Unlike other types of laboratories, the “product” that generates revenue for Commercial Testing Laboratories is information. WinLIMS® is the one software tool that can be used throughout the entire process to efficiently and effectively manage the laboratory’s “product” starting with the issue of quotations and ending with delivery of the analytical report and invoice to the customer.
Commercial Testing Lab Features
In addition to the standard sample processing features that are common to most laboratories, WinLIMS® provides a host of features that are specifically designed for Commercial Testing laboratories. Some features include:
- Test and Test Group Pricelists
- Customer-Specific Pricelists
- Quotation & Invoicing
- Priority-Based Turnaround Time and Charges
- Automated Report Distribution via Email
- Interfaces to Accounting Systems
- Portal for Customer Access to Data and Reports
Once WinLIMS® has been implemented, all other software can go by the wayside because all information will be managed and available within a single application.
Customer Portal
A web portal allows your customers to create their own requests and samples while avoiding inefficiencies that are often experienced by eliminating duplication of effort and transcription errors. The portal also allows customers to monitor the progress of work, access validated and/or approved data and retrieve their reports without disrupting the laboratory staff with phone calls and emails.
Workflow Management
The status of lab requests, samples, tests and schedules are automatically updated within interactive dashboard web parts to allow the throughput to be continuously monitored. With little or no effort, you will identify and circumvent problems before they occur. In addition, barcodes can be utilized to positively identify and track samples as they are processed.
Automated Reports and Emails
Reports can be sent automatically based on status change or timing to ensure that information flows to the right people at the right time. This means that COAs and invoices can be issued to customers upon final approval, notifications & warnings can be sent to responsible staff members via email or text, labels can be printed, and management reports can be sent without any time-consuming, manual effort.
Quotation and Invoicing
Basic pricing for each Test and for pre-defined Test Groups can be assigned within WinLIMS®. In addition, customer-specific pricing is also available if required. Site-specific prioritization levels can also be implemented to automatically calculate turnaround times (compensated for weekends and holidays) and adjust the prices of requests, samples and/or individual tests. This information can be used to generate quotations and invoices. Invoice data can be passed to your accounting system to provide a seamless flow of information from beginning to end.
Our Current WinLIMS® Customers
Companies like yours are using WinLIMS® within their Commercial Testing Lab. Some laboratories include just a handful of users while others are implemented within multiple sites throughout the world with local language interfaces to enable more natural use of the software. Here’s a partial list of WinLIMS® users within Commercial Testing Labs.
Powerful LIMS Functionality
WinLIMS® provides all of the functionality that is required to run a modern laboratory right ‘out-of-the-box’ so you can start using your WinLIMS® software within hours of installation.
Role-Based Security System
WinLIMS® role-based security system can be integrated with Active Directory to limit users to only the information and functionality that is associated with their role within the laboratory to ensure the integrity of your data.
Version-Controlled Configuration Templates
Test Methods, Test Sequences, Test Groups, and other information that are subject to re-versioning and price updates are managed within WinLIMS® to ensure data accuracy and product quality with a full audit trail of all changes that are made.
Multiple Sample Login Options
Samples can be manually created and assigned to a request using a PC, a Mobile Device by field samplers, automatically by time-based schedule or by interface (e.g., to Excel) to accommodate the workflow of your operation. Creation of samples can also be initiated by your customers via a Portal eliminate error and duplication of effort.
Sample Tracking & Workflow
Laboratory workflow status are automatically assigned by WinLIMS® to guide samples to and through the laboratory. Dashboard web parts allow instant access to this information to efficiently monitor the progress of lab work and provide sample and expiration warnings.
Multiple Results Entry Options
A variety of manual and automated results entry screens and tools allow results to be entered into WinLIMS® in a manner that is natural to your work environment. All data entry provides instantaneous feedback that indicate results that exceed permit or standard limits to allow rapid management decisions.
Test Worklist Management
The ability to create and manage test and instrument-based worklists that intersperse calibration, control, and blank samples while allowing the assignment of duplicate and spike samples (with associated recovery calculations) is included to provide a full contextual representation of data acquisition.
Powerful Calculation Capabilities
WinLIMS® includes a powerful calculation engine that allow both simple and complex calculations to be performed based on the entry of raw data. The use of automated and validated calculations simplifies the entry of result while ensuring that all calculations are accurately and consistently performed.
Data Review & Release
Multiple levels of peer and management review of test, worklist and sample information is provided to ensure that the release of information conforms with your organization’s policies. Multiple levels of approval with electronic signature sign-off is available, if desired.
Instrument Calibration & Maintenance
WinLIMS® includes an instrument/equipment management module that inventories all instruments to automatically schedule maintenance. In addition, all calibration and control information is captured and provides on-going statistical information to ensure the integrity of data that is obtained.
Online SQC/SPC Charting
Statistical evaluation of quality data using the Western Electric rules is immediately available at the time of results entry that allows process information to be evaluated to avoid possible problems. On-line SQC charts can be issued with the click of a button to efficiently monitor historical information.
Integrated Reporting
A variety of site-specific reports are issued by passing information from any page or query to the report by the click of a single button. Reports can be saved in a variety of formats (e.g., PDF, Excel, Word, etc.) to simplify the sharing of information to consumers and allows them to receive the data in the format that is germane to their needs.
Customer Portal
A Portal extension can be added to WinLIMS® that allows customers to create requests and samples prior to shipment to eliminate duplication of effort and transcription errors by the lab. In addition, customers can monitor the progress of their samples and provide on-line access to their samples, test results information and reports.
Barcode Labeling and Tracking
Barcodes can be generated by WinLIMS® within reports and labels and used to positively identify samples via barcode scanner. Barcoding is most frequently used to confirm receipt of samples, transfer samples from department-to-department, load samples into autosampler trays, and retrieve information on the WinLIMS® pages.
Integrated Audit Trail
Modifications made to all data is recorded within the WinLIMS® audit trail which is essential for organizations that serve regulated industries. The audit trail also allows you to investigate issues that arise when data is erroneously modified.
Quotation & Invoicing
Because the pricing of individual Tests and Test Groups are maintained within WinLIMS® along with customer-specific pricing and prioritization pricing, quotations can be issued to customers from WinLIMS®. In addition, when appropriate (e.g., after the report has been issued), an invoice can be delivered to the customer to reflect the work that was performed by the lab.
Document & File Integration
Documents that represent material specifications and testing methods can be attached to their associated WinLIMS® records to provide instant access during the testing process. In addition, WinLIMS® includes a full document management system that can be used to manage all of your organization’s documents in a controlled manner.
