LIMS improvements in labs and industries.

Xybion has announced the launch of Xybion LIMS 10.0. Building on over 200 customer implementations, and the knowledge and experience of Autoscribe Informatics in LIMS and ELN software, combined with Xybion’s over forty years of experience in building life sciences SaaS R&D LIMS and QMS software, Xybion LIMS 10.0 represents a major milestone in the LIMS industry. It presents users with a modern look and feel that provides an intuitive and user-friendly digital workspace. 

This flexible platform is integrated with a powerful Xybion QMS system allowing companies to rapidly digitize laboratory processes, accelerate tests, study timelines, and laboratory throughput, while enabling full compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements and various global regulatory agencies including US FDA, EMA, Eudra, and TGA. 

Key Features of Xybion LIMS:

• Xybion LIMS features a modern, user-friendly design with streamlined navigation and improved accessibility.
• Fully functional out of the box LIMS with the flexibility for easy configuration by the LIMS users
• Xybion LIMS offers configurable solutions for various industries and functions, including life sciences, manufacturing, oil and gas, water testing, veterinary science, environmental, biobank management and stability studies. Systems are integrated to meet specific industry needs, underscoring Xybion’s commitment to delivering configured bespoke, high-value solutions.
• The solution is a comprehensive, fully featured LIMS that supports complex laboratory workflows and sample management as well as providing additional functionality required for running integrated laboratory operations including: o Instrument calibration and maintenance. Ensures that instruments and equipment are correctly maintained and calibrated.
• Inventory management. Manages stocks of reagents and consumables used by the organization.
• Competency management. Tracks and manages the training and competencies of laboratory personnel.
• Storage management. Defines storage facilities, including fridges and freezers, together with associated shelves and racks etc. as well managing what can be stored in each respective location.
• Chain of custody and full audit trail. Provides a full record of all actions carried out on samples, as well as recording all changes and who carried out the actions and when.
• Runsheets and QC samples. Supports the definition and management of runsheets and instrument worklists together with associated QC samples.
• CAPA management. Corrective and preventative action management for tracking and resolving identified and reported issues.
• Controlled document management. Manages the distribution of controlled documents within the organization.
• The sophisticated software architecture supports seamless upgrades, that easily maintain existing functionalities therefore reducing the need for manual intervention and increasing efficiency. 
• A new plate management solution has been introduced, allowing for the management of 96 well plates and similar configurations, improving the organization and allowing for the tracking of plate-based experiments. 
• The advanced Bioanalytical System includes additional statistical calculations and data processing functions to support complex workflows.
• Integration into Xybion’s existing comprehensive suite of solutions offers further improved functionality and efficiencies.

 

Xybion LIMS creates a robust LIMS platform-based solution that modernizes the user interface, enhances the researchers experience, improves operational oversight, and accelerates laboratory throughput. Clients will experience cutting-edge, user-friendly design and functionality that redefines LIMS capabilities and streamlines laboratory operations.

 

“The introduction of Xybion LIMS is a testament to the strength of the Autoscribe 10.0 platform, our vision and global capabilities with hundreds of client implementations to transform laboratory operations into the gold standard of operational efficiency. With combined AI-driven advanced analytics and decision support, Xybion LIMS represents the pinnacle of this vision, offering unprecedented efficiency and usability to our customers,” said Jason Jones, SVP and General Manager of Xybion LIMS. “We have engineered a robust and intuitive LIMS solution with the flexibility to meet the dynamic needs of modern laboratories.”

 

“At Xybion, we are committed to excellence and innovation in all our solutions. The release of Xybion LIMS marks a significant milestone in our journey towards creating smarter, more efficient laboratories around the world,” said Dr. Pradip Banerjee, Chairman and CEO of Xybion. “Xybion LIMS is more than a technological breakthrough; it's about making our clients' lives easier and their laboratories digitized for faster and more impactful outcomes. With state-of-the-art features and an intuitive design, Xybion LIMS sets a new standard for laboratory operations.”

 

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@Xybion @AutoscribeLtd @AutoscribeCorp #LIMS #Laboratory

Eliminating most lab paperwork enabling more efficient completion of work.

A new case study released by Autoscribe Informatics (A Xybion Company) highlights how the North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (NDSU VDL) has successfully implemented the Matrix Gemini Veterinary LIMS. The new system has revolutionized laboratory operations, enhancing efficiency and providing a more streamlined service for veterinarians, animal producers, and the public health sector across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Western Minnesota (USA).

Based in Fargo, North Dakota, the NDSU VDL offers various diagnostic services, including toxicology, bacteriology, virology, molecular diagnostics, pathology, parasitology, and serology. As an American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) accredited laboratory, NDSU VDL provides critical support to veterinarians, animal producers, and public health officials to ensure the health and well-being of national herds, companion animals, and wildlife.

Before the implementation of Matrix Gemini LIMS, NDSU VDL was grappling with several challenges posed by its prior LIMS system. This system, which required significant time for maintenance and updates, was causing inefficiencies and bottlenecks. To ensure laboratory optimization, Matrix Gemini was chosen as the solution. The need for a modern, configurable system to manage the complexities of veterinary diagnostics, including antibiotic susceptibility testing, and support their high-volume operations was evident. The introduction of Matrix Gemini LIMS has transformed their operations, enabling a nearly paperless workflow and interfacing seamlessly with key analytical instruments to enhance data accuracy and reduce manual data entry.

Key benefits of Autoscribe’s LIMS include a 90% reduction in paper usage, improved sample tracking, and seamless integration with vital analytical instruments. This has led to more efficient operations, faster result turnaround times, and enhanced reporting accuracy. The web portal feature has benefited local veterinarians, allowing real-time access to test results and improving patient care. The system’s configurability allows NDSU VDL to adapt quickly to evolving business needs without waiting for vendor updates.

The LIMS administrator said, “laboratory needs are always dynamic, so it is great we can add fields and make changes ourselves, without waiting for the LIMS vendor to release another version of the software or make the changes for us.”

The success of Matrix Gemini LIMS at NDSU VDL is a testament to the effectiveness of the system in addressing the complex needs of veterinary diagnostic laboratories. Autoscribe Informatics continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance laboratory operations and drive efficiency. The successful implementation at NDSU is a clear example of Autoscribe’s commitment in action.

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@AutoscribeLtd @AutoscribeCorp @NDSU #LIMS #Laboratory #USA

Embracing LIMS.

A new case study released by Autoscribe Informatics (A Xybion Company) highlights how CIA Labs has streamlined their approval process, reduced the burden of paperwork, and improved their overall turn-around times by adopting Autoscribe’s Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Based in Saint Joseph, (MI USA) Custom Industrial Analysis Labs (CIA Labs) has been in operation for over 30 years serving the pharmaceutical, food and agribusiness industries, as well as testing for various industrial and chemical clients. CIA Labs is a full-service contract chemical analytical laboratory offering a wide spectrum of analytical and consulting activities for clients across the USA and globally. CIA Labs is an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). All pharmaceutical work is performed in compliance with cGMPs.

Prior to adopting a LIMS, paper was used to manage each sample and its associated data, from registering the sample at reception to capturing the analytical results and calculations in the laboratory, including the manual creation of certificates of analysis (CofAs). Over the years the volume, complexity and variety of the testing performed has grown dramatically, to the extent that paper processes were becoming a significant bottleneck for the business.

The main benefit of Autoscribe’s LIMS has been to help eliminate these bottlenecks, by removing the need to pass paperwork between the various departments and automating the creation of reports and Certificates of Analysis (CofAs) for clients. Previously, as an FDA lab, all the manual paperwork had to be checked and double checked by hand to guard against errors. Analytical results are now captured in the laboratory and checked online by the QA team. CofAs are automatically created once the checks and approvals have been completed. As a result, the total turnaround time from samples arriving to results being released to the customer has dramatically reduced.

CIA Labs are configuring the LIMS themselves as their needs evolve. “The Autoscribe team were always understanding and helpful during the implementation phase, even though timescales were heavily disrupted during the implementation by us moving to larger offices and the Covid pandemic”, they said. “Autoscribe support is always available should we have questions or issues; their team is always friendly and helpful.”

“CIA Labs is a great example of how laboratories can use the power of a LIMS to digitize and automate processes across their organization”, said Dr Simon Wood, Product Manager at Autoscribe Informatics. “Autoscribe’s LIMS allows them to meet the audit and compliance needs required by the EPA, FDA and DEA with ease, as well as service their clients more quickly and efficiently, ensuring the continued growth and success of their business.”

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@AutoscribeLtd @AutoscribeCorp @cialabs #LIMS #Laboratory #USA

Lab Info Management for Australia.

The Australian branch of Autoscribe Informatics, Autoscribe Informatics Pty Ltd, has moved to new offices in West Lakes Adelaide, to better service its growing customer base across the Asia Pacific region. The operation is headed by Jodie Poole Director, Asia Pacific for Autoscribe who has over 23 years’ experience in information technology and laboratory informatics.

“We have an increasing number of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) clients across Australasia,” said Jodie. “Our new office in West Lakes provides a superb working environment to attract and retain the very best staff in the industry and drive further expansion. It has good links across Australia and the wider Asia Pacific region.”

A wide variety of industries from across Asia Pacific are supported by Autoscribe’s Australian team including veterinary, medical research, defence, environmental, biobanking, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and contract laboratories, ensuring a varied and interesting workload.

“The ease of configuration of the Autoscribe product, Matrix Gemini LIMS, lends itself to being used in a wide variety of applications," said Simon Wood, Product Manager, Autoscribe Informatics. “Our recent merger with Xybion adds a strong preclinical LIMS offering and a QMS solution that includes predictive compliance risk analysis. Together the Xybion/Autoscribe combination offers depth of knowledge and a range of solutions to provide end-to-end laboratory digitization and automation for any industry.”

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@AutoscribeLtd @AutoscribeCorp #LIMS #Laboratory #Australia

Laboratory automation in Indonesia.

Autoscribe Informatics is to highlight how to drive laboratory automation, management, and profitability in their technical presentation at Lab Indonesia, 24-26 April 2024 in Jakarta (RI). An essential learning tool for those driving laboratory digitization and efficiency Autoscribe will highlight how laboratories use the power of computers and laboratory software to drive automation and improve bottom-line profitability.

The presentation will discuss how successful laboratories drive speed and efficiency, by using ruthless automation, to minimize manual touchpoints across laboratory work processes. The talk explores the best practices being used in modern laboratories to manage laboratory process flows, capture, and retrieve data, and to free up laboratory staff from mundane tasks to concentrate on higher value work. The best laboratories use the power of computers and laboratory software to drive this automation and improve their bottom-line profitability.

Indonesia’s “Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision” has driven increased interest in using laboratory information management systems (LIMS) to drive quality standards, improve automation and increase efficiency. Indonesia’s vision is to become the fifth largest economy in the world by 2045. As a result, the Indonesian government is actively promoting the laboratory industry’s development in order to drive technical advances across the industry, boosting productivity and quality, which in turn will drive export volumes.

“Indonesia is amongst the fastest growing Asia-Pacific economies with 5% GDP growth in 2023”, said Jodie Poole, Asia-Pacific Director, at Autoscribe Informatics. “We are excited to engage with local laboratories through our long-term distributor, Agriya Analytica. With in-depth LIMS knowledge and local language support Agriya are ideally placed to help Indonesian laboratories drive automation and growth in order to make Indonesia’s 2045 vision a reality.”

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@AutoscribeLtd @AutoscribeCorp #LIMS #Laboratory #Indonesia

Before you jump into Cloud hosted LIMS.

Autoscribe Informatics (A Xybion Company) took the opportunity in a recent webinar to discuss the much-misunderstood subject of cloud hosted laboratory software solutions. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are the heart of any modern laboratory, recording and storing all sample and associated meta data, as well as inventory, quality, staff training, and instrumentation information in one place. 

Pic:NASA

The choice of whether to keep the application and its associated data local to the laboratory and on-premise, or remotely in the cloud, is a more complex choice than it may seem. Considerations should go well beyond the resource needed to maintain the software and data and the costs of doing so, but often do not.

This webinar gave senior managers in organizations with laboratories, the knowledge to ask the tough questions and uncover which is the right choice for them.^*

Developed using Autoscribe’s many years of industry experience, it provided a balanced view of the benefits and limitations of on-premise and cloud solutions. Presented by Samuel Clark, Technical Sales Manager for North America at Autoscribe Informatics, it drew on recent experience in implementing laboratory informatics solutions across multiple industries from pharmaceutical and medical devices, to environmental, food and drink.

Topics covered included:

• Why use the Cloud?
• What does “Cloud” even mean?
• How secure is a cloud system?
• What happens to your data?
• How can you integrate instruments and other systems?
• What are the disaster recovery options

As a learning aid, this webinar is essential viewing for those making the hard choices of where to keep the main corporate asset – data. It recognizes there are trade-offs to make, and often no perfect answers, yet arms the audience with the facts to drive the right decision for their organization. After this webinar viewers will be able to decide which choice is right for their organization. 

Autoscribe supports both on-premise and cloud deployments with their Matrix Gemini LIMS, the choice entirely up to the needs of each client.

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^* View the webinar here. 

@AutoscribeLtd @AutoscribeCorp #LIMS #Laboratory

Memorandum of understanding combines robots with LIMS.

ABB Robotics and Mettler Toledo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to offer an innovative solution that seamlessly integrates ABB’s robots with LabX™, Mettler Toledo’s laboratory instrument management software (LIMS).

The combined solution will enable greater levels of efficient and high-quality automated laboratory workflows across a range of industries, making research, testing, and quality control more flexible, while accelerating time-to-market and addressing critical labor shortages.

“In combining Mettler Toledo laboratory equipment with ABB’s collaborative robots (cobots), communicated through the LabX platform, we will support operations and enable the highest traceability, productivity, and data management in the industry,” said Jose Manuel Collados, Manager of ABB Service Robotics. “By unlocking new possibilities in lab automation, our collaboration with Mettler Toledo will create efficiencies and unlock resources in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food and beverage, semiconductors, and battery industries.”

Laboratory automation, working alongside lab technicians, can perform an increasingly sophisticated range of tasks faster, more consistently and with fewer errors than human workers. Yet, the uptake of automation in laboratories is challenged by a gap in the skills needed to handle automation technology and the complexity in setting up highly sensitive workflows.

With the collaboration, Mettler Toledo’s LabX software will seamlessly integrate into ABB’s OmniCore ™ robot controllers, enabling LabX to orchestrate robotic lab workflows. By combining the flexibility, ease-of-use and precision of ABB robots with the secure data capture, method control and instrument management of LabX, customers can increase lab productivity, reduce system complexity, fulfill data quality, and safety and regulatory requirements. This also relieves scientists and lab technicians of mundane, repetitive tasks; eliminating common errors; and optimizing productivity – providing lab professionals additional time to pursue higher-value activities, such as data analytics.

"Great innovation starts at the bench, especially when you are able to minimize process times and human error while also supporting the generation of high-quality data and information," says Stefan Heiniger, Head of Laboratory Division for Mettler Toledo. "Mettler Toledo and ABB will provide a powerful, intuitive, and standardized toolset that meets the need of laboratories of all sizes and types that will deliver new levels of automation, speed, and insights, while also reducing costs."

The collaboration is part of ABB’s ongoing strategy to bring the benefits of automation to new segments worldwide and complements the work at the Life Sciences and Healthcare lab at the Texas Medical Center in Houston as well as the newly inaugurated Open Innovation Lab for Life Science and Healthcare in Zhangjiang Robot Valley, Shanghai.

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@ABBRobotics @mettlertoledo @ABBgroupnews @ABBMeasurement @abb_automation @NapierPR #LifeSciences #Robotics #LIMS #Pharma

LIMS rapid enhancements.

Matrix Gemini version 6.11 has been released by Autoscribe Informatics. In the past twelve months there have been 6 new software releases. It is a testament to the agile approach of the development team that fully tested releases are available on average every two months. New or improved features in the last twelve months include: extended federated identity management, an improved web portal allowing authorized clients access to our customers’ systems, and improved support for custom field functionality.

“Multiple fast releases of sophisticated and configurable software, such as laboratory information management systems, enables high-priority customer enhancements to be deployed in weeks, not years,” said Simon Wood, Autoscribe Informatics Product Manager. “Providing regular updates to our clients is only possible because we take great care to simplify the upgrade path from version to version. Customer configurations are always kept separate to the underlying software code so updates do not impact the customer’s specific implementation of Matrix Gemini. This allows customers to take full advantage of the rapidly evolving technology within Matrix Gemini LIMS while protecting their long-term investment in a LIMS solution.”

Federated identity management means users can use the same login credentials (digital identity) to access multiple applications. Autoscribe’s customers adopt this single sign on (SSO) technology to simplify user password management across their enterprise and reduce the number of passwords that users must remember. Matrix Gemini LIMS now supports an extended range of 3rd party identity providers, including Azure and Okta. For more details on SSO in Matrix Gemini please read our blog article.

In response to customer input Autoscribe has created an improved Web Portal application allowing Matrix users to give their clients controlled access to the LIMS. Using the Matrix Web Portal clients can register samples, select the tests they want done, check the status of their samples, download test results, and retrieve certificates of analysis. Through the internet clients can access the Web Portal 24/7, from anywhere, while the built-in security ensures they only see their own data and information. The look and feel of the Web Portal can easily be configured to meet customers’ corporate branding requirements. Further details can be found on our website.

Custom fields are required because it has never been possible for a LIMS to pre-determine all the data and information a customer will need to record as they often need to store information unique to their operations or workflows. This data might include additional date, text, or numeric fields. While Matrix Gemini LIMS has always allowed custom fields to be added to its database to use for this purpose, recent releases have improved the flexibility of this. These changes have improved how these fields are added and managed while simplifying the support and upgrade of systems that use them. Both Microsoft SQL and Oracle database structures are supported.

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@AutoscribeLtd @AutoscribeCorp #LIMS #Laboratory

LIMS expansion moves.

Xybion Corporation has acquired Autoscribe Informatics (“Autoscribe”). This acquisition represents a significant strategic expansion in the Xybion’s Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) business globally.

Autoscribe, a globally recognized LIMS software provider, headquartered in Britain, with additional operations in the United States and Australia. Autoscribe LIMS provides multi-industry domain solutions, easy to use and configure software that is currently used by over 140 customers. This acquisition aligns with Xybion’s vision of fast-tracking lab digitization and information management SaaS solutions to simplify lab operations and speed up innovation.

Dr. Pradip K. Banerjee, CEO of Xybion, articulates, “The acquisition of Autoscribe marks a significant strategic milestone in Xybion’s expansive growth strategy. The inclusion of Autoscribe’s geographic presence, particularly in the United Kingdom, and its specialized talent pool will substantially augment the growth trajectory of Xybion’s LIMS business sector, encompassing an array of fully developed LIMS product modules across diverse global industries.”

John Boother, founder of Autoscribe, stated “I believe that Xybion is the right home for the next phase of Autoscribe’s development. I feel that the Autoscribe employees will be highly valued and respected, and our products and technologies will be a strong foundation for LIMS business into the future as part of Xybion.”

This acquisition ushers in a strategic and transformative opportunity for Xybion, its customers, and partners creating a unique and unparalleled LIMS offering for global enterprises. This will not only help expand Xybion’s existing position in the life sciences & health systems but also broadens its horizon into additional sectors such as food & beverage, manufacturing, petrochemicals, radio pharmacy, biobanking, veterinary sciences, environment & water, Materials & mining, among others.

Austoscribe and Xybion’s combined capabilities will help its customers with cloud enabled, modern LIMS software with embedded quality management, document management, data management, compliance, and safety modules.

This acquisition means that Xybion is strategically positioned to offer unprecedented value and innovation in the LIMS sector, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, innovation, and digital transformation of laboratories in these rapidly evolving industries.

“Autoscribe LIMS allows limitless configurations with no custom coding. Autoscribe and Xybion’s combined industry expertise, alongside our product and technological foundation, will be integral to driving lab digitization efforts for our customers to the next level,” stated Kamal Biswas, President and COO of Xybion.

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@Xybion @AutoscribeLtd @AutoscribeCorp #LIMS #Laboratory

Informatics & LIMS for India.

Elab Informatics has been appointed as distributor of Autoscribe Informatics prestigious Matrix Gemini LIMS in India. Elab Informatics has focused on growing its Lab Informatics consulting services uo to now. This agreement enables Elab to also sell and support Matrix Gemini LIMS software in addition to offering configuration and informatics consulting services to clients.

The comprehensive configuration tools built into Matrix Gemini allows Elab to tailor each LIMS to the exact needs of each client without the need for custom coding. The tools use an intuitive ‘drag and drop’ workflow screen editor to create and modify unlimited numbers of screens, without the need for programming skills. In this way, the LIMS can be designed quickly to exactly match local user requirements.

Elab has quickly built a strong reputation in guiding clients through laboratory digitization programs, linking LIMS to instruments and corporate systems to drive efficiency and regulatory compliance. The new agreement gives the company access to the world’s most configurable software, perfect for their diverse spectrum of laboratory types, including research and development, quality control, biobanking, stability, and environmental monitoring.

“The versatility of Matrix Gemini LIMS provides the perfect platform for consulting organizations such as Elab to dominate their chosen markets,” said John Boother, Autoscribe Informatics. “India is predicted to be among the fastest growing economies over the next few years, with S&P Global predicting an average growth rate of 6.7% up to 2031. The combination of a fast-growing economy, Elab Informatics expertise and customer reach, and the flexibility of Matrix Gemini LIMS, provides a unique opportunity for Elab to grow their market share much faster than the already impressive growth rates across this region.”

“We are excited to be offering Matrix Gemini LIMS to our clients”, said Prashant Gandhi, founder and director of Elab Informatics. “The unusually flexible nature of Autoscribe’s software allows us to help our clients achieve their lab digitization vision, drive automation and efficiency, and meet regulatory requirements across a broad section of industries. Our already broad client base including manufacturing, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and environmental industries will all benefit from the Low Code Development Platform (LCDP) on which Matrix is based. It allows us to rapidly configure LIMS solutions to fit client needs without resorting to software programming methods traditionally used. The result is faster deployments that are more easily supported in the field, and more upgradeable over the lifetime of the LIMS, reducing overall costs for our clients.”

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 @AutoscribeLtd @AutoscribeCorp #LIMS #Laboratory #India

Laboratory information system distributorship.

Labtec Egypt Group (LEG) has been appointed by Autoscribe Informatics as distributor for the Matrix Gemini Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) in Egypt.

Founded in 1993 by Dr.Ehab Adeeb, LEG is recognized today as one of the leading professional companies in Egypt, known for deep technical knowledge, high quality support, and specialization in most laboratory supplies and services. Over the years Labtec has expanded its activity to serve more and more QC and R&D labs across a broad range of market segments, including the petroleum/petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, environmental, hospitals & health care, universities, and food industries. LEG has well-trained and experienced staff, with the skills to support local LIMS implementations.

Dr. Adeeb, LEG CEO commented, “Matrix Gemini LIMS helps build our portfolio of software solutions for the Egyptian market. It is perfectly suited to our pharmaceutical, food, and oil & gas industries and links with many of the complex laboratory instruments we already sell and support.”

Matrix Gemini LIMS may be configured to fit the exact needs of each laboratory. The Matrix configuration tools enable easy adaption of every screen in the workflow to suit any industry. Configuration is performed using graphically based tools without the use of any software scripts or coding. This makes configuration simpler and support for all configurations can be done remotely making Matrix Gemini LIMS the perfect choice for laboratories across the Middle East.

John Boother, President at Autoscribe Informatics said “Labtec provides us a great opportunity to expand further into the Middle East and Northeast Africa. They have a deep knowledge of the local laboratories in their region and an in-house team that work closely with customers both before and after product purchase, which mirrors our own consultative approach to business."

@AutoscribeLtd @AutoscribeCorp #Laboratory #LIMS #Egypt

Updated Veterinary LIMS System.

The latest release of Autoscribe Informatics' starter systems has been announced. The 4Q22 release includes an improved Veterinary LIMS starter system, and two updated modules for Matrix Gemini LIMS, aliquots and derivatives, and improved security groups.

Download  veterinary brochure here

“The 4Q22 LIMS starter systems provide a significant step forward in performance. They offer new and improved features to deliver LIMS projects faster and with more functionality than ever,” said Simon Wood, Product Manager at Autoscribe Informatics. “The new starter systems have all been based on, and tested with, Matrix Gemini v6.5. This includes our new Matrix Gemini Web application which provides a faster, more user-friendly web interface for users.”

The extended Veterinary LIMS starter system incorporates feedback from recent customer projects in this field. The system now includes:

• Improved rule-based limits to support breed and age of animal, easing the complexity of setting up animal specific limits
• Culture and sensitivity test panel examples to help identification of effective anti-microbials
• Sample pooling tests pre-built within the LIMS to aid herd/flock level testing Optional support for manual differential testing to assist recording counts while using a microscope

The improved aliquot and derivative module is designed to allow samples and derivative samples to be more easily created and managed. Aliquots are created when a parent sample is split into two or more child samples of the same substance. Derivatives are created when a parent sample is split into two or more processed child samples (for example, whole blood into plasma and red blood cells). Multiple parent samples can be aliquoted at the same time, with the child samples of each being treated identically in each case. It is now possible to automatically assign substances to the child samples, as well as the tests to be done on them, at the time of aliquoting. Meta data from the parent samples can be transferred to the child samples, while preserving the relationship between the parent/child samples.

Matrix Gemini has always allowed user-based access to specific functionality. However, the improved security groups module allows users to be assigned to multiple groups. This simplifies security administration and enables finer control of user access to system functionality.

The starter systems are available immediately for use in all new LIMS projects. The configurations of workflows, screens, menus, and other items in each starter system are held in their own database, separate to the LIMS software. This allows the underlying version of Matrix to be upgraded without affecting the configuration of the system, making future maintenance straight-forward.

@AutoscribeLtd @AutoscribeCorp #Laboratory #LIMS

The breadth of LIMS.

If you did not think a LIMS was for your laboratory because you are in an unusual industry, think again.

Recent data released by Autoscribe Informatics shows the breadth of industries purchasing a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); many for the first time. This market analysis from recent projects shows the cross-section of clients is moving well beyond what many think of as the LIMS core market of Healthcare, Medical Devices, and Pharmaceuticals.

These highly regulated industries have been using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for many years because they must manage their data securely. However, recently significant growth has been seen in other areas including: 

• Cannabis testing to keep up with extended use and regulation of cannabis in the leisure and medical industries
• Environmental testing to meet tighter regulatory requirements, especially in the water and nuclear power industries
• Food & Beverage testing to ensure data from quality control testing is readily available in order to meet increasingly strict FDA audit demands
• Extended Biobank management systems to support ever-growing research into personalized medicine, along with new biotechnology and clinical testing systems to support trials and the roll-out of new treatments.

Other areas with quality control functions are switching from paper systems to LIMS including diverse manufacturing organizations from paper and materials to chemicals and oil additives. In many of these cases reducing the burden of managing paper records and the overhead of manually retrieving data across various batches is a key driver, particularly for management reporting and customer audits.

“We are seeing an ever-broader selection of laboratory types embrace LIMS”, said Tim Daniels, Marketing Manager at Autoscribe. “Flexibility is the key to meeting this increasing diversity which is why Matrix Gemini LIMS is so successful. It is a highly configurable solution using a drag-and-drop graphical editor. This allows changes to be made easily to every screen, menu and list box in the workflow. The result is a LIMS that meets the needs of every laboratory, whilst remaining easy to understand and use.”

This data backs up industry analysis that shows the LIMS market is expected to continue its rapid growth, with a CAGR of 13.2% to reach $2.1Bn in 2026^[1]. Many new market areas are now switching to LIMS, or indeed upgrading their early LIMS choices, to reap the benefits of automation and efficiency in their laboratory. Autoscribe has an extensive range of case studies highlighting laboratories from a broad swathe of industries available.

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¹ Markets & Markets - Global LIMS Forecast

@AutoscribeLtd @marketsmarkets #LIMS #Laboratory 

More efficiency with LIMS.

Matrix Gemini version 6.6 has been released by Autoscribe Informatics. The December 2022 release includes a number of enhancements designed to improve the user experience even further.

“The release of version 6.6 of Matrix Gemini LIMS provides further productivity enhancements that our customers have been asking for,” said Simon Wood, Product Manager. “Our product roadmap continues to move forward at pace, driving laboratory integration, reducing manual touchpoints, and continuously improving return on investment for our clients. Our philosophy is to use our ability to rapidly evolve the software to meet our clients’ needs to outpace the development of rival solutions. Combined with the ability to upgrade the underlying software without affecting the configured systems, our customers can rapidly incorporate the latest technology and ideas into their Laboratory Informatics solution.”

The ability to split and freeze columns and rows in a complex grid mirrors the Excel Freeze Panes function. The function allows users to easily navigate large or complex layout grids by maintaining the position of column and/or row headings and/or key fields.

To further improve result entry grids, used to input results to the LIMS, Autoscribe has implemented the use of drop-down lists and the direct entry of textual notes within the grid. Drop down lists allow a value for a result cell to be selected directly from a predefined set of values for that specific result. Again, this provides functionality similar to that available in Excel and which is so familiar to many users. Finally, where textual notes previously had to be entered into a separate screen, they can now be entered directly into a notes cell in the result entry grid. As well as providing a familiar user interface, these enhancements improve efficiency by reducing the number of clicks required to perform these actions.

The new Matrix Gemini LIMS Web Application introduced in v6.5 now supports multiple screens across multiple tabs. Enabling users to see multiple screens more easily in the workflow allows greater flexibility in the way users can interact with Matrix Gemini and improves productivity. For example, users may show work allocation, instrument management and sample management screens simultaneously to more efficiently allocate resources and available instruments to samples that require testing.

Within Matrix Gemini there is a clear separation of the underlying software and the configuration layer that determines the user interfaces including workflows and screens. Separating the underlying technology layer and the business layer enables users to take advantage of developments in the underlying software, such as those described here, while maintaining their own specific configurations. On average a new software upgrade is released quarterly. Autoscribe prides itself on having customers who have been using Matrix LIMS since 1990, and who continue to upgrade their systems taking advantage of new features and improved performance capabilities as they become available.

@AutoscribeLtd @AutoscribeCorp #Laboratory #LIMS #TandM

LIMS starter systems.

Autoscribe Informatics has announced the 3Q22 release of its updated starter systems. As well as ensuring that the starter systems run on the latest Autoscribe Matrix software, improvements have been made to the Chain of Custody (CoC) module, and inventory management and batch manufacturing have been more tightly integrated. “We regularly update our Matrix LIMS Starter Systems to incorporate the best of the new features, enhancements and modifications,” said Simon Wood, Product Manager. “This, combined with on-going development of our underlying software ensures that current and future customers can benefit from the investment we continue to make in our best of breed LIMS solutions.”   Key Matrix starter systems include: Matrix Express General Laboratory  Regulated Pharmaceutical/Manufacturing Biobank Mortuary Radiopharmacy Veterinary Water/Environmental The CoC module is designed to track items (entities) in terms of both location and responsibility (i.e., ownership). For each sample, its location, the person responsible for it, and the overall custodian, is noted at all times. This enables a complete audit trail of where the sample has been, and under whose control, to be generated at any time. It is especially useful for labs such as those dealing with controlled substances or forensics samples, where location and responsibility must always be known.   Inventory module improvements within the manufacturing system now closely tie the inventory used in each batch with the overall inventory available. This allows organizations to better monitor stock levels.   Other updates with this release include improvements to the Corrective Action/Preventative Action (CAPA), Inventory management, Instrument Calibration and Maintenance (ICMS) and Environmental Monitoring modules in the Biobank starter system, and improved Report Versioning.   Initially released with Matrix Gemini v6.4, the starter systems are upgradeable to work with newer versions of the LIMS software as they become available. The configurations of the starter systems are held separately in the database allowing the underlying version of Matrix to be upgraded without affecting the configuration. This makes upgrades straight forward.

Web browser application for LIMS.

Matrix Gemini version 6.5 has been released by Autoscribe Informatics. In a major upgrade to the underlying technology Autoscribe has introduced a new web browser application for Matrix Gemini known simply as the New Matrix Gemini Web application. By adopting the latest technologies and standards Autoscribe are ensuring that Matrix Gemini meets, and will continue to meet, the changing requirements of a modern laboratory informatics solution.

Simon Wood

“Managing configuration changes through an audit controlled graphical editor gives system administrators total control over the changes they make and provides a complete historical record of those changes,” said Simon Wood, Product Manager. “If necessary, updates can be revoked at the touch of a button. This is simply not possible in systems that use hard coded configuration. Having the evidence of changes built into the system means it is simpler and easier to answer questions auditors may have about how and when functionality has been modified.”

The LIMS workflow, screens, menus, lists and all other configurable options are available for the New Web application in the same way as the existing Desktop and Web applications. Configurations are created and modified using the built-in Matrix Configuration Tools and, after approval, are instantly available to the users in all three applications. 

The underlying software is untouched by configuration with configuration details held in a separate database. All configuration changes are recorded in an audit trail and released in a controlled way. Since a complete history of changes is always available users can revert to any previous version of any screen or workflow should the need arise. This functionality is unique in the world of LIMS. It ensures laboratories have a complete history of all configuration changes in much the same way as they have a complete history of all the samples and sample data that goes through the LIMS.

Customers upgrading from a previous version of Matrix Gemini will automatically be able to take advantage of the New Web application, exactly as they accessed their Desktop and Web configurations in previous releases.

The New Web application is available with immediate effect as a beta release in v6.5. Current customers are encouraged to load both the Web and New Web applications side-by-side and fully test their LIMS configuration using example typical test cases to ensure expected functionality.

“The introduction of the New Web application has significantly enhanced our product and ensures that it will continue to meet the needs of customers now and for the future”, continued Simon. “This, combined with significant performance improvements in key areas, will bring major benefits to users. Combine this with the new look and feel of the New Web application and it is easy to see why Matrix Gemini LIMS is the compelling solution for today’s connected laboratory.

@AutoscribeLtd @AutoscribeCorp #Laboratory #LIMS #TandM

LIMS in metallurgical testing.

Autoscribe Informatics has released a new case study focusing on how Matrix Gemini LIMS transformed AMS Testing and provided a solid quality framework for its metallurgical testing. Using the new LIMS avoids the need to manually collate and create final reports, enables the creation of quotes and invoices directly from the LIMS, and automatically generates management reports as required.

“Clients like AMS Testing are a pleasure to work with because they come to us with very specific user requirements, and a clear vision of what they want”, said Tim Daniels, Marketing Manager at Autoscribe Informatics. “This allowed us to configure Matrix Gemini to their needs and go live within six months of starting the project. The resulting efficiency gains have been clearly demonstrated, allowing AMS to plan to further expand the scope of the LIMS.”

AMS Testing is a specialist metallurgical ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratory based in the Britain. Testing services include metallurgical, corrosion, mechanical, and chemical tests on metals and alloys. The laboratory now benefits from a simple to use laboratory information management system that has allowed them to adopt more efficient working practices. The resulting increase in efficiency has allowed AMS to grow rapidly, providing big returns for the business.

The company decided on Matrix Gemini LIMS from Autoscribe Informatics after assessing three different Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) vendors. “Choosing a LIMS was a learning process for us,” explained the Operations Manager at AMS Testing. “We really appreciated the open and helpful feedback we got from Autoscribe during that journey”. The Autoscribe solution was not chosen on cost, but because AMS Testing felt they could work with the LIMS vendor to implement the system they needed, and because the configurable nature of Matrix Gemini LIMS could meet their specific requirements.

A wide range of metals and alloys are analyzed, on behalf of clients, for quality control and failure analysis. Examples include weld testing where both the quality of the welding performed by individual welders and the quality of the welding operational procedures themselves are verified and approved. Processes on materials can be evaluated to ensure the procedures worked correctly. Both raw materials and final products, such as industrial valves, are assessed for a broad range of industries. Failure investigation and analysis services help provide the root cause of failures, preventing similar incidents occurring, and improving the quality of client products. AMS has successfully developed a unique position within the laboratory testing scene providing immediate friendly, personal, and professional advice from extensive experience of metallurgical testing.

@AutoscribeLtd  @AdvMedServ #TandM #LIms 

Combatting drunk/drug driving and criminal activity.

Autoscribe Informatics has announced a new case study highlighting the work of the University of Iceland’s forensic toxicology laboratory. The Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology (RLE) configured the Matrix Gemini LIMS themselves, to meet their own unique needs. RLE is now using the LIMS to analyze drug and alcohol samples to support the police and the judiciary in Iceland.

Download Case Study

A case study highlighting the work of the RLE and the benefits they gained by using Matrix Gemini LIMS may be downloaded here on the Autoscribe web site.

“Matrix Gemini LIMS provides the flexibility we need to manage and report on forensic toxicology results for police and the judiciary,” said RLE’s Project Manager. “Being able to configure the LIMS ourselves enables us to make any changes we need and puts us in control.”

As well as analyzing biological samples for the presence and concentration of alcohol and drugs, the laboratory conducts investigations into drugs of abuse seized by the police and monitors potentially damaging pollutants and pesticides in the environment. Around 4-5,000 cases a year go through this busy ISO certified forensic toxicology laboratory.

The case study describes how they chose Matrix Gemini to replace their current LIMS, for which support was being withdrawn, and how it meets their needs for biological, material, and environmental testing. The work of the RLE must be of the highest standard as it supports prosecutions in Iceland’s judicial system. The laboratory follows good laboratory practice (GLP) and is certified to ISO 14001 for environmental management systems and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety management systems. Access to laboratory data within the LIMS is segregated, enabling the three sub-departments to see only the data and information relevant to them. Allowing access on a ‘need-to-know’ basis like this keeps sensitive data confidential, vital for information that may be used in a future prosecution.

“This case study highlights just how easy it is to configure Matrix Gemini to meet your needs, rather than change your working practices, terminology and operating procedures to suit your LIMS,” said Tim Daniels, Marketing Manager at Autoscribe Informatics.

@AutoscribeLtd #LIMS #Iceland #Policing

Veterinary case study on laboratory information management system.

Autoscribe Informatics has released a new veterinary laboratory case study focusing on the benefits that Matrix Gemini LIMS has bought to Scone Equine Hospital. The LIMS is in daily use in the largest equine veterinary practice in Australia.

Explaining why Scone Equine chose Matrix Gemini LIMS the laboratory supervisor said “We ended up deciding on Matrix due to the flexibility that the system offered. Many LIMS are based around how pathology labs work, which to a degree covers what we do. However we work in the veterinary and thoroughbred industry and our clients have particular requirements on how they like things done. To accommodate that we had to have something more flexible than a traditional LIMS. We felt that Autoscribe could be adaptable in their approach and work with us to actually get what we wanted to meet our requirements”.

One of the key benefits from the introduction of a LIMS has been the increased level of automation. The integration of instruments with the LIMS ensures results are free of transcription errors and immediately available for review. Once approved, test results are automatically sent to the referring veterinarian or owner (depending on the rules defined in the LIMS), improving the level of customer service that the organization can offer its clients. The time savings realized from these changes alone has saved 2-3 hours a day during the equine breeding season, eliminating some of the burden of employing extra staff members during this busy period.

Improved visibility of samples awaiting test enables staff to provide more accurate updates to clients. Easy access to the test results along with results from historical testing quickly provides a holistic view of every equine patient.

“Our experience with Autoscribe Matrix LIMS has been excellent – more efficient, more accurate, more user-friendly. Following the initial engagement, the company devoted significant resources to understanding our business and requirements to ensure a smooth transition to the system,” said Cameron Collins, the Managing Director at Scone Equine. “Implementation of the system has resulted in improved efficiency for our team, a significantly enhanced search capability for our clients and increased accuracy of results due to reduction in data transcription errors.”

The comprehensive audit functionality supplied as standard with Matrix Gemini LIMS ensures that any changes to data, from registration to testing to approval, can be queried and tracked. Autoscribe Informatics and Scone Equine Hospital have worked as a team to configure several system changes and improvements since their initial implementation. This includes amendments to the way that microbiology results are entered, made possible without coding, due to the inherent flexibility offered by the Matrix Configuration Tools.

@AutoscribeLtd @AutoscribeCorp #LIMS 

40 years managing lab info!

Autoscribe celebrates 40 years in business this year, making it one of the earliest suppliers of LIMS.

Founded in 1981, Autoscribe Ltd is a privately owned British Company. Over the years it has expanded to have staff and offices in USA and Australia as well as a network of distributors worldwide. Autoscribe remains a family business with three generations of the Boother family involved, and the same customer centric values as 40 years ago. The Matrix product has evolved over that time from being supplied on floppy disks and running on 1980s computer technology, to the current solution running on modern 64-bit servers with browser or desktop applications that support on-premise or cloud deployment.

The common theme of the founding father, John Boother, has always been the need for flexibility. From his laboratory experience he knew that no two laboratories were ever the same. Each had unique requirements in the way they worked, from the type of sample information captured during registration, to the data needed to be shown during result approval and the test reports generated. Consequently, even from the early days of Matrix LIMS, flexibility was key to the product.

The current Matrix Gemini LIMS v6.0 continues to provide users with an ultra-flexible configuration interface. Changes can be made to any screen in the system by the users themselves. Changes, having been approved, are available for all users. The configurable web-based interface provides an ability to work remotely, from anywhere, while still preserving this ultra-flexible configuration capability. Uniquely among LIMS vendors, even changes made by users are fully supported by Autoscribe through direct expert-led helpdesk support. The underlying software is never touched or modified by the users allowing software updates to be easily applied without corrupting modified screens or workflows. Configuration is done using the built-in editing tools; coding skills (such as C#, html or Java) are not required. This allows clients to change the system to suit their needs while preserving the ability to upgrade to new versions of the software to take advantage of new and improved features, all in the safe knowledge that their support agreements are never compromised.

40 years on Autoscribe is listening to its laboratory customers and driving Matrix LIMS forward to meet those needs. “I’m excited about the trajectory of Autoscribe and how we are winning business across a broad range of industries and laboratory types,” said John Boother, Chairman of Autoscribe Informatics. “I’m proud that at its core Matrix LIMS remains as flexible today as our vision for it was at the beginning of this journey. It is as suitable for Companies with a single small laboratory or multinationals, with multiple laboratories on multiple sites. A truly scalable solution whether on-premise or cloud based. Both our underlying software and our configured market specific starter systems continue to rapidly evolve to meet new challenges. Autoscribe is poised to help drive the laboratory industry forward in the 2020s, and beyond, just as much as in those early days.”

@AutoscribeLtd @AutoscribeCorp #LIMS #Laboratory