Enter Data As (EDA) Mode

EDA Mode, or Enter Data As, is a feature in Community Services that allows a user to enter data as if they are working under a specific project instead of their default agency context. When EDA is turned on, the system temporarily changes your data entry perspective to the selected project. 

EDA Mode directly impacts Global Visibility because it changes which provider owns the data you enter. If you enter data under the wrong project using EDA, that information may not appear where expected, leading to reporting errors, visibility conflicts, and delays in housing placements. 

Incorrect use can also break reporting logic for APR, DFSS reports, and other compliance metrics.

Who Should Use EDA Mode?

Should

1. Chicago Coordinated Entry System (CES) – Skilled Assessors Project (1474) - ONLY Housing Resource Specialists (formerly Skilled Assessors) entering data for a CE Enrollment should use EDA Mode.
2. EDA is also required when entering data for locked projects not included in global visibility, such as:

• HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS)
• RHY (Runaway and Homeless Youth)

Should Not

1. Everyone Else - All HMIS users in HMIS are created at the agency level (Level 2), which is the correct level for entering data. Entering data in EDA mode under a specific project at your agency can:
   1. Cause unexpected visibility issues within your organization.
   2. Break reporting logic (APR, DFSS reports, etc.). Causing incomplete or inaccurate data pulls. 
   3. Lead to troubleshooting delays for your agency 
   4. Delay housing placements because data may not appear in the correct project or reports.

How to Use EDA Mode

EDA mode is turned on in the top right corner of the dashboard. 

• When OFF, "Enter Data As" is by itself, in regular text. 
• When ON, "Enter Data As" is bolded and is followed by a clickable blue link indicating what project the user is entering data as. 

EDA Mode is turned OFF by clicking the blue indicated project. 

The following is a video that walks through how to use EDA Mode:

Best Practices

• Use EDA only when required. This means CES Skilled Assessors Project (1474) or locked projects like HOPWA and RHY. Using EDA for any other purpose will cause visibility conflicts and reporting errors that can delay housing placements. 
• Always confirm the active provider before entering data. The EDA banner at the top of the screen shows which project you are working under. If this is incorrect, stop and switch back to your agency context before continuing. 
• Turn OFF EDA immediately after completing the task. Leaving EDA on can cause future enrollments or services to be entered under the wrong project, creating major data quality issues. 
• Never use EDA for routine data entry. All users are created at the agency level, which is the correct level for entering data. Using EDA for your own projects will break reporting logic and cause inaccurate APR and DFSS reports.

For any questions, please reach out to Helpdesk@allchicago.org