Data collection can be enhanced with the use of computers. Care must be taken, however, to ensure that the data collected have a purpose and meet either the quality assessment needs or business functions of the transfusion service. Required data elements are frequently in several data repositories and must be merged to obtain needed information. Effective data collection may be hindered by several factors, including a lack of data elements in the computer systems, data retention limitations, and changes in the computer system or collection needs. Personal computers with commonly available spreadsheet and database management software are useful in preparing summarized reports. An ideal report is legibly printed on one side of a sheet of paper and includes graphs and charts that enhance data presentation and facilitate trend analysis.