As discussed in Part 1, laboratories are now required to produce documents of many types. These documents ensure a lab’s compliance to standards set forth by Methods and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as well as providing results to clients with certificates of analysis (COA).

The Scientific Data Management System (SDMS) will simplify the processing of data by a LIMS, increasing the productivity of a laboratory. Part 2 will continue discussing the SDMS solution by covering Greater Collaboration, Increased Efficiency, and Key Benefits.

Greater Collaboration

SDMS allows users throughout the world to access a lab’s documents by employing a typical Web browser. The solution can capture and utilize data from documents, including key words, graphics, and tables. Thereafter, raw data is stored using robust archiving technology, allowing users to easily access data in its original format from a central location. Staff can easily find and share data because SDMS has excellent record search capability based on keyword, free text, or metadata.

Increased Efficiency

Time consuming tasks, monotonous work, and manual data entry with its greater potential for mistakes are minimized by efficient instrument integration. Both time and money will be conserved by utilizing a robust file parser that can automatically translate the majority of document and instrument formats.

SDMS also enables the extraction of data from several types of digital files, including MS Office, TXT, PDF, and CSV. The data can then be parsed electronically, making printing unnecessary.  Time and effort are conserved by allowing SDMS to automatically observe file system activity and import new data.

Key Benefits

• Document management made more efficient by automated workflow tools for reviews and approvals.
• The production, review, and approval of lab documents such as SOPs, COA, product specifications, raw instrument output files, and reports are automated.
• Compliance is ensured by meeting stringent regulatory requirements, such as 21 CFR Part 11.
• SDMS configurable for a lab’s particular retention and archiving policies.
• SDMS is a feature of STARLIMS, allowing seamless integration, upgrades, and scalability.

Alpha Engineering LIMS Implementation

Alpha Engineering Associates, Inc. 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 Engineering Associates today at (410) 295-9500.