EQWin models the entities found in the environmental sampling domain:

• sampling stations
• parameters (master list of physical, chemical, biological attributes of samples)
• standards (including government standards, permits, industry guidelines, corporate objectives)
• samples
• sample details (individual parameter results)
• laboratories
• analytical methods
• sampling protocols

Each of these entities has extensive built-in attributes (data fields). You can also add your own attributes to meet site-specific needs.

EQWin helps you handle the sample data from lab and field reports quickly, accurately and easily.

The daily realities of managing sampling records can be complicated:

• some results are recorded in the field and some are determined by laboratory analysis
• sample results may arrive in multiple stages at different times
• samples may be analyzed by multiple laboratories, each specializing in different aspects of analysis
• lab and field reports typically come in as spreadsheets and word processing files with multiple arrangements of the data
• for quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) purposes, there can be duplicates, replicates, splits, blanks and spikes

A powerful, versatile sample data import system

EQWin's import system features 35-point data error checks and 33-point data quality warnings specifically designed for environmental data:

• accepts data from spreadsheets, and also tabulated data from word processors and some other applications.
• performs advanced data quality screening checks to ensure that data is properly coded and properly related to existing sample records in the database (relational integrity)
• automatically detects and gives you options to combine related data from existing samples in the database, field reports, lab reports and multi-laboratory analyses
• performs parameter value range checks and user-defined validation checks
• checks for permit exceedances *
• compares new data to historical data to detect large variances *

* Doing these checks at the data import stage helps with early detection and resolution of possible problems. They can also be done via reports after incoming data is committed to the database.

EQWin transparently and automatically handles the special results, such as less-than values, that occur frequently in environmental data.

Less-than values Many results are less than the laboratory analytical method detection level. EQWin accepts, stores and uses less-than values as entered. They are used on outputs (reports, graphs and maps) in the same way as any other results. They can be included in statistical calculations with a definable factor applied, and on reports they can be shown with various display options.

Greater-than values These are supported and handled similarly to less-than values.

Significant figures Significant figures are an important part of sample records because they indicate analytical precision. EQWin stores and reports significant figures exactly as originally entered.

Qualitative (non-numeric) results EQWin supports non-numeric results. For example, you may have a sample attribute for color that is entered as text. You can create a parameter called "Color", enter values for it and include it on reports in the same way as for a measured value such as temperature.

EQWin lets you quickly and accurately match your sample results with standards, clearly indicating any exceedances. You can set up any number of standards, which may include:

• government standards
• permits
• industry guidelines
• organizational objectives

EQWin supports both fixed and calculated standard values.

• fixed standard values are predefined limits
• calculated standard values vary depending on the sample matrix. For instance, standard values are sometimes related to the acidity or alkalinity of a sample.

Standards are used on reports, graphs and maps. They are also used during data entry to detect and highlight exceedances in new, incoming sample data.

Turn your data into information with reports, graphs, maps and queries.

Create reports easily with the EQWin Report Designer

Use this powerful tool to create reports visually and interactively. As you choose data and options, EQWin uses a portion of your data selection to give you instant feedback about the effect of your choices.

Create a report in a few simple steps:

• choose a report layout from a gallery of useful predefined layouts
• choose some data
• add some formatting
• print the report or send it to Excel

Control the appearance and content of your reports:

• filter, sort and group data in various ways, including on common reporting periods such as daily, weekly, monthly, n-monthly (2, 3, 4, 6 months) and annually
• show summaries, details or both
• calculate statistics: average, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, median, quartiles, count less than detection level, count of exceedances, percent exceedances and more
• choose how to display less-than/greater-than values and how to handle them in statistical calculations
• visually indicate exceedances (results that are out of compliance with standards) with fonts, colors and/or flags
• optionally show only exceedances
• add a company logo
• automatically generate footnotes to document your choices

Analyze trends with graphs

• include multiple data series on one graph
• curve-fit data series using cubic spline interpolation
• visually display exceedances by including standards
• copy graphs and insert them into your reports and presentations

Visualize data with integrated mapping

• display data on maps, plan views and schematic drawings
• copy maps and insert them into your reports and presentations
• a separate GIS (geographical information system) is not required

Browse your data with SQL queries

Select and browse data from the database with an SQL wizard or by typing your own queries. Query results are displayed in a table that can be copied, printed or sent to Excel.

Save and share your work

Your reports, graphs, maps and queries can be saved for reuse. For instance you might design a monthly report, save it, reopen it next month, change the dates and run it again.

It's also easy to share your finished designs with other users by simply saving them in the database, thus leveraging expertise and saving time and work.

EQWin interacts easily with other office software to support data entry and reporting. It works with all versions of Microsoft Office from Office 2003 to Office 16, both 32-bit and 64-bit. You can:

• import laboratory and field reports from Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and other sources
• send reports directly to Excel for advanced analysis and integration with other data
• insert EQWin maps and graphs into reports and presentations being prepared with a word processor or other office software such as PowerPoint
• send SQL query results directly to Excel

Sending a report or other output from EQWin to Excel is simple and direct. It's exactly like printing to a printer except that instead of clicking a print button, you click an Excel button.

EQWin is a Windows application that can run both standalone and on Window networks.

• installs easily on notebooks, desktop PC's and network workstations
• runs on all versions of Windows from Windows 7 to Windows 10, both 32-bit and 64-bit
• works with all versions of Microsoft Office from Office 2003 to Office 16, both 32-bit and 64-bit. MS Office is not required to run EQWin but can interact with it as described in the previous topic.
• in a multi-user network situation, databases are typically located in a shared Windows network folder