The ability to import Electronic Data Deliverable (EDD) files from analytical laboratories is the single most impactful feature in water quality software. It eliminates the largest source of errors in environmental data management — manual transcription of lab results — and transforms a multi-hour data entry task into a process that takes minutes.
The Cost of Manual Lab Data Entry
Without EDD import capability, environmental staff must manually transfer results from laboratory reports into spreadsheets or databases. This process is slow, tedious, and error-prone:
What Is an EDD?
An Electronic Data Deliverable is a structured data file produced by an analytical laboratory containing all the information from a Certificate of Analysis (COA) in a machine-readable format. A typical EDD includes:
- Sample identification — Your sample IDs, lab sample IDs, and sample matrix
- Collection and analysis dates — Used for holding time verification
- Analytical method — EPA method number used for each analysis
- Results — Measured concentration values with units
- Detection limits — MDL, PQL, and reporting limits per analyte
- Qualifiers — Laboratory data flags (U for non-detect, J for estimated, B for blank contamination)
- QA/QC data — Duplicate results, blank results, spike recoveries
How EDD Import Works in Ecesis
One-Time Format Configuration
Each laboratory has its own EDD format — different column orders, naming conventions, and file types. During setup, the import mapping is configured once per laboratory: which columns contain sample IDs, results, units, qualifiers, and detection limits. All subsequent imports from that lab use the same mapping automatically.
Automatic Parameter Mapping
Laboratory parameter names often differ from your internal parameter names (e.g., “Total Suspended Solids” vs. “TSS” vs. “Residue, Non-Filterable”). The software maintains a parameter alias table that maps laboratory names to your standardized parameters. New aliases are added as they are encountered.
Import Validation
Before data is committed to the database, the software validates the EDD file and reports any issues: unrecognized sample locations, unmapped parameter names, missing required fields, duplicate records, or unit mismatches. Users review and resolve issues in a preview screen before finalizing the import.
Automatic QA/QC on Import
Once the data is loaded, automated validation checks run immediately: permit limit comparison, holding time verification, cation/anion balance, outlier detection, and detection limit flagging. Results that need review are queued for the data manager.
What Data Flows Downstream from EDD Import
Once lab data is imported and validated, it flows automatically into every downstream process:
- DMR calculations — Monthly averages, daily maximums, and loading rates are computed from imported results
- Trend analysis — New data points appear on time-series charts immediately
- Permit compliance — Exceedance reports update in real time as data is loaded
- Statistical analysis — Running statistics incorporate new results automatically
- Dashboards — Compliance dashboards reflect the latest data as soon as it is approved
Related Ecesis Solutions
Water Quality Software
Lab imports, data validation, permit tracking and DMR reporting.
Environmental Data
Sensor integration, statistical analysis and trend visualization.
Compliance Obligations
Track all regulatory obligations and recurring deadlines.
Inspections & Audits
Mobile field inspections with corrective action tracking.
Stormwater Compliance
Stormwater permits, inspections and BMP tracking.
Document Control
Manage COAs, SOPs, and compliance documents.
Ready to Eliminate Manual Lab Data Entry?
Call (720) 547-5102 or click below to see EDD import in action.
