Energy
The oil, gas, electric and nuclear industries are faced with continuous operations (24/7) and high product demand which requires a dependable data management system that can meet their challenging and evolving needs. An efficient energy laboratory will have high data quality and rapid turnaround times. It is also critical that the laboratory be able to share this data organization wide and also integrate with enterprise systems to facilitate communication across divisions.

 

Process cycle times are minimized in laboratories that have implemented the right LIMS along with automation tools such as bar-coding, instrument integration and auto-reporting. Reports can be set up to be printed, sent via Fax or by e-mail. Users can also generate a pdf copy of a report that can be posted to a website for rapid access or retrieval. These data management systems allow access to real time results so that better decisions can be made, critical to keeping that competitive edge, enhancing quality and profitability.

Below are a few of the many requirements of an Energy Laboratory and the way in which ATL's LIMS and data management products satisfy those requirements.

Energy Operational or Process Requirements

ATL’s Data Management Solutions

Sample collection and receipt.

ATL’s Sample Master® LIMS Sample Tracking module provides the functionality for sample collection and receipt. It allows users to scan the chain of custody form and link that to the sample.

Need to pre-schedule projects and prepare numbered sample collection containers for field collection team.

Pre-login samples with Sample Master® LIMS Sample Scheduling module with bar-coded labels for the sample bottles and worklists.

Require a method to record plant or field data that can be transferred to the laboratory.

Rugged Palm data loggers or Windows Mobile capable devices allow data collected in the field to be uploaded to the LIMS.

Laboratory sample flow and quality checks.

Sample Master® LIMS allows users to configure the sample flow for their operations, build-in warning levels, automatic e-mail alerts for samples that have exceeded control limits, with immediate sample tracking from beginning to final reporting.

Ability to manage client specific specifications. Configurable screens to utilize laboratory terminology to expedite implementation.

ATL’s LIMS products allow users to manage multiple product specifications, including seasonal adjustments and customer’s specific specifications. Also provide database administrator configurable screen captions, numbering formats and sample condition questions.

Rapid result entry once samples have been processed.

Sample Master® LIMS Data Entry module allows data to be entered manually or automatically (electronically) from instrumentation.

Process automation, sample scheduling and enterprise integration.

Flexible time-based scheduling for tests performed on a routine basis, for all sample, project and test types. Sample Master® LIMS allows users to generate bar-codes and worklists in advance to prepare for sample receipt. Integration with enterprise systems (ERP, SAP, etc) for real time process management.

Instrument integration.

ATL has a library of over 350 instruments that have previously been integrated with ATL's LIMS products for efficient data transfer and enhanced data quality.

Reporting data to internal and external clients.

Sophisticated, secure reporting is integrated into the LIMS and reports can be e-mailed, faxed or printed. A pdf of the report is also automatically generated and can be e-mailed or posted to a website.

Invoicing (for commercial laboratories).

Integrated invoicing can run automatically with the Sample Master® LIMS Task Manager, with client, project, price list and discount pricing. Built-in export to QuickBooks and Peachtree, export to numerous other accounting packages requires configuration of export format.

Electronic reporting.

Generating electronic output files is a snap with Sample Master®. Users can generate electronic data in multiple formats for exchange to other applications

Quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC).

The Sample Master® LIMS QA/QC module automatically performs a variety of calculations, generates control charts, trend analysis and provides users to configure QC to meet laboratory needs.

Security, permissions, LIMS access and regulatory compliance.

There are multiple levels of permissions and LIMS access in the system, a full audit trail, and integrated security features (CFR 21 part 11 compliant). GALP, NELAC, and ASTM compliant with instant access to SOPs for test methods.

Manage chemical inventory.

The Sample Master® LIMS Chemical Inventory module manages and reconciles the current inventory and also stores expiration dates, lot numbers and other relevant information.

Track employee training records and instrument maintenance.

Ensure that analysts are up-to date on their training and prohibit entry of data by expired analysts into the LIMS if training is not current. The LIMS can also be configured to automatically reject data from instruments that are out of calibration.

Monitor customer complaints.

The Customer Relationship Management module provides a tool to log, classify and track complaints and is integrated with the LIMS. A number of reports also provide information on resolution times, types of complaints and any open issues.