The Garvan Institute of Medical Research is a leading medical research institute in Australia, employing over 700 scientists and support staff. Garvan researchers have established a cancer tumour testing service that is designed to detect mutations to help oncologists determine treatment strategies. To handle the increasingly large volumes of samples it is anticipating, a new laboratory information management system (LIMS) was needed. This case study highlights how QLIMS helped the laboratory overcome these challenges.

The Challenge

Some challenges may arise in sample traceability in laboratories. These could be implementation and integration, user errors, system errors, lack of training, maintenance and updates and data security.

Luke Hesson is the Laboratory Head of Cancer Diagnostics at Garvan. According to Luke, the challenge was to ensure that the lab would be able to cope with the sheer volume of samples—potentially 1000+ per year.

“We’ll need to know at any given point where every sample is in the testing process. Without a LIMS that would be incredibly challenging and prone to human error, which would have a flow-on effect on our clinical trials.”

While the Garvan Institute was already using a number of different LIMS, none of them was suitable. Fortunately, he had previous experience with OnQ Software through another lab at the Garvan Institute.

“They’ve always been incredibly responsive and helpful, so I felt they were tried and trusted. It turns out they had an off-the-shelf solution called QLIMS, that met around 75% of our requirements, with the flexibility to be effectively adapted for our needs.” he says.

The Solution

The solution provided for the automated import of data from various sources. Automatic patient report generation was a huge part of the solution. “We can now, at the click of a button, export all of the data into a report that can go to the clinician and patient. Not only are they incredibly accurate, but the reports also look great.”

Another key part of the solution required OnQ to design a tool to read a Health Level 7 (HL7) file.

Luke says, “HL7 is an international standard data encryption method that allows us to securely communicate sensitive patient information between labs. Because the first stage of the process involves receiving data from a SydPath pathology lab at St Vincent’s Hospital, the data is encrypted before we receive it. This solution streamlined our sample accessioning, making it much more efficient.”

The Results

Luke is delighted that the Garvan Institute has just received National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation with QLIMS.

“All of those key points needed to be addressed to the satisfaction of NATA so it’s reaffirmed the chain of information custody is accurate and secure. It’s absolutely critical for any clinical testing. And I believe that’s a direct result of the assistance we’ve had from OnQ in designing a LIMS that allows fidelity of chain of information custody.”

If you’re interested in learning more about how our QLIMS can benefit your laboratory or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts would be happy to assist you in finding the best solution for your laboratory needs.

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AWS (Amazon Web Services) brings significant benefits to QLIMS customers by providing a secure and scalable cloud-based infrastructure for comprehensive laboratory data management. With AWS, QLIMS users can enjoy easy access to their data from anywhere, powerful computing resources for data processing and a range of security and compliance features to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of their data.

How LIMS and AWS work together

AWS (Amazon Web Services) is a cloud computing platform provided by Amazon that offers a wide range of services for building and deploying various types of applications and services on the cloud.

AWS and LIMS can provide a powerful and flexible solution for laboratories to manage and analyse data more efficiently and effectively by working together. The AWS cloud platform enables powerful hosting and deployment, storing and managing data, and providing scalable computing resources for handling large amounts of data and processing requirements.

What AWS brings to QLIMS customers

The cloud-based nature of QLIMS means that laboratories can access their data anytime, anywhere, and from any device with an internet connection. AWS provides the underlying infrastructure and services that enable QLIMS to scale seamlessly to accommodate large data sets, as well as provide powerful computing resources for data analysis and processing.

Except for cloud-based hosting, data storage, management and computing power; AWS provides various security and compliance features that ensure that laboratory data is kept confidential with regulatory requirements such as ISO9001 and ISO27001.

QLIMS brings comprehensive laboratory management, powerful and flexible solutions to OnQ customers. Laboratories can benefit from the reliability, enhanced security, flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of cloud computing, while also ensuring the high availability and security of their data and applications.

If you’re interested in learning more about how QLIMS can benefit your laboratory or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts would be happy to assist you in finding the best solution for your laboratory needs.

Vision and Mission

A Bold Vision For a Significant Mission

Interviewer: You’ve shared a lot about your philosophy and core values behind developing and evolving your QLIMS into Version 9. If you were to summarize this vision in one sentence, what would be your mission statement?

Jonathan: Our mission is to bring innovation to the scientific community that empowers every scientist to improve outcomes for humanity for a better life.

Interviewer: You have a bold mission but a significant one. How can scientists embark on this journey with you, and what would be your advice to take that first step?

Jonathan: Pick up the phone and give us a call. That way, we can start looking at what your lab is doing now, its goals and your pain points. If I can figure that out on the call with you, we have taken that first step together and started that journey towards making your lab a better place to work for you.

We may not be the right solution for everybody, or you might not need all of our services. But if we at least help you get to the point where you understand what you’re trying to achieve, then you can look at what you need to bring in to help you get there.

Interviewer: Great, I think people reading this interview now know their next immediate action if they want to make a difference in their lab.

First, looking at what they are doing daily, Then identifying what’s frustrating them and causing their pain, Third asking themselves why they are doing what they’re doing, and finally, going through the process of understanding what they want to achieve.

Jonathan: Literally, just give us a call. Call me, call Ron, and we’ll get to the bottom of it.

The journey to improving your lab informatics starts with that first phone call and talking about your pain points and headaches today. What are you spending your time on? What are they trying to achieve? What are you doing to get there? If I can figure that out on the call with you, we have taken that first step together and started that journey towards making your lab a better place to work for you.

A Final Piece of Advice

Technology is one of three critical factors for a successful lab. The second is the processes, and the third is the people. Only when all three align can you start the journey to a successful lab.

Interviewer: Brilliant, that’s very good. Then my last question. Is there anything I did not ask during our interview that you would like to share with us before the end?

Jonathan: Yes, if I can leave readers with one last piece of advice: technology is one of three critical factors for a successful lab. The second is the processes, and the third is the people. Only when all three align can you start the journey to a successful lab.

 Get in touch with us today to learn more about how QLIMS can help you achieve your goals.

QLIMS Logo

OnQ Software has a special interview with Jonathan Gannoulis that focuses on the journey to releasing the QLIMS platform. In part one, we got an inside look at the introduction, initial stages, and journey that led to the creation of QLIMS.

In part two, we will dive into how OnQ Software translated its principles into a product, resulting in a LIMS system that revolutionizes laboratory management. 

Translating Principles Into a Product

Interviewer: I think we now understand why you are doing this. Now please tell us more about your product and the solution itself. How are you translating this into the new product?

Jonathan: We offer LIMS as a Platform, not just an app. Laboratories are moving towards a suite or platform of informatics, not just LIMS.

LIMS, data management and automation is the starting point. We base our entire application on our API technology. QLIMS is a containerized application that allows us to safely put things in little containers, pull apart and add elements or swap out and bring in other elements. The flexibility turns our application into a solution you can now lay over a platform to address complex scientific challenges as our customers’ needs evolve.

Interviewer: Just to clarify for our audience, an API is typically an application programming interface. Is your API what this is, and could you please explain what your API is?

Jonathan: It stands for an application programming interface. It is fundamentally a safe and secure toolkit that lets QLIMS talk to other applications. Our difference is that we built the whole application on this API, so there’s no real restriction to what you can do with QLIMS. Users can access it themselves and build web extensions, for example, mobile tools and integration. People are genuinely empowered to take the LIMS where they want it to be.

Importance of Independent Configuration

Interviewer: When scientists approach you with complex problems, they know they can solve them with your API-based architecture. They know they have a flexible toolbox to solve these problems. Whereas with other more rigid applications, it would be more challenging, right?

Jonathan: Yes. Even small changes are classified as customisation, so you need to change the code of the core application, which in turn creates more overheads. Not only does our solution have the API described, but we’ve also brought into our solution powerful configuration tools. This ability alone reduces the level of customization effort required close to zero depending on your specific needs. People working in the lab configure the system to suit what they want to do and then manage the system independently on an ongoing basis. Without hiring extra staff for LIMS admin. Without needing a coding degree.

We have the platform to empower every scientist. Less admin work and focus on the science, the important work.

Interviewer: I think I’m starting to see a better picture of the situation you are describing. It seems that the customization piece itself has also been part of why the industry has not evolved into offering more self-enabling systems. Suppose billable consultant hours are part of the business model. In that case, vendors have very little incentive to design a system that allows customers to customize independently.

Jonathan: Pretty much, we are a technology company, not a professional services company. This focus makes a difference to the end solution. We have the platform to empower every scientist. Less admin work and focus on the science, the important work.

 Get in touch with us today to learn more about how QLIMS can help you achieve your goals.

Are you ready to discover the journey that led to the release of the ground-breaking QLIMS platform? We’re excited to bring you an exclusive interview with Jonathan from OnQ Software, where he discusses the company’s journey to creating a platform that is both functionally competent and technically advanced. We’ll be sharing the interview in three parts, each highlighting a critical aspect of the QLIMS platform!

Today, in part one, we will get an inside look at the introduction, initial stages, and journey that led to the creation of QLIMS. Stay tuned for more details and insights into the journey behind the creation of QLIMS!

The laboratory informatics space has been challenged to create a functionally competent and technically advanced LIMS. R&D and QA/QC laboratories are trying to solve this complex problem. At this point, the AI-based model disrupts the old approach to LIMS and enables a configuration that is driven by the user and operates independently.

OnQ Software has a special interview with Jonathan Gannoulis that focuses on the journey to releasing the QLIMS platform.

I saw applications that couldn’t even scale for new requirements. Basically, companies continue paying vast sums of money for legacy systems.

Initial Idea

Interviewer: I want to start by talking with you about how you came up with the idea to create the new Version 9. What was the driving motivation behind creating the new Version 9?

Jonathan: Make the most functionally competent and technically advanced LIMS with the best user experience. The first thing that struck me with LIMS and laboratory informatics was how old and unusable the systems seemed. Basically, companies continue paying vast sums of money for legacy systems. Scientists are among the most brilliant people in your organization. You want them to be empowered. Digitisation in the lab eventually spreads into all areas of the organisation. This positive change enables the organisation to make more confident data-driven decisions.

We promote values in our company that align with our customers. The office whiteboard has written on it, “Quality is not an act, it is a habit”, Aristotle. We work in quality control at the end of the day.

The Journey

Interviewer: What did the journey look like to re-invent the concept of LIMS?

Jonathan: It’s been a long journey with our team, customers, and prospects. In workshops, we’ve been going back to our customers and asking questions all the time. This method is the only effective way to find out the true user experience of each person. We don’t want to be in a situation where our customers need AI, or voice recognition, for example, and our platform can’t support them. We want to be there offering it first.

Interviewer: That sounds like you have been applying Lean Management principles to your business consistently. How has that influenced your philosophy behind developing products? And how do you ensure you are continually applying lean management principles such as the five whys at your company?

Jonathan: It is a great strategy to ask the five why’s to get down to the core of a problem. We use this approach to help us clear out a lot of the background noise. Once we find that root cause, we move forward with confidence.

We promote values in our company that align with our customers. The office whiteboard has written on it, “Quality is not an act, it is a habit”, Aristotle. We work in quality control at the end of the day.

 Get in touch with us today to learn more about how QLIMS can help you achieve your goals.

In today’s highly regulated research and production environment, it has become a mainstay to have a thorough and structured investigation process to identify the cause of a quality failure or nonconformity as well as avoid repetition. This is where a Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) manager becomes essential. But what is CAPA management? What are the benefits of the QLIMS CAPA Module? What are the steps of the CAPA process?

What is CAPA?

CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) is a module used in quality management to identify and correct problems in a company’s processes, products, or services. The goal of CAPA is to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Effective implementation of CAPA helps organizations maintain high standards of quality and customer satisfaction, thus enhancing their reputation and competitiveness in the market.

Many people see CAPAs as a challenging task that must be completed just to stay compliant, but the CAPA manager should be viewed as an end-to-end system that provides the necessary tools to identify, evaluate and investigate incidents. In addition to them, CAPA is essential for implementing and checking the effectiveness of a resolution regarding quality control and regulation.

What is QLIMS CAPA Module and What are The Benefits of It?

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The QLIMS CAPA manager is designed to maintain Corrective and Preventative procedures for general incidents, sample parameters breaching specification and instrument failure incidents, while also integrating with the extensive capabilities of the QLIMS platform.

Here are the benefits of the CAPA Module;

Benefits of The CAPA Module

What are the steps of CAPA?

CAPA typically involves a structured and systematic approach to problem-solving, including the investigation of root causes, the development of corrective actions, and the implementation of preventive measures.

Here are the 5 steps of CAPA:

5 Steps of CAPA

If you have any further questions about our QLIMS, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help and provide additional information.

Data management

Data migration has always been seen as a barrier to a laboratory information management system (LIMS). The process of transferring data from one system to another can be complex, challenging, and time-consuming. That is why organisations should carefully consider the data migration process when implementing a LIMS and ensure that all data is accurately transferred by an expert LIMS vendor.

OnQ Software understands the challenges that come with data migration and we have integrated with qcKen from ZIFO Rnd which is a revolutionary new tool that completely meets your needs. QLIMS and ZIFO are dedicated to making your lab’s digital transition as effortless and painless as possible.

The Pain Points of LIMS Data Migration

One of the most challenging tasks for laboratories could be migrating your data as it can present several difficulties,

• Complexity

Data migration can be a complex process that requires significant planning, resources, and expertise. This can be especially challenging for laboratories that have large amounts of data and/or complex data structures.

• Interruptions to operations

The process of migrating data can take significant time and resources and may require the temporary shutting down of systems and equipment, leading to interruptions in laboratory operations. This can be particularly disruptive to ongoing research projects and may cause delays in data analysis and publication.

• Data loss

During the migration process, there is a risk of data being lost, damaged, or corrupted, which can result in significant disruptions to laboratory operations and loss of valuable information.

• Data format conversion

Data migration often requires data to be converted from one format to another. This process can be complex and time-consuming and may result in compatibility issues and difficulty in retrieving or accessing certain data.

• Quality assurance

Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the migrated data is difficult, the quality assurance process has to be implemented and is time-consuming to ensure the integrity of the data.

• Data security concern

Data migration comes with a high-security concern. As data is moving, it is vulnerable to unauthorized access, loss and breaches, therefore, special measures have to be implemented to secure the data.

• Costs

Data migration can be a costly process, involving the purchase of new hardware and software, as well as the hiring of specialized personnel to perform the migration.

For this reason, choosing the appropriate tools and having a detailed understanding of LIMS is essential for a successful migration.

qcKen Solution to Break the Data Migration barrier 

This is why OnQ Software is happy to have qcKen as an integration on the QLIMS platform. This integration will allow for streamlined data transfer for our customers. It’s worth mentioning that qcKen service is provided by ZIFO Rnd and OnQ is among the leading Laboratory Information Management Systems vendors that are able to offer this service for their clients. The solution’s primary objective is to assist customers in the establishment and maintenance of their master data during LIMS implementation and migrations.

The benefits provided by qcKen are;

• Ability to import, screen and check very large volumes of data,
• Migrate data from handwritten documents,
• Migrate directly from other LIMS databases.

Our tool allows you to easily integrate and transfer data from multiple sources, no matter the format or location, ensuring that all your valuable information is included in the migration process. qcKen can import data directly from any source documents such as Certificate of Analysis, Analysis Reports, Product Specifications, Worksheets, General Test Procedures and Standard Operating Procedures.

Analysts can easily examine and correct anomalies as needed by reading documents to create an RPA specification. The service uses machine learning to continually learn and improve conversion accuracy, and once the RPA is analyst-validated, qcKen’s Object Creation Engine takes over and creates objectives in QLIMS. So, our approach to implementation gives analysts an opportunity to focus on performing analysis.

But it’s not just about data transfer, qcKen also guarantees a smooth and fast transition, reducing the disruption to your lab operations. Previous research has demonstrated that qcKen can significantly decrease the duration of migrations from a typical timeframe of 40 days to only 2 days.

With qcKen, you can focus on what really matters: running your lab efficiently and effectively.

If you have any further questions about our solution qcKen or the data migration, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help and provide additional information.

We are pleased to announce the addition of our new LES (laboratory execution system) functionality to the QLIMS platform further enabling Lab 4.0 and the paperless, digital laboratory.

The Laboratory Execution System (LES) functionality guides laboratory technicians through each step of a method to ensure correct and accurate SOP execution and captures the complete process history.

Driven by a combination of market demand and feature requests from our respected customers who want LES functions integrated directly to their existing laboratory workflows. This module is pragmatic, easy to use and efficient.

In regulated environments all steps of the analytical process needs to be documented. At the same time the LES helps the laboratory technicians work interactively through the processes of their standard operating procedure (SOP).

LES functionality can step in to help new employees or not laboratory personal to perform analytical activities in a controlled environment.

QLIMS LES Example

Together with our UK partner, Software 4 Labs, we will be attending the Lab Innovations conference this week, November 2nd and 3rd, at the NEC in Birmingham.

On our booth, G2, will be Ron Kessels and Frank Smith who have a wealth of knowledge and experience both as scientists and helping labs go digital through LIMS and informatics solutions.

At the show, the industry will meet to launch its products and innovations to the UK’s leading gathering of lab professionals, suppliers, and manufacturers. Lab professionals across all sectors will be able to discover sustainable lab initiatives, secure the latest tech, join exciting free conferences to earn CPD points and explore new ways of future-proofing labs. Supported by some of the UK’s top science institutions, it is a key event for powering the business of science.

For a sneak peak visit our virtual booth.

Lab Innovations 2022