LIMSzine
The following column highlights the events of the Tenth International
LIMS Conference (LIMS-10) in June 1996. In particular, Internet functionality,
enterprise-wide solutions and wireless computing, as well as papers, workshops
and awards, are covered.
If the features and capabilities highlighted at the recent International
LIMS Conference are any indication, the isolation of the laboratory is almost
over. From enterprise-wide connectivity to wireless computing to an Internet
front-end, a variety of go-anywhere do-anything functions are taking Laboratory
Information Management Systems (LIMS) into exciting new areas.
Held in Pittsburgh, PA, the 10th International LIMS (LIMS-10) Conference
offered a unique forum for laboratory professionals to learn about the latest
LIMS solutions. Conference Chairman Richard Mahaffey stated that not only
was registration up and more vendors exhibiting their wares, but that the
pre-conference short courses drew the highest attendance ever. "We're
still seeing a mixture of novices and experienced users at the LIMS Conferences,
which means there continues to be a growing market for LIMS," he concluded.
Internet Functionality
Not only is the marketplace growing, but the growth of the Internet is having
an impact on LIMS. While Automated Compliance Systems (Bridgewater, NJ)
was the first vendor to promote use of the Internet to log onto the LIMS,
nimble interfaces that run under web browsers were highlighted for the first
time in the LabWare (Wilmington, DE), LabSystems
(Beverly, MA), and Perkin-Elmer (PE) Nelson (San Jose, CA) booths. Such
an interface was also the subject of a paper by Tim Long, Manager of Quality
Information Systems at Amgen (Thousand Oaks, CA). Amgen uses an Intranet
to deliver dynamic data across different systems within the organization,
addressing queries about sample results and sample status from a variety
of departments, as well as allowing output of that information.
During demonstrations at the LabWare booth, Dr. Jo Webber highlighted the
new network functionality. Using the Netscape web browser, users log into
the LIMS with a username and password, then select from pull down menus
to run a variety of reports. For instance, selecting "Sample ID"
activated a search and browse function on samples in the LIMS database prior
to selecting from any report format in the LIMS.
LabSystems touted their Internet/Intranet
enabled functionality which allows the LIMS software to be accessed under
a web browser. This enables users to log into remote sites, design their
own home page, and use their own interfaces to access the LabSystems
SampleManager LIMS. According to General Manager Clive Higgins, any LIMS
task can be carried out from the web browser.
Both LabSystems and PE Nelson emphasized
that this functionality is not a product but a feature.
"This is a concept, a capability rather than a product," PE Nelson's
Mike Kelly pointed out. "Using the Oracle Web Tool, any of our users
can create this type of interface to their LIMS. PE Nelson demonstrated
the SQL*LIMS Virtual Lab on an experimental server. In this particular demonstration,
the user logs into the LIMS via the web browser and has a choice of selecting
between log sample by sample type, view log request, and view sample results.
Kelly adds that because the Oracle Web Tool is utilized, Oracle is responsible
for security, which is ensured by keeping all web elements separate from
the LIMS.
In essence, an Internet/Intranet front end on the LIMS can extend the power
of the LIMS database beyond the central location.
Enterprise-Wide Solutions
Further to extending the reach of the LIMS is the ability to interface to
other parts of the enterprise. Enterprise-wide connectivity was the subject
of a workshop by Hewlett-Packard's
(Wilmington, DE) Herbert Knoesel, as well as the essence of a paper by Kyle
McDuffie of Taratec Development Corporation (Bridgewater, NJ). Knoesel described
the methodology for interfacing the LIMS to an SAP R/3 solution, while McDuffie
explained how the SAP R/3 system was implemented at Dow Chemical. Several
other papers also touched on delivering data across the enterprise.
Enterprise-wide solutions are growing in importance as the need to provide
information across the organization increases. Several LIMS vendors have
provided connectivity to MRP and MRP II systems for some time. The newer
ERP solution provided by SAP (Walldorf, Germany) optimizes connectivity
of the LIMS into the entire organization through a thorough test and certificate
program. LabSystems. for instance,
was the first LIMS vendor to become certified to the SAP R/3 system after
passing the extensive program requirements.
Wireless Computing
According to Exposition Chairman Bruce Lyttle, not only were more than 30
vendors exhibiting a variety of LIMS solutions, but wireless computing made
its debut. Wireless solutions were demonstrated by LabSystems,
Quality Systems International (QSI) (Midland Park, NJ), and Planet Computing
(Austin, TX).
"It lowers the cost of the LIMS because it is less expensive than a
PC as the front end; it's mobile; and it provides handwriting recognition,"
stated Wayne Verost, President of QSI. QSI has signed a joint marketing
agreement with Planet Computing to promote the LinkPAD, a pen-based hand-held
module that enables mobile computing using the QSI LIMS. LabSystems,
on the other hand, was demonstrating a small, approximately 7x9 inch, hand-held
computer that offers a small keyboard as well as pen-based data entry. Both
solutions promote the enhanced mobility and flexibility available with wireless
computing. Indeed, LabSystems' John Perry walked out of the booth, around
the corner, down the hall, into the elevator, and was only cut off from
the LIMS server when the elevator doors closed!
Papers, Workshops, and Awards
The LIMS-10 Conference was organized around a number of events, including
papers, break-out sessions, and workshops as well as pre-conference short
courses and LIMS exhibits. Jeff Miller, Program Chairman, was responsible
for organizing this year's program. "We strove to set up different
avenues for attendees to explore, and tried to include a variety of topics
to provide a balanced LIMS picture," he recalled. "There were
parallel break-out sessions of papers by end-users and workshops by vendors
so that conference attendees could pick what they wanted."
The International LIMS Conferences not only offer an unequaled opportunity
to learn about LIMS solutions and how such solutions are implemented, but
also recognize stellar contributions to the industry.
Robert McGargle was the recipient of the 1995 LIMS Award, an annual recognition
by the LIMS Institute to honor exceptional service to the field of LIMS.
An Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Cleveland State
University, Ohio, McGargle has made numerous contributions to the LIMS industry
over the years. He has mentored some 17 scientists through their careers
and authored several papers on laboratory automation and LIMS. For the past
nine years, McGargle has been active with the LIMS Institute, the International
LIMS Conferences, and the ASTM E49.07 committee that defines and develops
LIMS validation guidelines. This recognition of McGargle's efforts by the
LIMS community is certainly well-deserved.
The next International LIMS Conference will be held in The Hague, The Netherlands,
June 3-5, 1997.