Top 10 EDC software solutions for clinical trials

Choosing the right electronic data capture (EDC) system is one of the most important decisions in planning a clinical trial. The right platform can streamline study setup, improve data quality, and reduce delays. The wrong choice can lead to inefficiencies, spiralling costs, and regulatory headaches.

With dozens of vendors offering a wide range of features – from intuitive interfaces and rapid study builds to advanced integrations and global scalability – it can be difficult to know where to begin.

Here’s a closer look at some of the leading providers and what they offer.

1. Viedoc 
2. Medidata
3. Veeva
4. Oracle Health Sciences
5. Castor
6.Medrio 
7. ClinCapture
8. OpenClinica
9. REDCap Cloud
10. Zelta

Key evaluation criteria for EDC systems

1. User experience

The intuitiveness of the user interface and the ease of onboarding for sites and patients.

2. Regulatory compliance

Compliance with 21 CFR Part 11, GDPR, HIPAA, regional regulations, and audit trail capabilities.

3. Speed to deploy

Study build time, database go-live speed, and flexibility for mid-study amendments.

4. Pricing

Transparency of pricing models, potential hidden fees, and total cost of ownership.

5. Integration capabilities

API availability, documentation, and integration with EHR/EMR, CTMS, RTSM, and ePRO.

6. Scalability and performance

Support for complex trials, global deployment, and system uptime.

1. Viedoc

Viedoc's EDC clinical trial software combines enterprise-grade capabilities with exceptional flexibility, such as modular pricing. Trusted in over 7,000 trials across 75+ countries — and named a Leader by Everest Group in its 2024 Life Sciences EDC Products PEAK Matrix® assessment — Viedoc supports all trial phases and therapeutic areas. 

Key strengths:

• Faster study builds with drag-and-drop interface
• 99% uptime ensures continuous availability
• No hidden costs
• Built by CRO professionals for seamless workflow integration
• Make mid-study changes without system interruptions
• Meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11, GDPR, HIPAA, and regional requirements in Japan and China
• Launch studies in as little as 8 weeks 

Notable features:

• Unified eClinical suite including EDC, ePRO/eCOA (Viedoc Me), RTSM (Viedoc Logistics), and eTMF
• Support for 40+ languages with localization in 10+ interface languages
• 24/7 technical support across global offices
• Pre-configured templates in CDASH format
• Native SDTM transformation capabilities

Viedoc customer results: 

Qmed: Achieved faster data collection, reduced data entry errors, real-time monitoring capabilities, and increased data accessibility when transitioning from paper-based processes
Chordate Medical: Achieved high patient compliance rates and eliminated manual data entry workload for clinics
Tecro Research & LMU Klinikum: Achieved faster data imports and improved quality control for their multi-country TB trial across 8 sites in 6 African countries

2. Medidata

Rave is Medidata’s comprehensive EDC platform. It captures, manages, and reports clinical trial data across all phases and therapeutic areas, facilitating efficient data handling and real-time decision making. 

Key strengths:

• Extensive industry experience with over 36,000 trials conducted
• Comprehensive platform with integrated safety and coding modules
• AI-powered study design capabilities

Notable features:

• Large user base
• Advanced analytics and reporting tools
• Strong integration with other Medidata solutions

3. Veeva

Part of Veeva's comprehensive Clinical Platform, Veeva Vault EDC is a modern, cloud-based EDC solution. It offers an end-to-end environment for collecting, reviewing, and processing site-reported patient trial data, catering to complex studies such as multi-arm and adaptive trials.

Key strengths:

• Zero downtime for amendments
• Strong integration within the Veeva ecosystem
• Modern cloud architecture

Notable features:

• Drag-and-drop study designer
• Dynamic visits and forms
• Seamless CTMS integration

4. Oracle Health Sciences

Oracle InForm is a comprehensive EDC platform supporting global clinical trials. It has extensive integration capabilities and mobile device support, making it suitable for large-scale studies.

Key strengths:

• Extensive global footprint
• Competitive pricing
• Strong integration capabilities

Notable features:

• Mobile device support
• Comprehensive trial management modules
• Audit trail and regulatory compliance tools

5. Castor

This modern, API-first platform is recognized for its rapid study deployment and strong eCOA and eConsent capabilities. Castor EDC caters to both academic and commercial research needs.

Key strengths:

• User-friendly, no-code design
• Comprehensive data integration from wearables and other devices 
• Real-time visibility through a study health dashboard 

Notable features:

• No-code platform design
• eConsent/eCOA support
• API-first platform with integration options
• Compliant with 21 CFR part 11, ICH e6 GCP, GDPR and HIPAA

6. Medrio

Medrio is a unified platform for EDC, eCOA/ePRO, eConsent, and RTSM, prioritizing simplicity without compromising functionality. Its EDC supports both online and offline data capture, offering intuitive user interfaces for sites and participants. 

Key strengths:

• User-friendly interface
• Flexible and scalable

Notable features:

• Comprehensive eClinical suite
• Global language and localisation support in 100+ countries 
• Native SDTM transformation

7. ClinCapture

ClinCapture provides a Virtual Data Capture suite for decentralised trials with the Captivate EDC platform. It offers an open-source foundation with offline capabilities, catering to various study complexities.

Key strengths:

• Focus on decentralized trials
• Open-source foundation
• Cross-study and cross-site reporting capabilities
• APIs and web service integration are available for external systems like CTMS, lab systems, and safety systems

Notable features:

• Captivate® EDC platform
• VDC ePRO/eCOA and RTSM modules
• Private cloud deployment options

8. OpenClinica

As the name suggests, OpenClinica is an open-source EDC system that accelerates clinical trial data management with automation, compliance, and scalability. Designed to make trials more efficient and accessible, the platform combines an intuitive, no-code interface with powerful capabilities for study design, data capture, compliance, and reporting. 

Key strengths:

• Open-source flexibility with enterprise option
• Strong regulatory compliance
• Scalable for multi-site studies

Notable features:

• EDC and eCRF management
• Audit trail and reporting tools
• Integration with third-party systems

9. REDCap Cloud

REDCap Cloud is a secure, cloud-based platform ideal for academic and non-profit research. The EDC system enables researchers to collect, integrate, and analyze data across studies seamlessly — providing real-time insights and facilitating smarter decision-making throughout the trial lifecycle.

Key strengths:

• Supports mid-study changes to CRFs or visits
• Rapid setup and study deployment
• Strong data management capabilities

Notable features:

• eConsent and survey management
• API access for integrations
• Audit trail and compliance tools

10. Clario 

Clario is a global provider of clinical trial technology, offering an EDC platform alongside solutions for imaging, eCOA, cardiac safety, and endpoint data management.

Key strengths:

• Established global provider with extensive industry experience

• Strong regulatory compliance 

• Integrated solutions for imaging, eCOA, and endpoint data capture

• 24/7 customer and patient support 

Notable features:

• Customizable site workflows and dashboards

• Audit trail and compliance monitoring tools

• Seamless integration with IRT, analytics, and reporting modules

The top 10 EDC systems at a glance 

Making the right choice

The right EDC system balances usability, compliance, speed, cost, integration, and scalability. By aligning platform capabilities with the specific needs of your study, you can streamline operations, safeguard data quality, and avoid costly delays.