New alarm service from wastewater and contaminated soil labs

ALcontrol  has launched a new version of its @mis online analytical data reporting tool that features an 'Alarms and Triggers' module. This means that in addition to access to live laboratory results, users will also be able to set alarms so that they are warned when wastewater or soil samples reach a pre-specified level for any analyte.

When @mis was first developed, it provided users with direct online access to their laboratory results. This became very popular in the market because it meant that users anywhere in the world would be able to follow test results live, which is important because many different management decisions hinge on the availability of such data. For example, the manager of a remediation project needs fast lab results to provide verification that either treated soils meet with the required specification or that treated water complies with a site's discharge permit.

Fast online lab data from @mis also enables users to view partial results as they are created. So, if the first soil test result is high for hydrocarbons, it is clear that the sample is contaminated and further tests may be redundant or the choice of test refined, so the cost of lab testing can be reduced. This feature is a greater benefit when alarms can be triggered as soon as a threshold is reached.

Explaining the benefit of alarms, ALcontrol Commercial Director Simon Turner says: “Advance knowledge that samples have reached a threshold provides our clients with time to react. So, if a soil sample exceeds a threshold, decisions can be taken immediately regarding further treatment or stopping treatment. Similarly, alarms from wastewater samples can provide a timely warning that effluent is approaching its discharge consent value."

Failure to comply with a site permit can be extremely costly. However, @mis is an integral part of ALcontrol’s service and with the new alarm capability, it represents a significant opportunity to reduce risks, lower costs and improve efficiency.

Process and emissions monitoring advice at mCERTS

ALcontrol will showcase a range of On-Site Services at MCERTS 2011.(30/31 March 2011)

Available throughout Europe, the UKAS and MCERTS accredited service operates a fleet of mobile laboratories equipped with the latest instrumentation, allowing ALcontrol’s skilled technicians to provide accurate and timely results.

The company has a dedicated, professionally-qualified team specifically for BS EN 14181 monitoring, which applies to Continuous Emission Monitoring (CEMs) equipment, and visitors to MCERTS 2011 are invited to meet ALcontrol staff at Stand 50 for help and advice on any issue relating to process or emissions monitoring.

Analysis with live lab data

ALcontrol has launched a new version of its @mis online analytical data reporting tool that provides users with real-time access to their laboratory results. The web-based tool provides near real time data direct from ALcontrol’s laboratory information management system, which means that world-wide users are able to follow test results live.

The new version of @mis represents a major step forward because fast access to results is critical to the efficiency of many activities. Land remediation, for example, is heavily dependent on analytical data to inform the management of treatment processes and to provide verification that either treated soils meet with the required specification or that treated water complies with a site's discharge permit.

Explaining the importance of this announcement, ALcontrol Commercial Director Simon Turner says “Many of our customers already benefit from the speed and convenience of @mis. However, there is no extra charge for the tool, so we are eager for all of our customers to benefit from the advantages that it brings.


“V5 @mis has been developed to be even simpler for new users to operate; the system runs as soon as a customer logs in and we have created customisable screens that remember user preferences – similar to the BBC home page.


Whilst fast data is critical to many of our clients, for some, that speed is only critical when the results are outside of defined thresholds, so V5 @mis can now issue result notifications or alarm messages via SMS or email.”

In addition to standard features such as secure data reports and archives, multiple batch reports and multiple report formats, @mis now enables rapid filter capability for reports and enables data sharing across multiple offices.

Feedback from @mis users has been extremely positive with most commenting on the benefit of live access to data as analysis proceeds. For example, in the past it would have been necessary to wait for a complete set of results, whereas @mis users are now able to view partial results as they are created. So, if the first soil test result is high for hydrocarbons, it is clear that the sample is contaminated and further tests may be redundant.

Simon Turner believes that fast access to both live and archived analytical data is extremely important for most of ALcontrol’s customers. He says, “We have invested heavily in the @mis team because this tool enhances our services enormously and provides us with the IT capability to create bespoke features in response to specific customer requests. V5 @mis is a great step forward, helping our customers to lower costs and improve both speed and efficiency.”