28
LMS Issue 4 | 2014
LIMS Solutions
LabInfo Transforms the PPECB’s Laboratory Processes
T
echnology Systems Integration
(TSI) recently implemented their
LabInfo laboratory information management system (LIMS) for the Perishable Products Export Control Board
(PPECB). TSI has been involved in
the support, development and integration of LIMS for more than 10 years.
LabInfo is a f lexible and affordable
solution for managing information in
the laboratory with a highly modular
instrument integration framework.
This makes it straight forward to interface with any instrument. It operates a
multi-user database running on a central
server, which enables multiple users to
work on the same data, thus reducing
unnecessary paperwork. It uses internet
technology and can be operated from any
PC using a web browser. It comes with a
number of functions to help laboratories
conform to regulatory requirements.
The PPECB is a parastatal, governed
by the Agricultural Products and Standards Act, which certifies perishable
products for export. A laboratory testing
facility, based in Centurion, is one of its
service offerings. Products such as feed
and foods are tested for, inter alia, mycotoxins, moisture content and rancidity. A
new service offering, due to start shortly,
is testing for pesticide levels, which need
to meet the legal requirements of both
SA and the importing country.
Dr Dharmarai Naicker, the General
Manager: Laboratory at the PPECB,
explains further, “Central to our value
proposition is our fast turnaround time
and we pride ourselves on producing
results within 24 - 48 hours. To deliver
on this promise and further reduce lead
times, we felt the need to align with
advances in technology so that we could
work more effectively and also reduce our
extensive manual paper trail.”
Prior to installing the LIMS, the
PPECB had been using Excel and Word
to manage its data and generate reports,
a system that was becoming increasingly
cumbersome. A number of different
products were investigated before TSI’s
LabInfo solution was chosen. “We chose
it for a number of reasons,” continues
Naicker. “It’s cost-effective and, critically, it’s customisable, which meant that
it could be tailored to our specific needs.”
She has nothing but praise for TSI’s
professionalism and service across the
board. “They devised a project plan
for the implementation and liaised
effectively with our centralised ICT
department in Cape Town to make it
happen. Everything went very smoothly
from receipt all the way through to
implementation. TSI provided training
for identified employees on how to use
LabInfo. Their after-sales service is
excellent too and there is a maintenance
plan in place that ensures any issues will
be addressed promptly, as downtime is
something we cannot afford.”
She summarises the benef its as
follows, greater efficiency, traceability
and cost-effectiveness. “Turnaround
and processing times have decreased and
productivity has increased. LabInfo has
also ensured significant savings on paper.
TSI has been very forthcoming, addressing our needs promptly and effectively.
Going forward, we will continue to
improve and expand the system to keep
pace with changing technology.”
TSI’s Neill Rosenthal confirmed
that his company is delighted to have
partnered with the PPECB. “We are
looking forward to a long, mutually
beneficial and rewarding relationship,”
he says. ⚛
Technology Systems Integration (Pty) Ltd
Contact: Neill Rosenthal
Tel:
011-792-1094
Email: [email protected]
A Nu Lab Management Solution
W
aters® Corporation has introduced the NuGenesis Lab Management System, an alternative to a traditional laboratory information management system (LIMS) that enables
deeper insight into scientific challenges,
accelerated decision-making, better
business results and compliance with
government regulations.
The NuGenesis System offers high
impact f unctiona lit y w ith a high
degree of flexibility. New advances
include SampleShare, an optional,
secure web client for sample
submissions and results management; Stability, a complete
stability protocol management and
testing solution to facilitate a consistent regimented workflow across lab
operations; Connectors, a bi-directional
link between lab systems and business
applications and Paradigm™ Scientific
Search. This management system is
a user-centric platform that encompasses a scientific data management
system, electronic laboratory notebook
and laboratory execution system.
“The NuGenesis Lab Manage-
ment System is more comprehensive than anything in its
class, combining new improvements w it h key e x ist ing
capabilities,” said Garrett
Mullen, Senior Product Marketing
Manager at Laboratory Management
Informatics at Waters (USA). “It
readily adapts to existing informatics
environments, smoothly [