As previously discussed, the enormous volumes of data that labs generate can become an important asset for every organization through digital transformation. Part 3 will discuss Solutions for Digital Transformation.

Solutions for Digital Transformation

The fundamental objective of Lab 4.0 is to significantly avoid manual transcription and data recording, almost eliminating transcription errors and enabling integration. This will allow lab data to have standardized formats that are easily searchable and assisted by AI and ML solutions.   

Integration is a significant integration when considering a LIMS (laboratory information management system) or ELN (electronic laboratory notebook). A lab may have numerous devices and instruments from different vendors. Having them connected to a LIMS and communicating and instructing on another in a standardized language so the results can be easily managed makes their integration a success.

Allowing plug-and-play interconnectivity and functionality will need to have a laboratory adopting flexible communication standards between software and instruments. If every vendor supported standards in this manner, integrating devices would become much simpler. The software will be able to converse with one another and know how to handle, manage, and transmit data.

LIMS

Although LIMS is now the common foundation of the modern lab’s digital infrastructure for the management of samples, scheduling tests, and routing results, numerous organizations still depend on a paper-based process. Thus, their digital transformation will begin at the fundamentals. Moreover, an LES (laboratory execution system) can ease the organization of daily lab tasks, eliminating manual documentation on paper and promoting compliance, efficiency, and reproducibility.

Typically, a LIMS UI (user interface) is designed to be used on a standard PC, whether a desktop or laptop. In contrast, an LES platform is primarily intended and optimized for mobile touchscreen devices, allowing them to be conveniently operated in a lab environment. Developed along these lines, STARLIMS LES lets laboratory technicians easily record in a step-by-step validated sequence every parameter involved with their workflows.

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.