Part 3 – Mobile LIMS – Technology Where Science Happens
Mobile technology continues to push the boundaries of the laboratory. As we saw in Part 1 and Part 2 of this blog series, mobile technology is well-suited for scientists on the go.
Whether it’s technicians collecting data in the field or laboratory managers approving results remotely, mobile technology fits seamlessly into the business of science.
While it’s easy to picture the benefits of mobile technology in the field, there are also compelling use cases for mobile technology inside the laboratory. As the digital transformation continues to redefine the connected laboratory, scientists can experience the benefits of mobile technology within the four walls of the lab. Mobile technology helps save space, offers a convenient way to encourage best practices, and promotes data integrity.
Let’s explore the benefits of mobile technology in the laboratory.
Mobile LIMS – Technology Where Science Happens is a three-part series examining scenarios where mobile capabilities deliver great value in the laboratory. “Mobile LIMS Applications Support Mobile Results Authorization“ focused on the use of mobile applications in the field. “Mobile LIMS – Technology Where Science Happens” examined the use of mobile applications for results authorization. This blog explores the benefits of mobile technology in the laboratory.
Going Mobile in the Lab
In most laboratories, finding space to work can be almost as challenging as the work itself. Lab instruments and their accompanying workstations can quickly fill a room. Add a sample preparation area, a couple of supply cabinets, and a refrigerator/freezer and you’ll quickly recognize(realize) that space is at a premium. PCs in the laboratory are constantly in use controlling the instruments and processing data, but they might not need to be there. With mobile technology, there should be no need for a LIMS workstation in an already-crowded laboratory. Using a tablet, a scientist could access the critical LIMS functions in the laboratory without taking up workbench space.
Along with saving space in the laboratory, a tablet could also encourage best practices with a mobile Laboratory Execution System (LES). The LES enables a technician to correctly execute methods and SOPs. With a LES, the laboratory defines the sequence of steps to perform a test, then guides the technician through those steps during the testing procedure. By incorporating mobile technology, the LES could accompany the technician throughout the testing process, providing guidance on how to complete the procedure and walking the user through the defined steps. Technicians could work at their own pace, using the tablet as they complete their assigned activities. Any comments about the test could be captured on the tablet during the testing process.
Tablets could also help address data integrity issues in the laboratory. In many cases, a tablet could be configured to capture results directly from the instrument or system performing the test, eliminating the need to transcribe results and reducing the risk of data entry errors. In this way, the tablet would also eliminate the need for a paper record. The mobile application could check results against defined standards, and ensure operators have the proper training to complete the assigned analysis.
Thermo Scientific SampleManager Mobile Application – Redefining the Connected Lab
Thermo Scientific™ SampleManager™ Mobile 3.0 delivers essential LIMS capabilities to scientists in the field (as described in Part 1), laboratory managers authorizing results (as outlined in Part 2), and technicians working in the laboratory. SampleManager Mobile 3.0 provides the functionality of the full SampleManager LIMS without the desktop hardware. The mobile LES functionality in SampleManager Mobile 3.0 enables the scientist to follow best practices while moving freely in the laboratory. While executing their work with a tablet and mobile LES, scientists are reminded of material safety protocols and best practices. This helps ensure technicians complete the tests safely while maintaining compliance with the laboratory’s SOPs. SampleManager Mobile 3.0 also supports data integrity by interfacing directly with laboratory instruments, creating digital records in place of paper.
The world’s leading pharmaceutical, food and beverage, oil and gas, petrochemical, water and environmental, manufacturing and contract testing laboratories rely on SampleManager LIMS software to ensure quality and power scientific discovery. Visit the SampleManager product page for more information on how these tools help drive the digital transformation.
Mike Ryan is a Product Marketing Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific. His focus is defining digital connectivity solutions supporting the connected laboratory, accelerating scientific discoveries and streamlining lab operations.
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