(Newswire.net — October 11, 2018) — Organisations responsible for undertaking risk-based sampling programmes are all too well aware of the challenges involved. Field testing can be a difficult, time consuming and costly process that typically involves sending highly trained technicians out into the field to conduct on-the-spot checks at multiple and often disparate locations at different times of the day.
Keeping accurate and consistent records of where and when each sample taken is just the start of the challenge. Collating test results from field teams is a complex and potentially error-prone manual process that all too frequently places a significant administration burden on field-based personnel who are faced with having to rekey data into a laboratory information management system (LIMS) once they return from the field.
Let’s take a look at what that means for a company undertaking water sampling to ensure that supplies to millions of people is free of contaminants and safe to drink. Technicians are dispatched the length and breadth of the water utility’s territory to collect and test samples from reservoirs, water treatment facilities and customers’ homes.
After filling each sample bottle, these technicians have to transcribe a barcode into their notebooks or paper-based record systems, along with details on the time and location the sample was taken. This information then needs to be re-entered into a database and combined with the test results.
Now imagine how much faster and streamlined this would all be if field technicians could use a mobile phone or tablet device to instantly capture and transmit this data direct from their current location.
Today’s mobile field analytics systems do exactly this. Making it possible for field teams to go completely paperless and submit data direct to the LIMS, without having to physically return to the lab.
The good news is that mobile coverage won’t be an issue. Users working in remote locations can simply complete their data records as normal, uploading sample and test results data the instant Internet connectivity becomes available.
Even better, users are not restricted to simply submitting data to the LIMS. They can also use their device to download and examine data – selecting the sample information they need and editing this with the relevant test results recorded. Alongside automating workflows, field personnel can now be sent automated alerts or instant messages should result requires a retest or full investigation – without unnecessary delay.
With field teams and office-based management teams having full visibility of the test programme in near real time, testing procedures can be refined and optimised. What’s more, using a mobile device means other data sets can also be captured and submitted with ease – such as photographs that provide additional contextual information or evidence, and GPS location data that accurately pinpoints every test site.
Offering the mobile connectivity that allows laboratories to run more efficiently, today’s modern LIMS systems speed up sampling, improve data accuracy and enable the more timely submission of field testing data and results. Offering secure user authenticated access and robust audit trails that log all changes, the management of data for improved regulatory compliance, traceability and auditing is also simplified and automated.
Little wonder that field analytics systems are revolutionising how laboratories operate. With no need for stacks of paperwork, field based testers have everything they need right from their mobile device. There’s no need to re-enter data and it’s easy to be productive while on the road. Administration is simplified for everyone. Meanwhile, personnel based at the laboratory are able to monitor results as these come in – and submit additional requests to field-based teams with ease.
All of which boosts efficiency, collaborative working and the integrity and effectiveness of field testing programmes.