Water Sampling Documentation, Automated
Water sampling requires precise documentation — locations, conditions, chain of custody, and lab coordination. FieldOS captures it all in one place, reducing errors and saving time from field collection through analysis.
The Challenge
- Manual chain of custody forms prone to transcription errors that can invalidate samples and require re-collection
- Difficulty tracking which samples went to which lab and when results are expected back
- Scattered GPS coordinates and field notes that make it hard to reproduce sampling locations in future monitoring rounds
- Time-consuming data entry from field sheets to lab reports, creating delays between collection and analysis
- No easy way to compare current sampling results against historical data to identify trends
How FieldOS Helps
- Digital chain of custody with barcode support — scan sample containers and automatically populate collection details
- GPS-stamped sample locations on interactive maps, making it easy to return to exact sampling points
- Sample condition logging including temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and other field parameters
- Lab submission tracking with result integration, so you can see when results arrive and compare against thresholds
- Automated exceedance alerts when results exceed regulatory limits or project criteria
- Historical trend analysis showing how water quality parameters change over time at each sampling location
In Practice
Water quality teams use FieldOS to digitize their sampling workflow, from field collection through lab analysis — eliminating paper forms and reducing data entry errors. A municipal water authority managing 50+ monitoring wells reduced sample documentation time by 45% and eliminated data entry errors that had caused compliance issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FieldOS support chain of custody documentation?
Yes. FieldOS provides digital chain of custody forms that capture collector information, sample details, preservation methods, and shipment tracking. Barcode scanning automatically links sample containers to their collection records, creating an unbroken chain from field to lab.
Can FieldOS integrate with my laboratory's LIMS?
FieldOS supports data import from common laboratory information management systems (LIMS). When lab results arrive, they can be imported and automatically matched to the corresponding samples, with any exceedances flagged against your project criteria.
How does FieldOS handle remote sampling locations without connectivity?
FieldOS works fully offline for data collection. All sample information, GPS coordinates, field measurements, and photos are stored locally on your device. When you return to connectivity, everything syncs automatically to the cloud and becomes available to your team.