SUGI 27: User Interface Tool Choice and Audit Trail Tool Choice for a SAS(r) Based Data Entry/Verify System for Clinical Trials Data

A double-key data entry/verify system for pharmaceutical clinical trials data was previously developed using SAS/AF® and SAS Component Language (SCL) software. The application has operated successfully for several years. Now, new federal regulations require that an audit trail be maintained on the creation and modification of all electronic records involved in clinical trials research. Thus, an audit trail was added to the existing system. Two different aspects of this application development project are discussed. (1) Issues that surround the choice of a development tool for the graphical user interface of a client-server application in a SAS-based environment, where SAS programs and data are processed on the server side. Three tool choices (SAS/AF, AppDev StudioTM, and Visual Basic) are evaluated across several performance factors. (2) The new, native data set audit trail facility available in the SAS System, and why it was not the best approach for our project. The paper is for people of all SAS skill levels.