LIMS and Instrument Integration: The Perfect Relationship?
Oral Presentation
Prepared by E. Turner
North Texas Municipal Water District, 201 E. Brown Street, PO Box 2408, Wylie, TX, 75098, United States
Contact Information: eturner@ntmwd.com; 972-442-5405
ABSTRACT
One of the primary selling points of lab information management systems (LIMS) since their inception has been their ability to integrate with laboratory instrumentation. Many requests for proposals include instrument integration in their requirements. The benefits of LIMS-Instrumentation integration include reduction/elimination of transcription errors, improved efficiency and increased productivity. But what is really expected from instrument integration? Do you want only the unidirectional transfer of results from an instrument into a LIMS? Do you want bidirectional transfer of data where you can transfer batch information from the LIMS and results from the instrument? The type of interface and the level of automation for the interface are best determined by the existing flow of data in the lab. The interface can either automate an existing data flow or it can present an opportunity to analyze existing data flow, develop improved procedures and then apply automation. Understanding your instrument interfacing requirements and options at the beginning of the LIMS project will make instrument interfacing easier, saving time and money. This presentation will provide information on the different options available for LIMS-Instrument integration and points to consider for any LIMS integration project.
Oral Presentation
Prepared by E. Turner
North Texas Municipal Water District, 201 E. Brown Street, PO Box 2408, Wylie, TX, 75098, United States
Contact Information: eturner@ntmwd.com; 972-442-5405
ABSTRACT
One of the primary selling points of lab information management systems (LIMS) since their inception has been their ability to integrate with laboratory instrumentation. Many requests for proposals include instrument integration in their requirements. The benefits of LIMS-Instrumentation integration include reduction/elimination of transcription errors, improved efficiency and increased productivity. But what is really expected from instrument integration? Do you want only the unidirectional transfer of results from an instrument into a LIMS? Do you want bidirectional transfer of data where you can transfer batch information from the LIMS and results from the instrument? The type of interface and the level of automation for the interface are best determined by the existing flow of data in the lab. The interface can either automate an existing data flow or it can present an opportunity to analyze existing data flow, develop improved procedures and then apply automation. Understanding your instrument interfacing requirements and options at the beginning of the LIMS project will make instrument interfacing easier, saving time and money. This presentation will provide information on the different options available for LIMS-Instrument integration and points to consider for any LIMS integration project.
