> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.repdata.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Managing Fieldwork

> Soft launch, monitor live surveys, adjust CPI, and close fieldwork in Research Desk.

Once your surveys and sources are configured, use Research Desk to launch fieldwork, monitor performance, and close out when quotas are met.

## Soft launch

A soft launch validates your setup with a small amount of traffic before full fielding.

Recommended approach:

1. Launch at roughly **10%** of your total sample target
2. For **high IR projects**, set the source Calculation Type to **Survey Starts** to avoid overshooting quotas
3. Once the soft-launch cap is reached, fielding pauses until you increase targets
4. Review quota fills, data quality, and unexpected over-quotas, screenouts, or abandons
5. Request [data cleaning](/research-desk/support/data-cleaning) on soft-launch completes if needed
6. Fix programming, redirects, quotas, or CPI mismatches before expanding to full launch

See [Best Practices](/research-desk/guides/08-best-practices) for detailed soft-launch and CPI guidance.

## Monitoring live surveys

While a survey is live, monitor:

| Signal                        | What to watch for                                                       |
| ----------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Starts vs. completes**      | Conversion rate aligns with expected incidence                          |
| **Quota fills**               | Cells are filling proportionally to targets                             |
| **Source performance**        | Traffic is arriving from expected suppliers                             |
| **Security terms**            | Elevated Research Defender flags may indicate targeting or LOI issues   |
| **Project health indicators** | Green = on spec; yellow = monitor; red = likely CPI/IR/LOI misalignment |

If entry volume is lower than expected, compensation (CPI) may be too low for the LOI and incidence combination. Use the **red alert icon** to view recommended CPI and save adjusted pricing in real time. Pricing changes apply immediately to live sources.

## What slows traffic

| Issue                       | What it means                                  | What to try                                                |
| --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| **High over-quotas**        | Quotas are full but wrong segments still enter | Adjust quota targets and increase CPI for narrow audiences |
| **High abandons (>30%)**    | Suppliers may throttle traffic                 | Fix redirects first; then review survey length and logic   |
| **Low IR**                  | Fewer entrants qualify than expected           | Increase CPI or broaden targeting                          |
| **Too many qualifications** | Setup looks complex to suppliers               | Remove non-profiled targeting where possible               |

## Pausing and updating in field

You can update certain survey and source settings while fieldwork is active. Pause or set surveys to non-live status when you need to fix programming, redirects, or quota logic without accepting new respondents.

## Closing fieldwork

When quotas are met or fieldwork ends:

1. Set survey status to **Complete**
2. Confirm no sources are still sending live traffic
3. Export [traffic reports](/research-desk/guides/12-exporting-and-reporting) if needed for internal review
4. Begin [reconciliation](/research-desk/guides/07-reconciliation) during the reconciliation window

## Sample exclusions during fieldwork

For tracker studies, confirm [sample exclusions](/research-desk/guides/06-sample-exclusions) are configured before launch. For follow-up waves targeting prior respondents, see [Recontact Respondents](/research-desk/guides/11-recontact-respondents).

## Need help during fieldwork?

Use [live chat or the support form](/research-desk/support/contact-support), or submit a case at [researchdesk.com/support](https://www.researchdesk.com/support).