LIMS improves water testing laboratory efficiency

A new case study has been published by Autoscribe Informatics which shows how the Culligan Analytical Lab in Illinois, USA has made significant improvements in laboratory efficiency by using the Matrix Gemini LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System). Culligan Water provides innovative water treatment solutions to domestic, commercial and industrial markets. Laboratory testing to provide an accurate analysis of a customer’s water quality is a key component of the company’s success, especially as many customers are using well
water.

Handling around 17,000 samples per year, with each sample undergoing multiple tests and turnaround times as short as 24 hours often required, the need to drive and maintain laboratory efficiency is very important. Replacing the previous LIMS used by the laboratory, Matrix Gemini removed a major bottleneck by using barcoding to replace the manual scanning and saving as PDFs of sample request forms. In addition, the system was configured to automate the collection of test results and eliminate transcription errors by transferring data directly into Matrix Gemini from ICP, IC, UV/Vis, and titration equipment.

The laboratory is certified to be compliant with the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP), which is modelled after similar ISO standards. The audit trail provided within Matrix Gemini is completely in line with the requirements of NELAP. 

Using the built-in configuration tools, screens were configured to automatically populate information from the log-in screen to make the flow more intuitive and efficient.With sample requests coming from many different Culligan dealers, Matrix Gemini was able to access all the required dealer information automatically.. The system also maintains continuity between results generated by 3rd parties and results generated internally; Matrix Gemini ensures that the full set of results are always reported.

Tim Daniels, Marketing Manager at Autoscribe Informatics, said: “This new case study is another excellent example of how Matrix Gemini provides the flexibility not only to solve real, practical problems faced by a laboratory, but also to allow it to adapt to changes over time. For example Matrix is now integrated with a new SAP implementation to ensure that all work is correctly billed for. The case study also highlights another highly successful installation for Matrix Gemini in the water and wastewater treatment industries.”