The Value of Lims in Manufacturing

Automated Sampling and Labelling

All samples can be tracked and managed from collection to analysis and disposal. The laboratory team can print labels to attach to the samples, documenting the testing process (pending, drawn, release) and the storage location. This helps reduce the likelihood of sample mix-ups, thereby enhancing efficiency and safety.

Scheduling Batches

The laboratory team can schedule batches and run separate procedures on sampling, a critical aspect of fresh products like frozen fish. For instance, upon arrival of frozen fish at the factory, the laboratory team typically has a 48-hour window to conduct tests and return the items to the freezer to prevent defrosting and waste.

Heldware

In the event that test results fall outside acceptable limits, the laboratory team can inform the factory floor to hold, and quarantine materials, whilst deciding whether to release or dispose of the raw materials at a later stage. LIMS can help capture information, conduct root cause analyses, evaluate downtime and calculate additional labour hours needed due to material failures. With this information, factories can detect batch rejections early and understand the root cause, in the hope of preventing them in future.

Workflow Automation

LIMS reduces reliance on manual processes, and minimises the risk of human error, whilst speeding up the testing processes. Whether weighing, titrating, using gas chromatography or other equipment, all results can be easily entered into fixed terminals, PCs or tablets and automatically updated in the system in real time. This eliminates lost documents, human errors and delays, fostering closer collaboration and communication between the laboratory team and the factory floor, leading to faster decision-making and improved overall efficiency.

Integrate with Existing Lab Machinery Laboratory equipment such as HPLC with multiple outputs can sometimes be connected directly to factory devices for instant data transfer, eliminating the need for keyboard entries and further minimising the risks of operator error.

Harford LIMS

Harford Control developed Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to help food and beverage manufacturers optimise the laboratory testing process and provide real-time actionable information, as stand-alone or a fully integrated part of Harford MES.

By automating tasks such as material usage confirmation, bulk material tracking and informing laboratory teams of sampling requirements, we help factories ensure material safety and quality, reduce risks and enhance efficiency.

Real-time monitoring and seamless integration of lab equipment with Harford LIMS enables proactive management of non-compliant products.

Most factories could benefit from LIMS. Contact Harford Control by calling +44 (0) 1225 764461 or send an email to: info@harfordcontrol.com.