Researchers from Northwestern University’s Department of Molecular Bioscience needed a better method for field research data collection. On a mission to gather nematode samples across Hawaii, the team faced several challenges. Tracking thousands of samples with paper forms, handwritten notes, and inconsistent labeling created inefficiencies and increased error rates.
Fulcrum provided a solution that enabled researchers to streamline field research data collection. With the mobile app, they used iPads to document each sample’s location, photograph, and barcode. These tools ensured each sample remained accurately tracked from collection to analysis, reducing the chances of data mix-ups. The Fulcrum app’s offline capabilities were essential, allowing the team to collect data without cell service while ensuring the information remained safe and synced once connected.
Using Fulcrum sped up sample collection times significantly. What once took three to five minutes now took less than 90 seconds, saving valuable field time. The app also increased data accuracy, as researchers could instantly label, photograph, and tag each sample, ensuring consistent records throughout the project. Researchers no longer needed to manually log each sample or worry about data loss if a device crashed.
Fulcrum’s tools also improved data reproducibility, a crucial element in scientific research. Northwestern’s team could easily access, organize, and share data, meeting strict standards for reproducibility in academic studies. They achieved high-quality, organized data, providing a new level of reliability for their research findings.
Northwestern University’s experience highlights how effective field research data collection can transform a project’s quality and efficiency. Researchers were able to collect the largest set of nematode samples ever, thanks to Fulcrum’s mobile tools.
Download the full case study to learn how Northwestern University improved field research data collection with Fulcrum.
“It certainly saved time in the field — and outside of the field, because the data was already in a manageable format that we were able to download, integrate, process very easily.”
See how researchers were able to cut their field research data collection times in half with Fulcrum.
