Lab Data Tool Now Issues Alarms

ALcontrol (UK), an analytical services company, has launched a new version of its @mis online analytical data reporting tool that features an 'Alarms and Triggers' module. This means that in addition to access to live laboratory results, users will also be able to set alarms so that they are warned when wastewater or soil samples reach a pre-specified level for any analyte.

When @mis was first developed, it provided users with direct online access to their laboratory results. This became very popular in the market because it meant that users anywhere in the world would be able to follow test results live, which is important because many different management decisions hinge on the availability of such data. For example, the manager of a remediation project needs fast lab results to provide verification that either treated soils meet with the required specification or that treated water complies with a site's discharge permit.

Fast online lab data from @mis also enables users to view partial results as they are created. So, if the first soil test result is high for hydrocarbons, it is clear that the sample is contaminated and further tests may be redundant or the choice of test refined, so the cost of lab testing can be reduced. This feature is a greater benefit when alarms can be triggered as soon as a threshold is reached.

Explaining the benefit of alarms, ALcontrol Commercial Director Simon Turner says: “Advance knowledge that samples have reached a threshold provides our clients with time to react. So, if a soil sample exceeds a threshold, decisions can be taken immediately regarding further treatment or stopping treatment. Similarly, alarms from wastewater samples can provide a timely warning that effluent is approaching its discharge consent value."

Failure to comply with a site permit can be extremely costly. However, @mis is an integral part of ALcontrol’s service and with the new alarm capability, it represents a significant opportunity to reduce risks, lower costs and improve efficiency.