LIMS Self Configuration - the Ultimate Flexibility

One of the many benefits provided by Matrix Gemini’s unique configuration tools is the ability of customers to access and use these tools to configure and update their system themselves.

The simplicity and power of the tools mean that users can make use of them at different levels – some handle the entire configuration, while others may just make small adjustments as circumstances in their laboratory change. The beauty of this approach is that it is without risk since any configuration changes and additions made by users can be supported by Autoscribe as part of the standard Matrix support agreement. Configuration changes are subject to version control and copies of the changed configurations can be sent to the Autoscribe support department.

Easy testing

The Matrix configuration tools allow easy and safe configuration changes to be made. Matrix Gemini LIMS is supplied with 3 separate databases and each database can have its own independent design. Typically one database is the live system used on a day to day basis, another may be for archived samples and the third is used as a sandbox for development and/or training purposes. These multiple databases allow users to develop any configuration changes and test them before they go live. In addition, the version control allows previous configurations to be loaded back into the live system if required. Users can, therefore, return to a previous version of the system should they want to. All configuration changes are tracked with user ID, date and time.

Any organization can benefit

Self-configuration can benefit laboratories of any size. The configuration tools use an intuitive visual workflow screen editor that shows the screen being configured along with all the options and control properties associated with that screen. An unlimited number of screens can be created, modified and integrated into the system. This is done without custom coding or the use of esoteric, proprietary scripting tools and allows the building of workflows to suit any laboratory.

For single-site organizations, there is complete flexibility to specify the initial set-up to reflect specific working practices. However, there are also significant benefits for larger organizations. For global businesses, different user experiences and workflows can be optimized at each site to fit local requirements. People within the organization can be trained to a high level in the use of the configuration tools since no specific programming skills are required, and local configurations are modified as required. This flexibility is not limited to use within global organizations. The same principles can be applied to deal with different departments within any organization. For example, a pharmaceutical company could have different configurations for, say, QC/QA, R&D, clinical trials, biobanks, drug metabolism, stability study and pre-clinical pathology departments. Users trained in configuration can help to meet the varied needs of these departments.

Simple upgrade path

The underlying software for all Matrix Gemini LIMS systems is the same for all customers irrespective of their configuration. Upgrading the software to the latest release is just a matter of loading the new software. Each customer’s unique configuration is stored within their own system database and simply overlays the software without any need for modification. This makes software upgrades much less of an issue than with LIMS systems that hardcode their workflow screens, enabling customers to reap maximum benefit from new and improved features in the most up to date software releases. Since all customers use the same core code it also makes support a much easier task.

Don't just take our word for it

Autoscribe has a number of customers who handle their own configuration actions and some of these are highlighted in our many case studies. Take a look at examples such as Allied Technical Centre, Cavendish Nuclear, Energy Innovation Centre at WMG, University of Warwick and Guy’s & St. Thomas’ Bioresource Centre, to see how they have utilized self-configuration.