What is the main purpose of using Electronic Data Capture (EDC)?

The primary purpose of using Electronic Data Capture (EDC) is to authorize transactions and store transaction data. EDC systems are designed to process card payments by capturing the necessary data when a customer makes a purchase. This involves securely transmitting transaction details to the payment processor for authorization and ensuring that the transaction is valid and completed successfully.

Additionally, EDC systems are equipped to retain transaction data for future reference, reporting, and analysis, thus enhancing operational efficiency and record-keeping for businesses. This capability is crucial for businesses that rely on real-time transaction processing and need to maintain accurate transaction records for accounting and compliance purposes.

The other options focus on different functions that do not align with the primary role of EDC. While providing account statements is related to banking and financial services, it does not cover the immediate transaction authorization aspect inherent to EDC. Managing supply chain logistics pertains to inventory and delivery systems, which fall outside of the direct payment processing capabilities of EDC. Finally, traditional payroll processing is a separate function that deals with employee compensation rather than customer transactions, indicating a distinct operational area not served by EDC technology.