Automated and integrated processes: solutions to address the challenges of the laboratories of the future
Laboratories must keep up with the ever-stricter requirements of reliability and rate of analyses, productivity and flexibility, as well as those of regulatory and environmental constraints. However, speed, quality and reliability are particularly difficult to reconcile when people are involved. One solution: automation.
There have been considerable improvements in laboratory instrumentation, as well as the technology associated with the integration of the equipments in the LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System). Therefore, companies now want to automate processes due to this added value.
What can be expected from automating laboratory processes?
- Results obtained more quickly: automated processes mean faster analyses even for a larger analysis volume.
- Better traceability: irrespective of the volume involved, traceability is both guaranteed and increased via its integration in the Information System.
- Reduction in number of errors: automation, especially with repetitive processes, will considerably decrease the risk of errors, notably in data input.
- Reduction in costs: reduced time (reduction in the time needed for analyses and dissemination of results), materials, even personnel.
- Increased safety: due to controlled surveillance via the continuous availability of data and the reduction in the risks linked to exposure to sensitive materials.
Laboratories at the heart of innovation
With more and more sophisticated systems, the laboratory 4.0 will actively participate in accelerating innovation. Communication, without any real limits in terms of systems, laboratories and staff, increases the capacity to share and analyze considerable data which laboratories already have. [Today, less than 10% of the data created are analyzed]. By adding the ability of prediction to this amassed data, the laboratory of the future will be able to contribute even more actively in a « Quality by Design » approach and so better combine decisions and actions.
A new challenge: accompany the change
There is no surprise that the challenge is not technological but human even cultural. The technology is available but now, these technologies need to be integrated in a new work organization, as well as explaining, educating and accompanying the personnel in this new environment. The flexibility of operations and processes, as well as the degree of understanding of digital technology by the personnel will require particular attention. Accompanying colleagues and co-workers is first and foremost about rethinking both life at work and the work content.
SPC is prominent in the Laboratory 4.0 domain and in relation to the different laboratory activites (R&D, production quality control and service providers, etc.), and in information systems dedicated to laboratories, with the quintessential LIMS. Your work environments are strictly regulated and their evolution towards the Laboratory 4.0 deserves a certain expertise. SPC is well-known and respected in providing courses in the industrial sector, and SPC Formation has excellent teaching savoir-faire, indispensable and adapted to accompanying your personnel in their work environment.
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