Unlocking the Value of Analytical Technology

Lab Informatics and Knowledge Management

• Lab Informatics> Optimizes laboratory operations using specialized applications of information technology

> Encompasses data acquisition, data processing, lab information systems (LIMS), lab automation, scientific data management and electronic lab notebooks

• Knowledge Management> Facilitates the generation and gainful application of corporate knowledge and expertise

Benefits of Lab Informatics and Knowledge Management

• Electronic Sample Log-in & Report Archiving

• Electronic Sample Labeling

• Richer information content in Analytical Reports

• Lab Connectivity to Business Info Systems> Email, Lotus Notes Databases, Web

• Bi-Directional Lab/Office Data transfer

• Automated Lab Data Archiving

• Electronic Lab Notebooks

• Characterization Data Database Development

Improved Lab Ops at RHEM - Functionality Goals

• No Lab Computing Support from Corporate IT> Resources not available for support of “non- standard” configurations - Operating systems, applications, networking requirements > Concerns about security and network traffic

• No Budget for Lab Informatics> Often needed to prove concepts with “freeware” or “home grown” software

Implementation Challenges

Square One - Network Installation

Laboratory Network Design

Analytical Requests/Workflow

• Initial Development - Visual BASIC> Initial implementation for request process only

• Migration to Lotus Notes> Translated request system to Lotus Notes > Worked with consultants, Valid Systems, to include email based reporting, archiving and version control

• Workflow Analysis> MS Access and later Lotus Notes “Views”

Sample Labeling System

Chemical Information Transfer Enhancement (CITE)• Processible Data - Grams/32 Server

> Installed Grams/32 Server for both lab & business network access

> Corporate IT Approved client on desktops

> Trained R&D Members - Client installation & Software use overview

> Developed Custom Data Converters using Array BASIC - Viscotek LC Data, EG&G PAR CV data

• Data as Graphics - Standard Formats> Developed drivers allowing any Windows based instrument to print directly to PDF, WMF or BMP formats

Automated Lab Data Archiving• Schedule Wizard Agent Software

> Automated execution of DOS Batch Program for daily archiving of data> Daily backup of selected files to Business Network

• Automated Compliance with ISO Record Retention Policy

> Batch program included code to scrub directories of data greater than three years old (freeware utility)

Electronic Lab Notebooks• Lotus Notes Databases on Corporate Server

> Developed in collaboration with Corporate Library and Information Services

• Access from any lab instrument

• Wireless Laptop> Allowed access at any non-computerized apparatus

Building Searchable Characterization Databases• Galactic (Thermo) Spectral DB Server

> Installed Spectral DB Server for lab & and business network access

> Corporate IT Approved client on desktops

> Trained R&D Members - Client installation & Software use overview

Conclusion:

Getting Lab Informatics Done• Chemical Laboratory characterized by mixed Operating Systems and non-standard analytical software and data formats

• Corporate IT operations are not optimized for lab support

• Getting Lab Informatics Done Requires> Dedicated Lab Informaticist support> Close attention to both user and corporate IT concerns and requirements> Careful prioritization & project planning> Passion for Continuous Improvement & Learning