB or Bluetooth option for Headstock & Callipers