Genuine system configurability and its impact on global LIMS projects
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In 30 years in the LIMS business we have seen many global LIMS projects fail or, at best, criticised heavily by the users of the delivered systems.
The main reason for this is that companies try to impose a standard system for various sites within their organisation even though the sites may have very specific requirements in terms of workflow, screen designs and reports, as an example.
A further problem is that users at the various sites do not get a voice in the decision discussions and then after delivery they have one central point of contact for any issues that may arise.
The Autoscribe approach with its Matrix Gemini system is to use their unique configuration tools that allow different user experiences at each local site optimised to fit local requirements. By definition this involves some discussion with the key users prior to system delivery and hence more buy-in to the project.
Importantly the system core-code is identical for all sites and may be hosted on one or more servers depending on the architecture required.
The configurations for the different sites are stored as configuration files within the system database.
This subject can be expanded to deal with different departments within any organisation. For example, Matrix Gemini can be configured to suit QC/QA, R&D, clinical trials, biobanks, drug metabolism, stability study and pre-clinical pathology departments, for example, within a pharmaceutical company. The immediate benefit is that just one application is needed with appropriate configurations to meet the varied needs of these departments.
A further benefit is that just one system is supported and upgraded meaning easier control of the processes involved which is particularly relevant in regulated environments.
Comprehensive and genuine configurability, without writing custom code or using a programming script, is a rare commodity in the LIMS business but it is the key to a successful LIMS implementation.
Matrix Gemini LIMS from Autoscribe is supplied with the most comprehensive set of tools that allow genuine system configuration without the need for custom coding. Typically Autoscribe use these tools during the configuration and implementation process but users can also be trained to master the configuration techniques.
This is another benefit for the global organisations. A few people within the organisation can be trained to a high level in the use of the configuration tools (no programming skills required) meaning that the company has less dependency on Autoscribe.
However, all configurations created by the customers will be supported by Autoscribe at no extra cost within an annual support agreement. This is unique and potentially a huge cost saving compared to the systems “configured” using coding techniques.
Genuine configurability, without custom code, means that a LIMS can be designed quickly to represent user requirements in terms of workflows, screen designs, menu designs, terminology, report designs and much more. Importantly screen based configurability provides an on-screen view of the work being done rather than looking at lines of code.
The main reason for this is that companies try to impose a standard system for various sites within their organisation even though the sites may have very specific requirements in terms of workflow, screen designs and reports, as an example.
A further problem is that users at the various sites do not get a voice in the decision discussions and then after delivery they have one central point of contact for any issues that may arise.
The Autoscribe approach with its Matrix Gemini system is to use their unique configuration tools that allow different user experiences at each local site optimised to fit local requirements. By definition this involves some discussion with the key users prior to system delivery and hence more buy-in to the project.
Importantly the system core-code is identical for all sites and may be hosted on one or more servers depending on the architecture required.
The configurations for the different sites are stored as configuration files within the system database.
This subject can be expanded to deal with different departments within any organisation. For example, Matrix Gemini can be configured to suit QC/QA, R&D, clinical trials, biobanks, drug metabolism, stability study and pre-clinical pathology departments, for example, within a pharmaceutical company. The immediate benefit is that just one application is needed with appropriate configurations to meet the varied needs of these departments.
A further benefit is that just one system is supported and upgraded meaning easier control of the processes involved which is particularly relevant in regulated environments.
Comprehensive and genuine configurability, without writing custom code or using a programming script, is a rare commodity in the LIMS business but it is the key to a successful LIMS implementation.
Matrix Gemini LIMS from Autoscribe is supplied with the most comprehensive set of tools that allow genuine system configuration without the need for custom coding. Typically Autoscribe use these tools during the configuration and implementation process but users can also be trained to master the configuration techniques.
This is another benefit for the global organisations. A few people within the organisation can be trained to a high level in the use of the configuration tools (no programming skills required) meaning that the company has less dependency on Autoscribe.
However, all configurations created by the customers will be supported by Autoscribe at no extra cost within an annual support agreement. This is unique and potentially a huge cost saving compared to the systems “configured” using coding techniques.
Genuine configurability, without custom code, means that a LIMS can be designed quickly to represent user requirements in terms of workflows, screen designs, menu designs, terminology, report designs and much more. Importantly screen based configurability provides an on-screen view of the work being done rather than looking at lines of code.
