The following is a wrap-up of news of interest during
the months of November and December in 1996.Autoscribe Ltd Announces New Additions
to the Matrix LIMS Product Family
Two new additions to the Matrix LIMS product line, Matrix Lite and Matrix
Standard have been announced by Autoscribe. Matrix Lite offers a low-cost
entry-level LIMS, while Matrix Standard delivers networked LIMS functionality
to suit everyday needs. There is a simple and complete upgrade path from
Matrix Lite to Matrix Standard to Matrix Plus, which can incorporate configuration
tools that allow users to define, modify and fine tune the system to on-going
and developing needs. For details, contact Autoscribe Ltd at +44 01734-883125
in the UK, or Geocore Services at (913) 826-1616 in the US.
Axiom Systems Announces LIMSymphony Implementation
Process
Axiom Systems now offers the LIMSymphony Implementation Process with every
LABMaestro system. LIMSymphony is a formal nine-phase implementation process
designed to ensure LABMaestro is implemented to meet the specific requirements
of the individual laboratory. Each step is documented and requires customer
acceptance before the next phase. There are many formal oversight points
built into the process to ensure the project is delivered on-time and within
budget. LIMSymphony is backed by the Axiom Guarantee, an unconditional performance
guarantee. The LIMSymphony Implementation Process ensures that each LIMS
project will be implemented with minimal distruption to the laboratory staff.
For more information, contact Axiom Systems at (800) 323-LIMS or visit their
web site at http://www.axiomlims.com.
Axiom Systems Announces LABMaestro Version
1.6.1 and New Modules
Axiom Systems has announced a new verson 1.6.1 for its LABMaestro client/server
LIMS product line. This latest version offers an updated user interface
(GUI), several enhancements, and a new Quality Control module. Additionally,
Axiom has announced a new Quotations and Invoicing module, and a new Chemical
Inventory module. Both of these modules are fully integrated with LABMaestro's
core system. The Chemical Inventory module may also be used as a standalone
application. For more information, contact Axiom Systems at (800) 323-LIMS
or visit their web site at http://www.axiomlims.com.
Axiom Systems Announces a New Forensics
Version of LABMaestro
Axiom Systems has announced a new applicaiton of LABMaestro specifically
for forensics laboratories. LABMaestro Forensics combines the robust functionality
of LABMaestro with the specific implementation experience Axiom has had
with the NYPD. LABMaestro Forensics combines the sample management requirements
of a LIMS with the specific requirements of investigative and crime forensics
laboratories to offer one of the most advanced forensics systems available
today. For more information, contact Axiom Systems at (800) 323-LIMS or
visit their web site at http://www.axiomlims.com.
Beckman and MDL Information Systems Form
Alliance for Integrated HTS Solution
Beckman Instruments and MDL Information Systems have announced an agreement
to develop an integrated hardware and software system for High Throughput
Screening (HTS) in the drug discovery process. HTS technology, which makes
possible the quick evaluation of tens of thousands of potential lead compounds,
is currently at the forefront of substantial productivity gains in drug
discovery. The joint development agreement will ensure that MDL SCREEN and
systems from Beckman work together for integrated drug discovery solutions.
For details, contact Beckman at (201) 760-7261 or (201) 818-8900.
Beckman Announces New LabManager C/S Software
with Worklist Manager Option to be Highlighted at Pittcon '97
Beckman Instruments has introduced Worklist Manager as an integral option
to their LabManager C/S Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
The worklist concept is based on grouping together logically related samples
that are to be analyzed in the laboratory. Beckman's Worklist Manager includes
a graphical user interface (GUI) to provide convenient access to functions,
commands and worklists. Worklist and candidate sample pages are tabbed so
that multiple worklists can be open at one time yet are readily accessed
by the user. Other features include custom presentation and retrieval formats;
automatic assignment of samples for standards and controls; and automatic
addition of tests for duplicated and/or spiked samples. The Worklist Manager
also supports injection only samples (blanks) and local off-line file formats.
For details, contact Beckman at (201) 760-7261 or (201) 818-8900.
Beckman Announces New PeakPro C/S Chromatography
Data System with HP 6890 Option to be Highlighted at Pittcon '97
Beckman Instruments has introduced a new interface option to the Hewlett
Packard 6890 Gas Chromatograph using their PeakPro C/S Chromatography Data
System. The new interface is called CHROM Link C/S and will provide a bi-directional
link between the instrument and a computer, allowing direct control and
digital data acquisition using the HP 6890's standard RS232 C port. For
details, contact Beckman at (201) 760-7261 or (201) 818-8900.
Galactic Industries Announces New PC-based
Spectroscopic Software Package, GRAMS/32
Galactic Industries has introduced GRAMS/32, an integrated spectroscopic
software package that provides spectroscopists with a simple and efficient
way to handle data processing and data management. Features enable scientists
to organize, archive, access, search, and share all of their instrumentation
data and associated information. Spectra, analysis results, reports, chemical
information, spreadsheets, and many other types of information can all be
stored in one spectral notebase and accessed with a powerful sort, search
and query capability. Designed to be scalable from small personal data organizers
to huge enterprise-wide data vaults, GRAMS/32's expanding file conversion
library includes hundreds of file converters supporting the most popular
analytical instruments and industry standard file formats. For more details,
contact Galactic Industries by telephone at (603) 898-7600 or by fax at
(603) 898-6228.
Hewlett-Packard Announces Completion of
its Chemical Analysis Group's US Field Reorganization
Hewlett-Packard (HP) has announced that its Chemical Analysis Group has
completed a comprehensive restructuring of its US field operations in order
to meet changing customer buying needs and long-term business strategies.
This restructuring is intended to improve the group's abilty to effectively
address traditional analytical laboratory markets. It also will enable the
group to take advantage of new opportunities in "out-of-laboratory"
measurement, biotechnology and integrated information management. The reorganization
is in response to HP's recognition that customers have new buying needs
arising out of the availability of new technology, as well as growing cost
and time pressures. The Chemical Analysis Group's goal is to align channels
of distribution in order to deliver customer solutions more effectively,
expand global coverage, and improve the levels of customer service and support.
For more details, take a look at the press releases in the What's
New section of HP's web site.
Hewlett-Packard Customers Qualify for
20 percent Savings on all Consumables Purchased with Analytical Instruments
Hewlett-Packard (HP) has annunced that customers purchasing any HP chemical
analysis instrument qualify for a 20 percent discount on all chemical analysis
columns and supplies. This offer is limited to purchases made through HP.
Customers may add supplies to the instrument order or contact the local
sales office within 30 days of instrument purchase. Delivery is free. This
offer includes immediate delivery and may not be combined with other discounts.
The offer is valid now through October 31, 1997. For details, take a look
at the press releases in the What's New section
of HP's web site or call HP Analytical Direct at (800) 227-9770.
INFO Management Announces New Software
Distribution Plan
INFO Management has announced a new software distribution plan for their
LEO LIMS product that is intended to reduce the risk involved in LIMS acquisition.
LEO will now be available in an off-the-shelf, user-installable version
at a lease price that will make it possible for laboratories to gain extensive
hands-on LIMS experience without making a major financial commitment. For
details, contact INFO Managment at (919) 933-5484.
LabSystems Highlights Full LIMS Support
with New Training Brochure
LabSystems continues to extend its customer support package with its new
Training Brochure, published to offer information about the education and
back-up service facilities offered in the LIMS, Laboratory Integration and
Chromatography Data Systems arenas. Training is available either as a scheduled
course run in LabSystems' facilities or is provided as bespoke training
on site, as well as through distance learning packs. Courses can be offered
in English or local languages, including French, German, Italian, Spanish,
Dutch and Portugese. The new brochure offers full course descriptions, as
well as course objectives and registration details. Full up-to-date training
course information is available online in LabSystems' web site at http://www.labsystems.com.
Labsystems Project Y2K Tackles Millenium
Date Problems
LabSystems has taken action to avert any possible problems arising from
the failure of laboratory software systems resulting from erroneous date
calculations after the millenium. LabSystems has set up Project Y2K to ensure
that LabSystems products are year 2000 compliant. A page devoted to the
Y2K issue can be found on LabSystems' website at http://www.labsystems.com.
Labtronics Releases LimsLink Version 2.0
Labtronics has announced the release of LimsLink Version 2.0, which allows
the interfacing of any instrument to any LIMS. The new version is designed
to run under Windows 95 and Windows NT, and offers more calculation functionality
as well as new two-way communication features -- including compatibility
with ASTM protocols. In addition, a new Control module allows LimsLink to
control virtually any instrument and perform automated analysis. For more
details, contact Labtronics at (519) 767-1061 or visit their web site at
http://www.labtronics.com.
LabVIEW 4.0 Now Available in Japanese,
German and French Versions
National Instruments has announced LabVIEW 4.0 for the Japanese, German
and French markets. LabVIEW 4.0 offers added productivity, connectivity,
and customization tools for diverse applications, including LIMS. For details,
contact National Instruments at +1 512-794-0100 or visit their website at
http://www.natinst.com.
New Wavelet Toolkit for LabVIEW Announced
by National Instruments
National Instruments has announced LabVIEW Wavelet and Filter Bank Design
Toolkit, a new multipurpose add-on package for wavelet and filter bank design
and analysis. The toolkit was designed specifically for researchers and
developers involved in signal and image processing; computer vision; biomedical
signals and imaging; physics; and mathematics. Applications include restoration
and noise reduction, edge detection, texture analysis, pattern recognition,
echo cancellation, and speech, audio and image compression. For developers
who are not LabViIEW users, the toolkit includes ready-to-run applications
for C and Visual Basic users. For more details, contact National Instruments
at (512) 794-0100 or visit their web site at http://www.natinst.com.
National Instruments Announces New Image
Acquisition Board
National Instruments has announced the IMAQ PCI-1408, its first image acquisition
board for PCI-based Windows 95/NT personal computers. The IMAQ PCI-1408
is a high-accuracy, monochrome, PCI-based image acquisition board that works
with several video standards. New IMAQ Vision software supplements the board's
capabilities for image acquisition, processing and analysis functions. IMAQ
Vision works with LabVIEW, BridgeVIEW and LabWindows/CVI virtual instrumentation
software. For more details, contact National Instruments at (512) 794-0100
or visit their web site at http://www.natinst.com.
National Instruments Announces New Internet
Software to Provide Remote Monitoring and Control over the World Wide Web
Free beta versions of LabVIEW, BridgeVIEW and LabWindows/CVI toolkits are
now available on InstrumentationWeb from National Instruments. These new
toolkits add Internet capabilities to the company's software development
environments, allowing engineers and scientists to extend their LabVIEW,
BridgeVIEW and LabWindows/CVI applications to display information on the
World Wide Web as well as programatically send e-mail messages or FTP data
files. With these tools, developers can now monitor virtual instruments
(VIs) running in remote locations, publish experiment results on the web,
and automatically notify operators of alarm conditions or status information.
For more details, contact National Instruments at (512) 794-0100 or visit
their web site at http://www.natinst.com.
New Measure Software Adds GPIB Instrument
Control to Microsoft Excel
National Instruments has released a new version 1.1 of the company's Measure
spreadsheet add-in product for Microsoft Excel. The new version adds GPIB
instrument control capabilities and enhanced data acquisition features.
With Measure, users can configure data acquisition, GPIB and serial instrument
control operations using intuitive pop-up dialog boxes and place the data
directly into Excel spreadsheets. For details, contact National Instruments
at +1 512-794-0100 or visit their website at http://www.natinst.com.
QI Analyst 3.0 SPC/SQC Software Now Available
SPSS has announced version 3.0 for Windows for their QI Analyst software.
The new package enables users to better document quality processes by presenting
information in charts that can have preferences set to display cause and
action text, or user-defined cause and action codes. Features include charts
that can be tailored to meets the needs of different users, customers and
operators, as well as restricted information display. Version 3.0 also enables
automatic chart updates. For more details, contact SPSS Inc. at (800) 543-5815
or check out their web site at http://www.spss.com.
SDI Announces Third Annual Industrial Design
Awards
Strategic Directions International (SDI) has announced Finnegan MAT as the
Gold Medal winner for Instrument Design for its LCQ LC/MS/MS instrument
in the Third Annual Industrial Design Awards. The LCQ is a unique liquid
chromatograph mass spectrometer based on ion-trap technology, and is the
first benchtop instrument that offers MS to liquid chromatography users.
The LCQ's advanced design, coupled with its functionality, has generaged
intense interest. The silver medal went to Hewlett-Packard
for the HP Model 1100, High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) system.
The bronze award went to Inficon for the Hapsite Portable GC/MS, an instrument
suited to hazardous waste site analysis. For details, contact SDI at +1
(310) 641-4982 in the US, or at +33 (0) 1 30 99 62 50 in Europe.
STN Easy Provides Web Access to Scientific
Information
STN International has launched STN Easy, a new Web-based service that provides
access to the STN scientific and technical information network. The product
provides point-and-click web access to selected databases on STN International,
a leading online host for science and technology. STN Easy enables users
to find and display information about chemistry, life sciences, patents,
pharmaceuticals, physics, math/computer sciences, engineering, and general
science. Material Safety Data Sheets are also available. While an account
must be established, there are no monthly fees or hourly connect charges,
although searchers are charged a flat search fee and pay for each answer
displayed. For details, contact STN International at +1 (614) 447-3840 in
the US, or +49-7247-808-513 in Europe, or surf their demo site at http://stneasy.cas.org.