New Software Tool Transforms Data Acquisition and Reporting

Beckman Coulter, Inc. will demonstrate an entirely new approach to data acquisition and reporting at LabAutomation2007.

Initially offered as a customized addition to the company’s Biomek^® and SAMI^® Workstation EX scheduling software programs, the new data acquisition and reporting tool collects and stores every piece of information available from every device on the deck or integrated in the automated system. Other approaches to data handling typically require the user to determine in advance of the run which information will be collected and stored, a process involving multiple steps, and text file importing is often required for report generation.

Beckman Coulter’s new data acquisition and reporting tool runs in the background, automatically collecting and storing all run, labware and well information from every piece of equipment on the deck. Easy setup steps in the Biomek software seamlessly bridge labware data between runs, and information is tracked as a plate goes from method to method. The data is stored in a database and can be easily imported for subsequent methods. Because every piece of available information is stored, researchers can quickly and easily access data repository information when they create or change any report format. The new tool’s comprehensive, easy-to-use Report Builder function provides access to all data in either Microsoft Excel* or via database views that are accessible to LIMS.

“This new software tool truly revolutionizes the acquisition, storage and reporting of automated method data, giving users unprecedented flexibility and time savings,” commented Marc Goldstein, Ph.D., strategic product manager for Beckman Coulter. “Multiple instruments can populate a central database, and information retrieval is fast, flexible and intuitive. There is nothing like this available today.”

The availability of comprehensive information allows lab managers to analyze trends in instrument usage, including run success and failure, factoring in multiple users and applications. Excel and SQL Server* compatibility ensures seamless integration with existing LIMS, eliminating manual steps and text file conversions. Every Excel report contains embedded live links to the database, so reports can be refreshed with one click as new data is added.

Available now as a custom offering through Beckman Coulter's Integrated Solutions team, the new acquisition and reporting software will be available later in a standardized, off-the-shelf version.

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