Partners in Environmental Laboratory Automation
How DHL Analytical, Inc. uses Labcore SDMS v3.0 to make their laboratory 100% Paperless and Automate the Assembly of all Data Packages including Complex Level 3 and Level 4 Types.
“By replacing our paper-based manual system with Labcore we have significantly reduced our costs in terms of space, cost of supplies, manpower, and in terms of environmental impact. Also our staff has found Labcore very intuitive to learn because it creates an electronic workflow and filing structure that mimicked the hard copy filing system it replaced.” John Dupont, General Manager of Operations, DHL Analytical, Inc.
“Efficiency is the key element in running any business. At DHL Analytical, we are striving for ultimate efficiency in our operation. Labcore came in with a proposal and persuaded us that they would help us to reach that goal. Now, our report generating is very efficient, data storage/retrieve is simple, and data reach our clients electronically with a few key strokes whether it is level 3 or 4 does not matter. We are starting to enjoy this and we are happy that we made a right decision and the risk is rewarded.” Dr. Luu, President/CEO, DHL Analytical, Inc.
Key Results:
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DHL Analytical Challenges |
Labcore SDMS/DPM Provides |
DHL Analytical Result |
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Complex Level 3 and 4 data packages done manually with paper and are very labor intensive and costly to produce |
Centralized Web based solution enables laboratory to automate the entire process from assembling and review specific instrument runs to assembling any Level 1 through Level 4 data package on the fly in a matter of seconds. |
Reduced hours needed to assemble complex Level 3 and 4 data packages by approximately 70% allowing reallocation and reduction of labor costs. |
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Documents and data are stored in disconnected repositories resulting in data islands making search and retrieval and correlation very difficult and time consuming. |
Integration with LIMS and laboratory instruments. Most files are full text searchable in Labcore making it easy to retrieve information. |
Search and retrieval reduced from 10 minutes per incident to 2 minutes per incident, an 80% gain in productivity. |
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Very high costs associated with maintaining paper based system (paper, copying, storing/archiving) *Studies have shown costs are approx $.07 to $.10 per page |
Electronically capture document s/data as searchable PDF's with lab specific workflows. PDF editing tools allow commenting.Data packages also assembled electronically. |
Greater than 65% cost reduction projected in 2012 from decreased paper, toner, and copier maintenance costs. |
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Paper-based processes very cumbersome for tracking the status of the documents needed for a completed data packages making errors more likely. |
Dashboard visually prioritizes work for analysts and manager mimicking paper process. The software also allows managers to quickly see what files are present and what is missing eliminating errors and allowing quicker turnaround. |
All laboratory users report the system being intuitive and easy to use after short amount of training. Errors or omissions, if any, are caught just as quickly as the hardcopy procedure and data package turnaround time has improved by 15% for Level 1 packages and by at least 70% for Level 4. |
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Document controls such as versioning and audit trails missing or inadequate. |
All documents are tracked with full document controls (versioning and audit trail). |
DHL Analytical's method for storing and handling documents is now fully defensible and developed using the compliance highest standards. |
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Customers expect high quality electronic deliverable with lower cost and quicker turn- around times. PDF format now becoming standard. |
Data packages of all types (Level 1-Level 4) are assembled into PDF format. Created in minutes with pagination, table of contents and bookmarks making it very user friendly and professional. |
DHL Analytical data packages are now competitive with anyone; high quality, delivered quickly and at a highly competitive price. |
Keys to Success:
· Tight integration with LIMS and capture and parsing of text based PDF’s from instruments allows for automated document identification speeding up the entire workflow and assembly process.
· Capturing raw data runs from all laboratory instruments through print to PDF > sync to Labcore then moving through DHL Analytical specific workflow process allows DHL Analytical to be nearly 100% paperless.
· User interface that is very intuitive and mimics paper based document interaction which allows for rapid adoption and deployment.
· Individual dashboard view allows managers and analysts to quickly see their work and move it through the laboratory’s specific business processes. The individual dashboard provides a snapshot of selected documents critical to each individual analyst or data reviewer or manager, making the system visually uncluttered. If any other documents are needed to be on the dashboard, Labcore allows the staff the option to access those whenever needed.
· Rapid data package assembly into one paginated, bookmarked PDF of virtually any type required by laboratory.
To learn more about how Labcore can help you make your laboratory paperless and
automate your data package management and assembly call (610) 372-3900 or request a demo.
To learn more about DHL Analytical, Inc. visit www.dhlanalytical.com.
