Part 2 will discuss Naming Conventions and International Differences of Master Data.

Naming Conventions

Work with your team to establish or update naming conventions that will be applicable throughout your sites. Key references are project, laboratory type, manufacturing line, and production facility. To illustrate, an assay name can be based upon location, facility, production line, and purpose. Thus, a pH assay for line 2 in building 3 of a New York facility would be labeled “NY3-Line2pH.” Using detail of this level will ease identifying and finding of assays at a later date.

Regarding non-manufacturing applications, a simpler naming convention can consist of  department name, method number, and reference type. Regulatory reference numbers may also be included when appropriate. Linking data to a chart will be helpful when specificity is required. In addition, it is advisable to set the allowable minimum and maximum character length of data file names among your network of laboratories for standardization.

Searches can be streamlined by ensuring that the LIMS and associated labs utilize standard terms and definitions for products and tests, Document how your LIMS processes test results and sample submissions, interacts with laboratory instruments and handles the chain of custody of documents.

International Differences of Master Data

Organizations with facilities located in several countries must consider the international differences in master data. Currencies, languages, and time zones will vary from region to region and country to country. Spellings of certain English words may not be the same between the UK and the USA.

After a LIMS is installed, company personnel can start harmonizing data by establishing formats and standards. Standardization gives a LIMS the consistency staff members require for effectively and efficiently using the system.

There are cases of several laboratories using the same LIMS, but each has its own ontology and individual naming, filing, and weight conventions. If these are not harmonized among the network of laboratories, some data may be siloed, rendering them undiscoverable and absent in the search results of personnel who are based in other facilities and unaware of the specific search terms required.   

Part 3 will discuss Data Handling.

Alpha LIMS Implementation

Alpha has been involved with the implementation of over 50 LIMS systems ranging in size from small, “off-the-shelf” software systems to very large, highly customized, multi-functional systems, including STARLIMS, for both governmental agencies and private enterprises. For affordable client-focused network consulting services and solutions, please call Alpha today at (410) 295-9500.