Software modules address needs that are not exclusive to the laboratory, so that the laboratory information management system (Lims) has become one component of a global quality management system
Developments at Quality Systems International, an information software group, have greatly extended the range of quality management tools it can offer, according to managing director Clive Collier.
"Our roots are in laboratory information management (Lims), and we have a major share of that market, with over 700 successful installations," said Collier.
"Very early on, our clients asked us for software tools for a whole range of non-laboratory tasks that would integrate seamlessly with the Lims - tasks like document management, scheduling, stock control, invoicing, regulatory compliance, skills training management and many others.
"To provide these integrated solutions 'out of the box', our development programme has generated a whole range of software modules that address these needs but are not exclusive to the laboratory, so that the Lims has become one component of a global quality management system.
"These modules are not dependent on the Lims functionality, but are fully-fledged, stand-alone quality management tools.
"Some, like document control, have universal application; others like health and safety fulfil more specific needs.
"By maximising our development productivity in this way, we can offer these products at extremely attractive prices compared to dedicated proprietary software".
