Optimize workflow and processes through intelligent networking
It is not only the testing in the physical-technical testing laboratory that is complex and time-consuming - the before and after, from acceptance to return transportation, is too. Mobile applications enable high efficiency gains here. The prerequisite for this is that these apps are not standalone solutions, but are integrated into the laboratory management system.
Only in this way is it possible for inspectors to work with an application in real time throughout the entire workflow and not have to enter data into the laboratory management system retrospectively.
Simple identification and assignment
One of the key tasks in this context is correct recording and documentation at all times. Whether test item or resource, measuring equipment or routing slips: everything can be imported into the system with the relevant data via the corresponding barcode, assigned and tracked. This means that test specimens can be assigned to tests or storage locations by barcode scan, as can measuring equipment or measuring peripherals.
The required barcode can also be generated in the test laboratory, for example when receiving goods or after calibrating a measuring device - and in a very user-friendly way: the mobile application automatically sends the print command to the printer closest to the user.
Mobile applications for the test laboratory are available for both Android and iOS. The main difference: while Android devices in the industrial sector usually use a dedicated barcode scanner, iOS devices use the integrated camera. In addition, tablets and tablet PCs are also used, which are connected to the LIMS via mobile applications.
Once the data has been recorded, further processing is possible directly in the app. This includes starting or interrupting a measurement, which is saved with a time stamp in the activity log. Photos taken with the mobile device are automatically assigned to the respective component, so the user does not have to worry about storing them.
Continuous tracking
A significant part of the work in the test laboratory is spent on test item logistics with goods receipt, transport lists, work lists, warehouse overview, storage and retrieval of test items and transport processing. Transport orders and documentation can be handled smoothly with the help of mobile applications.
During transportation, the position of test specimens can be determined at any time using GPS location tags. On arrival at the test laboratory, the condition of the test specimen is checked. If it is damaged, it is automatically parked in a restricted area. If it is in good condition, the system automatically selects the optimum storage location based on the data recorded. In the case of large storage areas, finding a test item is child's play thanks to RFID, even without prior storage. This also facilitates very dynamic space allocation in the warehouse.
Tracking does not end in the warehouse, but continues continuously. Pending tasks and activities, required measuring equipment, measurements and their assessments as well as the completion of tests can be tracked at any time. The activities currently being carried out are logged, e.g. by scanning a test item, a test and a resource and then specifying the activity such as „Setup start“, „Test start“ or transfer to another resource.
The condition of the test specimen before, during and after the test as well as the test setup can be documented in photos directly from the mobile application. Status information or status recording of tests - such as a logbook for regular checks - can be carried out via barcode scan and input using the keyboard or freehand function.
Additional information at a glance
Not only can the current status of a test specimen be viewed. The scan documents subsequent tests, but also the history of the test specimen with regard to pre-treatment and tests already completed. Information on hazardous substances and other risks, e.g. explosives in airbags or belt tensioners, hazardous operating materials or residual charge in capacitors, is very important. After all, test specimens are very often not series parts, but products under development that do not have labels with corresponding information and hazard warnings.
Similarly, the scan of a measuring device reveals the measuring device history with the current status, calibration history, the date of the next calibration and the next planned use. With mobile applications, it is now even possible to recognize test specimen or test information directly from the image content without a barcode scan.
An integrated LIMS also seamlessly incorporates the increasingly widespread mobile applications and thus exploits the advantages of central data storage across all processes. This reduces the administrative workload across the entire workflow in Lab 4.0 and speeds up testing at the same time.
With a LIMS from dacore, you lay the foundation for your customized Lab 4.0.