The enormous volumes of data that industry labs are generating have become an important asset for every organization. However, the maximization of this data’s value can be challenging.

Currently, the typical lab environment is stacked with software and instruments from a wide variety of vendors. This can create difficult issues for a lab attempting the coordination of access, analysis, management, and storage of various types of data generated by its IT ecosystem.

The seamless interconnection of processes and the data generated is the main objective of the Lab 4.0 concept, outlining a futuristic laboratory that implements digital transformation and automation. It will enable the automation of lab processes and procedures, digitally capturing the data generated and communications transmitted between interfacing platforms that are fully integrated.

Total Automation & Integration

Achieving automation and integration end-to-end will require concentrated effort over an extended period. Provided by various vendors, lab hardware and software commonly communicate in various languages and methods. Interconnecting them to create a unified laboratory infrastructure will not be easy. Thus, labs do not have plug-and-play configurations or data management architecture that have cohesion.

Unable to integrate and automate, labs create workflows and processes depending on manual data entry, recording results, and paper-centered processes. Manual transcription is prone to mistakes because data must be transferred to Word and Excel, resulting in data being siloed, non-standardized, and difficult to access and analyze using AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning (ML) solutions.

Part 2 will discuss the Advantages of Digital Interconnection & Integration and the Lab 4.0 Roadmap.

STARLIMS Integrated Solution

Implementing state-of-the-art technology, STARLIMS provides a totally integrated solution that incorporates LIMS, Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN), Scientific Data Management System (SDMS), Advanced Analytics, and Mobile within a single application. This innovation makes building and maintaining custom interfaces required by third-party tools unnecessary.

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.