How It Works

Purpose for SEDD

The Staged Electronic Data Deliverable (SEDD) system's primary task is to convert local database data into an XML-compliant file for delivery to other remote systems. These remote systems can then use and/or import all or subsets of the data.

The SEDD system addresses USEPA's need to electronically receive analytical data from their contracting laboratories, and these laboratories' need to electronically deliver that data. Data must be in a reliable, secure, easy-to-use format that can be created and read by any computer system and be flexible enough to economically adapt to future needs. The SEDD system is located at the Analytical Services Branch (ASB) Contractor's offices.

SEDD System Overview

The SEDD system is a data transformation and delivery tool. It utilizes a Document Object Model (DOM)-based format and industry-standard e-commerce tools that provide end-users with the means to meet data delivery requirements. To use the SEDD system, a laboratory's analytical data must first be stored in an ODBC (Open Database Connectivity)-compliant database. With SEDD's utilities, a data analyst maps current USEPA data requirements to the laboratory's source database. The result of the mapping will be saved in a Data Element Map (DEM) file. After the data is mapped, SEDD converts it into XML (Extensible Markup Language) format, by referencing/using a standardized metadata structure. As an XML file, the analytical data is then ready to be sent via the Internet to the USEPA for further processing.

Additional information about the SEDD system can be found on the following USEPA SEDD Web site:

http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/clp/sedd.htm

Operating Environment

The SEDD system is a Java program that resides on a USEPA-funded server at http://sedd.fedcsc.com/. It is downloaded to the Internet clients machine and operates in its Virtual Machine (VM) environment to protect and ensure proper operating system integrity.

The recommended computer system setup is:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) 4.01 with Service Pack 2 or higher with Java Support enabled;
• Windows NT or Windows 2000 operating system;
• 5 GB of hard drive space;
• 128 MB RAM;
• 500 MHz processor;
• Internet access; and
• HTML 4.X or higher.

Data Flow and Work Flow

The SEDD System uses new and innovative technology. Therefore, users may find it helpful to see a visual flow of the SEDD concepts.

Figure 1-1 is a data flow diagram representing the interchange of data requirements and the compliance between USEPA and contracting laboratories using the SEDD system.

Figure 1-2 is a work flow diagram, graphically representing the user's activities within each of the four main sections of the SEDD system.

Getting Started

This section provides the user with step-by-step instructions on how to properly access the SEDD system through the Internet Web browser. Once the SEDD system is accessed, the user is briefly introduced to the four command buttons of the Main Menu.

Accessing the SEDD Application

Step 1
Launch the Web browser.

Step 2
In the address window, enter http://sedd.fedcsc.com/ to connect to the SEDD system Web site.

Step 3
The SEDD system home page will appear (see Figure 2-1). Click on the Start SEDD button to begin the SEDD system. The other buttons on this page link to informational Web sites with additional descriptive details about the SEDD system and its on-line Help.

Figure 2-1. SEDD System Home Page

Step 4
The SEDD LOGIN window will appear (see Figure 2-2). The user must enter the User Name and Password assigned by the SEDD system administrator. Click on the OK button to continue.

Figure 2-2. Network LOGIN Window

Step 5
A SECURITY WARNING window will appear (see Figure 2-3). This warns the user that there will be some downloadable SEDD system files sent from Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), the USEPA contractor managing the SEDD system. Click the Yes button to continue.

Figure 2-3.

Step 6
Upon download of the required files, the SEDD MAIN MENU window will appear. (see Figure 2-4). The SEDD MAIN MENU window is the central platform for all SEDD system functions.

Figure 2-4. SEDD Main Menu

SEDD Main Menu

There are four command buttons across the top of the MAIN MENU window: Setup, Generate, View, and Send (see Figure 2-4). Clicking on any of the buttons will open another window where the user may execute the functions of that section. Beneath the four command buttons is a message window displaying the current status of the SEDD system. A brief description of each of the command button's functionality follows below. Subsequent sections of this manual go into more detail on each functional window.

Setup Command Button

Click on the Setup command button to open the SETUP window. Refer to Section 3 - Setup Window for more detail. Within the SETUP window, the user may configure the SEDD system, specify data requirements, and map the data.

Configure the SEDD System

Configure the SEDD system on the user's computer by selecting either an existing configuration file (Open Existing Project) or creating a new configuration file (Create New Project).

Specify Data Requirements

Specify USEPA Data Requirements by selecting a deliverable type.

Map the Data

Map USEPA Data Elements to the analytical data in the laboratory's source database to create an XML deliverable. The result of the mapping will be saved in a Data Element Map (DEM) file.

Generate Command Button

Click on the Generate command button to open the GENERATE window. The Generate function of SEDD allows the user to build and validate the XML file based on the data mapping specified by the user in the SETUP window. Refer to Section 4 - Generate Window for more detail.

View Command Button

Click on the View command button to open the VIEW window. The View function of SEDD allows the user to view the status of generated XML files and to confirm that files have been properly validated and/or sent. The contents of validated files may be viewed. Refer to Section 5 - View Window for more detail.

Send Command Button

Click on the Send command button to open the SEND window. The Send function of SEDD allows the user to send XML deliverables to the USEPA or other parties by either FTP or Email. Each method is indicated by a tab in the SEND window. Refer to Section 6 - Send Window for more detail.

Exit Command Button

Click on the Exit command button to exit out of the SEDD system.

Message Window

The message window provides the user with critical information about the SEDD system. Such messages include information about the deliverable types that are available, current configurations, and prompts for user action.