Precise digital laboratory technologies
A guide to systems, robots, software, and audits. We explain key concepts, applications, and the scope of Solution4Labs services to help you choose the next step in your laboratory’s digital transformation.
Explore the four areas of Solution4Labs
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In this glossary
01 / About Solution4Labs
02 / LIMS and validation
03 / Robotics and environmental monitoring
04 / Custom software
05 / Digital transformation audits
06 / Key terms
07 / Questions and answers
08 / Resources
The main benefit of the laboratory’s digital transformation is increased control over processes and research quality. The IT system ensures that all tasks are carried out correctly, on time, and with optimal use of available resources. It automatically collects data from instruments and generates test reports on its own, without the risk of errors during manual data transcription.
The main benefit of the laboratory’s digital transformation is increased control over processes and research quality. The IT system ensures that all tasks are carried out correctly, on time, and with optimal use of available resources. It automatically collects data from instruments and generates test reports on its own, without the risk of errors during manual data transcription.
LIMS: implementation and validation
You need to organize samples, results, and procedures or prepare your system for a specific application.
Continuous verification of results against quality specifications and immediate notification of non-conformities.
Laboratory automation
You want to automate repetitive tasks or monitor temperature, humidity and device status using sensors.
Continuous verification of results against quality specifications and immediate notification of non-conformities.
Custom software
You need a program, extension or integration that suits a specific process.
Continuous verification of results against quality specifications and immediate notification of non-conformities.
Digitalization audits
You want to understand the current way of working and determine where to start the digitalization process in your company.
Continuous verification of results against quality specifications and immediate notification of non-conformities.
02 / PILLAR 1
Implementation and validation of LIMS systems
LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) helps manage samples, tests, results, and resources while maintaining links between information generated in the laboratory.
LIMS implementation at Solution4Labs
Implementing a LIMS involves adapting the system to the laboratory’s actual processes. Solution4Labs implements and configures solutions, including SampleManager LIMS, and integrates them with existing IT systems and laboratory instruments.
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Analysis of needs and workflows before implementation.
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Configuration of workflows, user roles, reports, and dashboards.
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Adaptation of the system to sample and results management processes.
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Integration with laboratory instruments and ERP and MES systems within the agreed scope.
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Training and support for users of the solution being implemented.
LIMS validation — what does it mean?
LIMS validation provides documented verification that the system is fit for its intended use. It is based on defined requirements and how the system is used in a particular laboratory.
Solution4Labs offers LIMS implementation and validation. The scope of validation activities, responsibilities, documentation, and acceptance criteria must be defined for each project. Purchasing software alone does not replace verification of its performance in the intended application.
When should you consider a LIMS?
When sample and results data are scattered across different sources, some information is transcribed manually, test histories are difficult to trace, or multiple locations need a consistent way of working. These are examples of situations to assess, rather than automatic reasons to choose a particular product.
Related solutions
Continuous verification of results against quality specifications and immediate notification of non-conformities.
03 / PILLAR 2
Laboratory automation
Laboratory automation uses technology to perform selected steps in a process. Robotics is part of this: it involves physical tasks performed by a robot, such as moving microplates between instruments.
Solution4Labs offers laboratory automation solutions using robots from Thermo Fisher Scientific, among others. Equipment selection should be based on the process, the materials being handled, existing equipment, and workstation conditions.
Which robots are available?
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Thermo Scientific™ Spinnaker™ 3 Microplate Mover — a solution for moving microplates in automated workflows.
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Thermo Scientific™ Orbitor RS2 Microplate Mover — a robot for transferring microplates between workstations.
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Thermo Scientific™ F7 Robot — a robotic solution selected to meet the requirements of a specific laboratory workstation.
What should you assess before introducing robotics?
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How repetitive the tasks are and how many operations are performed each day.
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The types of materials, containers, or microplates being handled.
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The instruments between which materials need to be moved.
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The available workspace and workstation operating conditions.
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How the process will be controlled and what data exchange is required.
Robotic task automation and data integration are separate activities. A robot performs a physical operation, while system integration enables information to flow between instruments and software. Combining the two requires a process designed for the specific application.
Explore laboratory automation at Solution4Labs
Sensors and environmental monitoring — SensorGrid
SensorGrid includes wireless sensors for monitoring temperature, humidity, motion, and equipment status. These solutions complement laboratory automation with measurements, historical records, and alerts. They help monitor working environments and the conditions in which sensitive materials are stored and transported.
What can you monitor, and where?
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Temperature: in laboratories, sample and reagent storage areas, warehouses, and refrigerated transport.
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Temperature and humidity: in laboratory, production, and storage areas where both parameters matter to the process.
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Motion, presence, and equipment status: in automation and equipment monitoring applications, using the appropriate sensor type.
How do measurements become information?
Sensors take measurements which, depending on the model and configuration, can be stored in their internal memory and transmitted via Bluetooth Low Energy to a compatible application or IoT gateway. Integration with a data collection platform enables users to view measurements and analyze historical conditions. When configured appropriately, the solution can generate alerts when defined thresholds are exceeded or equipment status changes.
Which sensors are available from SensorGrid?
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MST01 Pt100 — a temperature sensor with a probe selected for the required range and application.
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MST01 Temperature and Humidity — a temperature and humidity sensor for monitoring environmental conditions.
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MST03 Asset Temperature Logger — a temperature logger for transport and storage applications.
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MSD01 + PIR Sensors — solutions for motion and presence detection.
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MSE01 and MSE02 — sensors for monitoring equipment status and input signals.
How do you choose the right solution for your laboratory?
Start by defining what you want to measure and where: the parameters, their ranges, the number of measurement points, and the measurement frequency. Then establish the required accuracy, data storage and export methods, and alert thresholds. Installation and connectivity requirements, along with any integration with existing infrastructure, also need to be considered.
For example, monitoring rooms, low-temperature sample storage, and refrigerated transport requires an assessment of different operating conditions. Measurement range, accuracy, durability, memory capacity, and battery life must be checked for the selected model and probe configuration.
Solution4Labs specialists help select sensors and design monitoring solutions tailored to each client’s infrastructure. Required integrations and data handling methods are agreed on individually.
The main benefit of the laboratory’s digital transformation is increased control over processes and research quality. The IT system ensures that all tasks are carried out correctly, on time, and with optimal use of available resources. It automatically collects data from instruments and generates test reports on its own, without the risk of errors during manual data transcription.
The main benefit of the laboratory’s digital transformation is increased control over processes and research quality. The IT system ensures that all tasks are carried out correctly, on time, and with optimal use of available resources. It automatically collects data from instruments and generates test reports on its own, without the risk of errors during manual data transcription.
06 / GLOSSARY
Key terms for the digital laboratory
LIMS — Laboratory Information Management System
A system for managing laboratory information, including samples, tests, results, and resources.
SampleManager LIMS
A Thermo Fisher Scientific system implemented and customized by Solution4Labs. The product name is distinct from the broader LIMS category.
System validation
Documented verification that a system is fit for its intended use, based on established requirements.
LES — Lab Execution System
A system that guides users through each step of a procedure and helps record its execution.
SDMS — Scientific Data Management System
A system for managing scientific data, including capturing and archiving data from laboratory instruments.
System integration
Planned data exchange between software systems or instruments through available interfaces.
ERP and MES
ERP supports enterprise resource planning, while MES supports manufacturing execution and monitoring. Integration with LIMS can connect laboratory data with business process data.
Laboratory robotics
The use of robots to perform selected physical tasks within a laboratory process.
Custom software
Software or an extension developed for a client’s specific processes and requirements.
Digital transformation audit
An analysis of processes, tools, and data flows that helps plan the next steps in a laboratory’s digital transformation.
The main benefit of the laboratory’s digital transformation is increased control over processes and research quality. The IT system ensures that all tasks are carried out correctly, on time, and with optimal use of available resources. It automatically collects data from instruments and generates test reports on its own, without the risk of errors during manual data transcription.
08 / SOURCES AND FURTHER READING
Where can you find detailed information?
SampleManager LIMS ↗
System features and applications
Laboratory automation ↗
Robotic solutions and detailed equipment descriptions
Solutions and services ↗
Working with Solution4Labs
Digital transformation ↗
Consulting and planning changes in your laboratory
LIMS 101 ↗
Introductory resources on LIMS
Expert articles ↗
Insights into laboratory data, processes, and operations
This glossary explains key concepts and outlines Solution4Labs services. Detailed product information is available on the linked pages. The scope of services and choice of solutions are tailored to each laboratory.
Precise digital laboratory technologies
Progress is our priority. We provide laboratories and research institutions with modern solutions that ensure the highest quality of operations and regulatory compliance. As an Authorised Thermo Fisher Scientific Partner, we implement systems that address real needs and provide our clients with state-of-the-art technologies that streamline processes and facilitate research.
We are the only authorised technology partner of Thermo Fisher Scientific in Poland and also a partner in France and the United Kingdom.