Added value through connectivity in the lab

However, only when the laboratory is fully networked and the data is managed in a form that can be used for decision-making does the full value of a laboratory unfold. With vast amounts of data being produced daily, often hoarded in data silos, data analysis and automation are becoming increasingly important, and the ability to network to centrally manage all laboratory data plays a crucial role. What are the opportunities for networking and - from data management to process automation - the challenges that need to be overcome in the laboratory? How can modern software solutions put a laboratory on the path to becoming the intelligent and networked laboratory of the future?

Potential possibilities

The connection between devices, software and employees makes it possible for work to be carried out efficiently and reliably and for results to be traceable and reproducible. Employees can access the required data and standardised information at any time via a well-networked infrastructure. They can connect quickly and easily with other employees and devices to coordinate and discuss their work. This leads to better collaboration and communication within the team and contributes to a smooth workflow. A networked laboratory also makes it easier for employees to document and record their work. They can save and monitor their data in real time, which in turn helps to minimise errors and allows them to be quickly identified and rectified in an emergency. Last but not least, networked devices can help to make work in the laboratory safer. For example, they can trigger alarms and warnings if certain limit values are exceeded or if potentially hazardous situations occur.

The challenge of laboratory software integration

An important factor in the implementation of modern software solutions is often the cost. These can consist of investments in hardware, software and training. For some laboratories, the financial outlay can be an obstacle that needs to be overcome. It is not only the acquisition costs, but also the maintenance costs that need to be taken into account. Investment costs can be a major obstacle for small laboratories or those with tight budgets. It is important to weigh up the long-term benefits and added value of digital solutions against the acquisition costs. Another obstacle to networking a laboratory using modern software solutions can be a lack of technical expertise. Without the necessary skills and knowledge, it can be difficult to successfully implement and utilise the new technology. It can also be difficult to find the necessary resources to carry out the required training. This can apply to both IT staff and laboratory staff. Without the right expertise, it can be difficult to utilise the full capabilities of digital solutions.

One of the biggest obstacles to networking a laboratory using modern software solutions can be a lack of or even a lack of interfaces for integration. If existing systems and instruments cannot be easily integrated into the new solution, this can cost both time and resources and slow down implementation. It can also lead to some functions being lost or data not being transferred completely. In some cases, existing systems even have to be extensively customised or replaced to enable integration. This is where modern and easily configurable laboratory systems (LIMS) come in and already offer integrated interfaces to third-party systems (ERP) or even to devices as standard, so that the required connections can be made independently. Laboratory devices can be connected to a LIMS almost via plug & play, using a configurative approach in which the respective data and work steps are linked together. This allows analysers with one or more values, including chromatograms and their metadata, to be transferred directly to a LIMS for validation. The configurative integration of devices allows entire workflows to be digitally mapped and traced. In this way, balances, titrators, spectrometers or even chromatographs can be safely integrated.

Competitive advantages through networking

Sample management using automatically generated labels with QR code

1LIMS

In order to be successful in a competitive environment, it is essential to constantly optimise and automate processes. Productivity can be increased both by reducing media waste, unnecessary and time-consuming work steps and by automating value-adding and recurring tasks. A LIMS is the tool that offers these functions and makes them possible in the long term. At the same time, the necessary software flexibility should be available to digitally map your own processes exactly and not have to adapt the internal workflows to a rigid application. Through digitisation, integration and automation, all laboratory data including sample data, analysis values, chromatograms, reports, test equipment and archives can be managed centrally in a homogeneous and structured form. This allows optimised, structured and standardised workflows to be defined. This enables simpler control of laboratory processes and at the same time makes it easier and more reliable to fulfil regulatory requirements. The use of automated systems in laboratories is already widespread, but will continue to increase in the future. LIMS, as an integrator and therefore one of the most important systems for the automation of laboratories, will therefore play a central role.

Article from "LABO" dated 24 February 2023