It's the details that matter - beyond the measurement data
The same questions arise with every measurement in the test laboratory: How do you import data? How do you validate it? Where do you store it - and how do you find it again? Measurement data needs context, especially if the results of different measurements are to be comparable, traceable and, if necessary, reproducible.
This is made possible by enriching the data with metadata: it contains details of product types and measuring equipment used as well as changes over any period of time, such as product changes or the use of components from other suppliers, which can have an influence on the measurement and measurement result.
An integrated LIMS offers the functionalities to store all these elements directly in the context of the measurement data. Additional benefit: All data linked in this way is validated, completely searchable and easy to find both directly and via the ancillary data.
The measurement data is stored in XML structures and can be imported and exported in various ways. Classic data import is common for many measuring devices, but transfer via software APIs and web interfaces is also possible. In any case, the data from any source, whether measuring equipment, status information or master data, is converted from the source format into the standardized and freely accessible XML structure and then stored in the laboratory management system for each functional area with dynamic attributes. The data stored in this way can then be exported for other purposes in any combination as required.
Electronic data exchange in real time
A typical example is the automated import of measurement data in the field of environmental simulation via the standardized GUS interface of the Gesellschaft für Umweltsysteme. Here, the LIMS and measuring devices communicate directly with each other. The measuring equipment used is automatically addressed on the basis of the test planning; conversely, the recorded measurement data is automatically assigned to the test and test item. Status changes to measuring equipment or test specimens are recorded and documented directly. The measurement data can be displayed online and the measurement results evaluated immediately. In this way, the data is transferred without any confusion.
The measurement data can also be supplemented with additional information. For example, manually created images of the test setup can be added, as well as logbook entries documenting the processes and events. Normally, the images supplement the text documentation, but can also help to detect errors if necessary.
All this confirms the motto „Measurement data management is more than just measurement data management“ - the large, yet structured „information cloud“ with targeted access options makes the recorded measurement data easy to use in everyday life and provides all the data relevant to the overall report.
With a LIMS from dacore, you lay the foundation for your customized Lab 4.0.