The laboratories provide test and trial services related to plants and animals.
A problem solved by exploiting existing resources
This life sciences organisation had budgeted for a large scale tracking and traceability system but the project had not been funded. To move things forward the IT manager came to Codeway for a sample identification system.
The Problem
The technicians were hand writing labels or printing them 'ad hoc' on office printers. They registered the samples and test results by keying 'codes into their computers. This process wasted a lot of time and the database records were full of errors.
The aim was to achieve 100% accuracy and traceability for each assignment
Some of the samples were stored at -80C.
The Solution
Codeway supplied some 30mm x 10mm cryogenic labels for testing on vials stored at low temperatures. They did not fall off.
The basic kit for each laboratory was a Zebra label printer with software to link it to the sample database and a mix of corded and cordless Honeywell barcode scanners.
Implementation
The project manager scheduled implementation one laboratory at a time.
In each case the technicians had to validate the new processes. The project team extended as necessary to meet the needs of all the laboratories.
This step by step approach allowed the organisation to fund the project on a revenue basis as the overall cost was far less than the original proposal.
Results
- The technicians do not waste time writing out labels, keying in codes and making errors.
- The cryogenic labels remain on the samples in cold storage and are readable years later.
- The barcode labelling and scanning system ensures 100% data accuracy.
- The IT team made minor modifications to the existing database system to achieve full traceability.
- The organisation and its clients are confident in the data emanating from every assignment.
