Scientific management consultancy is working with global healthcare group to provide strategic consultancy in preparation for a new laboratory information management system
Scientific management consultancy Scimcon is working with global healthcare group SSL International to provide strategic consultancy in preparation for a new laboratory information management system (Lims).
The proposed Lims will enable SSL's central microbiology testing laboratory to replace its current paper based logging system where result sheets are currently stored in filing cabinets and archived off site. Improved information management will free SSL laboratory technicians from the increasing weight of data.
This will mean they can concentrate on testing and satisfying strict regulations on new healthcare products from SSL brands, such as Hibi and Scholl.
The services provided by Scimcon included a requirements document for SSL, which incorporated an analysis of its data management needs, lab workflow, and IT requirements.
Scimcon has also developed the technical component of SSL's invitation to tender for the Lims project and a detailed study of possible Lims suppliers who may be able to meet SSL's needs.
When selected and implemented, the new Lims will provide SSL with rapid, easy access to test results and other business-critical information held in the lab.
And depending on which software is chosen, SSL intends to make the data available on an intranet, and where appropriate over the internet.
This could include a tracking facility for users to check how individual products are progressing through the testing process.
Sharon Oldham, microbiologist at SSL, commented: "We receive a number of phone calls from other departments wanting to find out the same information about the same set of testing results.
With the help of Scimcon and a new Lims, departments may have access to their own results, allowing them to monitor how each test is progressing.
This will cut down the number of calls to the lab and reduce the potential errors caused by using paper based records." At the end of an average year SSL currently sends a number of archive boxes to storage.
This can cause retrieval problems when information from a previous year's tests is required.
The new Lims, scheduled to be in place by May 2003 for validation, will enable the laboratory to regain control of its data.
Oldham continued: "We first spoke to Scimcon at a Lims forum in London.
We were very impressed with their knowledge and expertise in the marketplace.
Scimcon was one of the few UK based consultancies with the right approach and practical lab experience we were looking for."
