LABORATORY INFORMATICS

Integrating robotics and LIMS helps company sustain aggressive growth.

 

Integrating Robotics & LIMS

Business and Technology Goals

To enhance operational capability, Newmont made the decision to implement a new LabWare LIMS system. A new process control system was needed to manage the robotics and integrate data between the LIMS systems and the appropriate robotics. To facilitate the transition, the core of the existing control system (the AutoPrep Manager) needed to be updated and moved to Microsoft Windows XP environment to better integrate with LabWare LIMS. For the project to be successful, the selected vendor needed to be able to grasp the complexity of the robotic lines and laboratory environment, work remotely, and ultimately deliver a well-integrated solution that did not negatively impact normal lab operations.

Solution

LabAnswer’s project methodologies and commitment to excellence were essential in successfully delivering the AutoPrep solution. LabAnswer migrated the UNIX based AutoPrep application to a distributed architecture using Microsoft .Net framework along with MSMQ 3.0 as a messaging bus for intra-machine communications. To improve system reliability and performance, the software was changed from one large program to several smaller modules, each with a specific purpose. This included four programs: the AutoPrep Manager (host), a Rack/Tray Station program, a Repack program, and a web site that will provide query and research capabilities from virtually any location within the Newmont local area network.

Benefits

Several factors were critical to the success of this challenging laboratory automation project. These include:

  • LabAnswer made several trips to the laboratory site prior to final system delivery to perform detailed analysis, review solution specifications with the client prior to construction, conduct initial proofs-of-concept, and perform preliminary integration testing. These in-lab preparations laid the foundation for a smooth delivery with no surprises to the client.
  • LabAnswer has a strong change management process in place that allowed effective impact analysis of requested changes. This process was instrumental in allowing the client to implement changes to scope in a controlled manner without affecting project delivery dates.
  • The LabAnswer project management methodology requires tracking of risks at each phase of the project. Using this approach, the client was continually made aware of project risks on a timely basis. LabAnswer gained the confidence of this client by identifying risks to the project’s success and then working to mitigate or avoid the risks throughout the project.
  • LabAnswer has strong subject matter expertise in the areas of Serial Interfaces / Communication and Control Systems Programming. LabAnswer leveraged this knowledge on all aspects of the lab infrastructure from setting up the workstations for the new AutoPrep solution to actually running serial lines in the lab to communicate with the robotics.
  • LabAnswer’s project methodologies and commitment to excellence were recognized by Newmont as essential in successfully delivering the AutoPrep solution. This allowed the project to be delivered on budget and on schedule to Newmont’s specifications.