Much has been made of how the Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to transform modern domestic life. These interconnected networks of digital devices and home equipment, linked in two-way communication with a centralized Cloud, promise to streamline daily routines by securely sharing data about how technologies, such as refrigerators and washing machines are used. By connecting us with our possessions, learning our habits and preferences, and automatically performing our tasks or presenting us with simple choices, the IoT is poised to simplify our busy lives and free our schedules for more leisure time.
Yet, the technologies and principles underpinning the IoT within our homes are already having an equally transformative impact in the laboratory environment. Recent years have seen connected laboratories gain considerable traction due to the benefits they offer in terms of increased efficiency, productivity and regulatory compliance. By aggregating data from large numbers of instruments, predictive analytics can even be used to identify trends and insights to optimize equipment usage and performance. In this article, we consider how the IoT is redefining what’s possible in the laboratory setting and how the latest advances in technology are overcoming perceived barriers to adoption.
The Advantages of Connected Equipment and Consumables
One of the most significant benefits of operating a laboratory running connected technologies is the ability to predict when hardware may fail. By analyzing and trending variations in instrument metadata, such as baseline stability and pump pressure, the onset of instrument deterioration can be identified before small issues become more significant problems. These systems can then warn laboratory managers of actions that need to be taken, and even automatically schedule maintenance appointments or guide users through recalibration steps.
An additional benefit of connected technology is the potential for ‘smart support’, permitting users to contact equipment vendors directly from the instrument when assistance is required. This allows system operators to trigger a helpdesk ticket or technicians to remotely log-in to an instrument in order to diagnose issues. By recalling anonymized instrument logs or non-proprietary metadata, networked equipment enables technicians to quickly pinpoint problems and get systems back up and running faster.
Digital laboratories are also helping businesses to operate more productively by allowing them to manage their assets more efficiently. Using metadata relating to instrument uptime, for instance, laboratories can improve instrument scheduling and proactively balance workloads. Similarly, faulty equipment that is rarely used because it is known by operators—but not laboratory managers—to deliver sub-optimal performance can be quickly identified from usage metrics, and action can be taken to fix it. By identifying opportunities to facilitate more efficient instrument use, businesses can optimize their existing assets to drive improvements in output.
With users connected to equipment via the Cloud, another transformative benefit of networked laboratories is the ability to monitor workflows remotely. Laboratory workers that regularly analyze samples overnight or on weekends, routinely waste significant amounts of time confirming instruments are running successfully during these times. Similarly, for teams located in different parts of the building to their instruments, personnel can waste valuable hours every week walking to and from their experiments. 24/7 workflow monitoring enables users to check on the status of their samples and receive notifications on when their workflows are complete. These simple tools are incredibly useful for making the best use of time.
Connected instruments, such as chromatography and mass spectrometry systems, allow users to download worklists and standard operating procedures from a centralized repository directly to instruments. By eliminating the need to input method details manually, networked laboratories can support robust regulatory compliance by reducing the risk of human error and delivering more consistent workflows. Analytical workflows can be further supported by continually updated reference libraries, such as those used for food and beverage or water testing applications. When new compounds are added to target lists, laboratories can be sure they are always using the most up-to-date information.
It’s not just networked equipment that’s supporting a more efficient and regulatory compliant laboratory; ongoing advances in technology mean connected consumables are streamlining laboratory workflows too. Thanks to barcodes, radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags or near-field communication chips, laboratory staff can easily recall information relating to a particular consumable’s usage history or model number. This enables operators to be alerted to when consumables, such as chromatography columns, need to be replaced, helping to ensure optimal performance. Alternatively, these technologies can be used to automatically configure instrument settings to the layout of specific sample plates, boosting efficiency by eliminating the need to set up parameters manually.
Managing Workflow Data in the Cloud Using a LIMS
A fundamental component of any connected laboratory is the Cloud, which acts as a central hub for the exchange of data between devices, equipment and people. The information that is shared can be split into two categories: (1) actual results data and measurements, and (2) instrument metadata, consisting of usage data, such as instrument turn-on times, system error logs and length of time between recalibration checks. Cloud-based laboratory information management systems (LIMS) provide laboratories with a secure way to organize all of this data, making accessing insights quick and easy, while allowing businesses to control which data is sent to third-party instrument vendors.
One of the key benefits of using a LIMS to manage laboratory data is the enhanced visibility these platforms provide. Using interactive dashboards, LIMS enable businesses to monitor instrument usage and capacity in real-time to efficiently manage assets and make the best use of equipment. When stored centrally in a LIMS, this data can be integrated with resource planning or instrument booking systems, helping laboratory teams to take control of their workloads and collect data more efficiently.
This workflow visibility also makes it easier for laboratories to make sure that all data collected is accurate, consistent and fully compliant with regulatory requirements. With instrument calibration records and maintenance history stored in a LIMS that notifies users when systems are due for a check-up, laboratories can actively manage their instruments and ensure equipment is always ready for use. In this way, LIMS can help businesses reduce the potential for unplanned maintenance, while safeguarding the robustness and reliability of data.
Across a broad range of markets, from the pharmaceutical sector to the food and beverage industry, regulatory authorities are enforcing higher standards when it comes to data traceability and accountability. Increasingly, businesses are required to maintain comprehensive audit trails detailing every action or decision made along the value chain. With all laboratory data stored, accessed and shared using a LIMS, these platforms provide laboratories with a quick and easy way to recall and review detailed audit trails. Moreover, the powerful search tools incorporated into the latest LIMS software allow authorized users, such as laboratory managers, to quickly search for unusual or non-compliant behavior, helping businesses take preventative action to maintain full regulatory compliance.
Overcoming the Barriers to a Cloud-Enabled Laboratory
The latest advances in connected technologies and laboratory informatics solutions mean companies now find themselves at the cusp of a digital transformation that will revolutionize the way in which they organize workflows and make decisions. Despite this, many organizations find they are not ready to make the leap to a fully connected laboratory. However, concerted efforts from technology vendors and suppliers are helping businesses accelerate the implementation of the IoT within the laboratory ecosystem.
For organizations working in more regulated environments, the way in which data is shared, accessed and utilized is a legitimate concern. To maintain the commercial sustainability of the pharmaceutical pipeline, for instance, it is vital the security and integrity of intellectual property are not compromised. Equally, information collected during pharmaceutical development must be stored and managed in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Storing data on an uncontrolled Cloud that does not meet the latest requirements around data integrity, for example, could put regulatory compliance at risk.
Fortunately, the latest approaches to Cloud-based data management provide a robust solution. By collecting and managing all data on-site, modern LIMS enable businesses to carefully control which non-proprietary metadata can be securely shared with vendors. These rigorous data segregation measures ensure companies can access all the benefits of a connected laboratory, while being confident that proprietary data is always controlled by the organization.
For other laboratories, the availability of resources is another perceived barrier to digital transformation. Understandably, many companies will own legacy equipment and may not be ready to invest in a fully connected laboratory. However, a common misconception is that the advantages associated with digital transformation are only achievable when every element of the laboratory is connected to the Cloud. In practice, many of the benefits of the digital transformation can be realized even when just one or two instruments are connected. Moreover, for laboratories with significant legacy technologies, there is also the option to Cloud-enable existing equipment to support some networked functionality. This approach can be a useful bridge towards full laboratory connectivity.
Conclusion
The IoT offers enormous potential for laboratories to increase efficiency and productivity while achieving regulatory compliance. Thanks to ongoing advances in connected technologies and cloud-based LIMS platforms, these tools are helping businesses to access the benefits of the digital transformation.