The challenge
Laboratories are faced with the challenge of processing more and more samples in less and less time. In addition, there are growing demands for traceability and documentation, which cannot be met with current staffing levels. In research, the pressure to be fast is increasing. Having findings from previous experiments readily available for evaluation is one way of increasing efficiency. In the context of globalization, teams work all over the world, which increases the need to share resources and have access to the results of team colleagues.
Development
Computers have been used in laboratories since 1950. Today, they are indispensable. Almost every device either offers integrated software, is connected to a dedicated computer reserved for this device or is connected to a company network. The result is a variety of devices and generated data. Any project that wants to bring the different information together must first deal with various - often proprietary - formats and ensure that interfaces still work after updating device software. Data is often transferred manually, e.g. reading the measurement results on a scale and entering them manually in a LIMS system. Each manual step takes time and carries an increased risk of errors. Critical manual steps must be safeguarded by e.g. the dual control principle. However, automating everything is not economical due to the maintenance of rarely used interfaces.
Future, partly already present
Costs can be reduced by making greater use of standards. Keywords here are SILA, AnIML, Allotrope Foundation, Pistoia Alliance. Standards should make it easier for laboratory devices to communicate with each other and contribute data to shared data pools. On this basis, LIMS, ELN, HIS systems and others can access multiple data sources more easily and allow comprehensive searches and displays. The use of central, standardized repositories also makes it easier to ensure long-term archiving.