Reasons for Developing LabConnect
The primary motivation for developing LabConnect was to streamline the sample registration and testing process. AsureQuality aimed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of sample handling in their laboratories. By allowing customers to register samples online and track their progress, AsureQuality sought to reduce the administrative burden on both customers and laboratory staff. This digital transformation was part of a broader strategy to enhance customer service and operational efficiency.
Users of Lab Connect
LabConnect is designed for AsureQuality's laboratory customers, including those in the food, pharmaceutical, and seed industries. These users range from small businesses to large corporations that require regular laboratory testing services. The platform is accessible to customers from various AsureQuality laboratories, including those in Auckland, Christchurch, and Palmerston North.
Benefits for Users
LabConnect offers several advantages to its users:
Convenience and Efficiency: Customers can register samples and view test results online, eliminating the need for manual submissions and reducing phone inquiries.
Improved Accuracy: The platform allows users to save sample registration data templates and use predefined product specifications, ensuring correct testing parameters are applied consistently.
Transparency and Accessibility: Users can track the progress of their samples and view expected report delivery timeframes, providing greater transparency and control over their testing processes.
Historical Data Access: The ability to view and download previous test results allows for easy reference and comparison, aiding in decision-making and compliance.
Challenges
AsureQuality uses Labware, a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to manage operations within its laboratories. Labware has a customer portal component however it provides minimal control over how it can be configured and did not meet the needs of AsureQuality’s customers. Labware also only has a limited set of API’s providing us with some development challenges. The API’s allowed for new sample registrations to be submitted however results of tests could not be accessed via the API’s.
Solution
In order to have complete control over the user experience we created LabConnect as a standalone customer portal using tried and tested web technology and then integrated the portal with LabWare.
New sample registrations are submitted via the Labware API. However, to retrieve data for reporting and analysis purposes a read-only database replica of Labware was established. This data is then interpreted are graphed within the LabConnect customer portal.
Results
Streamlined Sample Handling: LabConnect allows customers to register samples online, which improves the accuracy and efficiency of sample handling in the laboratory. This reduces the likelihood of errors associated with manual data entry and ensures that the correct testing parameters are applied consistently.
Improved Traceability and Workflow: The platform enhances the traceability of sample workflows through the laboratory. Customers can track the progress of their samples and view expected report delivery timeframes, providing greater transparency and reducing the need for phone inquiries.
Enhanced Customer Access: Customers can easily view and download test results online, offering them convenient access to their data at any time. This feature allows for easy reference to past results, which can aid in compliance and decision-making processes.
Operational Efficiency: By automating sample registration and tracking, LabConnect reduces the administrative workload on laboratory staff. This allows AsureQuality to allocate resources more effectively, focusing on core testing activities and improving turnaround times for customers.
Customer Satisfaction: The user-friendly interface and accessibility of LabConnect enhance the overall customer experience. By providing a seamless and efficient service, AsureQuality can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
