World-Class mobile software solutions for analytical laboratories carrying out remote sampling

June 25, 2012 - PRLog -- Overview
Many laboratories have samples collected from Remote locations. Often various details have to be recorded about the samples and sometimes onsite tests need to be performed. Any collected data is subsequently re-entered into LIMS.

Remote Sampler is software designed specifically for this purpose. It cuts down on transcription and data entry errors and assists the Sampler in all routine activities. Remote Sampler optionally utilizes GPS software for guidance to sampling locations and proof that samples were collected in the correct locations.

Generating a Collection Run on the Hub
The software has been designed to be easy to use for a Sampler.
It can operate in several ways. Where LIMS is generating the Collection Runs in advance the Sampler logs the samples into LIMS directly from the PDA as data is collected on site (i.e. these Samples had not already been logged on LIMS). The software is highly secure and all actions (including configuration changes) are audit trailed.

Routine Operation
There are many different scenarios for collecting samples. This example is for a Water Utility that is sending Samplers out on predetermined Collection Runs to collect potentially many bottles at each location. The locations could be domestic houses or other sites like reservoirs, treatment works and boreholes.

First a Collection Run is generated for the Sampler. Runs are created using the Remote Sampler Hub software which is located at the Sampler’s base / laboratory. Runs can be created manually or directly from LIMS. If the Sampler’s PDA is networked to the Hub either asynchronously or via FTP then the Collection Run is transferred to the Device. If not, it is transferred automatically as soon as it is connected.

Once the Collection Run is on the PDA, the Sampler can select a Sample and request that the GPS guide him/her to the location. Optional route navigation can be fully integrated into Remote Sampler using the powerful Sygic Drive navigation engine.

Integrated route navigation (provided by Sygic Drive)
Once at the location, the Sampler can step through the actions that are necessary to confirm the location, collect the sample bottles and perform the onsite tests requested by LIMS.

Entering onsite data into Remote Sampler - Spreadsheet Mode
The user interface can be set in either Spreadsheet Mode (where the expectation is that input is primarily via virtual keyboard and stylus) or in Single Finger Mode where the user is taken through all the actions at each location, step by step, with large buttons and keys.

Remote Sampler features a Wizard style interface with large, readable text and a user friendly layout.

When collecting samples, the user is given details of the bottles required and any pretreatment of the sample that is necessary. Preprinted labels attached to the bottles are scanned into the Collection Run and the GPS position is recorded, thereby ensuring that the samples were taken in the correct location.

In this example, the PDA has a phone based internet connection. This is used to transfer details back about each sample as it is collected. This gives the receiving laboratory some advance warning of what is coming in later. This can be important in some situations where speed is important e.g. Microbiology.

Note also that if the LIMS supports the function, Ad Hoc samples can be taken and remotely logged to LIMS.

Your Specific Sampling Requirements
If you have a sampling application that you think will have requirements that are unlikely to be handled by Remote Sampler then please Contact Us directly. Of course we could generate a custom solution. However, if you have requirements that might be of more general interest we would be willing to consider incorporating the functionality configurably in Remote Sampler.

If you are interested in purchasing Remote Sampler or arranging a product demonstration then please email remotesampler@csols.com