SampleNavigator in General

Introduction

SampleNavigator software is a tool for sample management in all its meaning. To explain what SampleNavigator is you will find below a brief description on typical and general laboratory and research institutes processes. 

When a sample is entering the laboratory it usually gets labeled with a barcode label or in the future an RFID ( Radio Frequency Identification ) chip. Depending on the goal of tests and study the sample must be placed in the correct laboratory department and the correct actions have to be taken. After processing and testing the sample needs to be discarded, or when a further study of the sample is in place, storage or other actions have to be done. 

When you need SAP for the lab; SampleNavigator is your partner to be future proof. 

SampleNavigator is a Sample management and Efficiency tool.

This is what SampleNavigator does. Upon entering the sample’s label into the system SampleNavigator will look up the sample type and immediately it will generate all further actions to be undertaken for the sample. SampleNavigator will produce a virtual fishbone structure to which all data concerning the entered sample is connected to. For example: It will commence the sample at the correct department and devices and will check if the sample has arrived. SampleNavigator will alarm if the sample has not reached it’s destination within the preset timeframe. SampleNavigator will store all test results to the fishbone and communicates all data back to the main data system. Of course this is possible with a validation step through the lab manager or scientist.  SampleNavigator will generate all SOP ( Standard Operating Protocols) for each sample entered and all relevant data is logged into a Lab journal. All steps regarding the sample are logged. What is done, where and by whom, what device, what is the device’s status and last calibration results of the device. Track& trace  the sample. Get overview on the sample handling with SampleNavigator.

LIMS

As you can understand from the text above SampleNavigator is a LIMS system which provides management tools to improve efficiency for High throughput laboratory environment and research centers. It is a tool that also prevents human errors and lifts the quality of service onto a new level. Order management reports are generated by the software as it evolves in use. 

SampleNavigator is a Sample Storage tool.

Many Laboratories that process samples are eager to save special samples for studies and further testing. For example Bacteria stems are kept for testing of antibiotics and drug development. When a physiologic sample is entered for investigation Sample navigator generates the steps to prevent human errors. When the bacteria have grown and the stem isolated from this sample this is logged onto the original sample fishbone structure in SampleNavigator. When the scientist wishes to save the processed stem it can simply command to SampleNavigator to allocate available space in the sample storage location. This feature enables users to create a compact and efficient sample  storage. A unique but anonymous label can be printed and the container is stored. The location and code is protected and retrievable at all times. Even when somebody messes up the storage location SampleNavigator will be able to organize It again. Another important issue is Data Integrity. The software links the sample to its source. The scientist is unable to see its source however an authorized physician can. All data is integer and protected.  

SampleNavigator is besides a storage tool also a sample monitoring tool for sample log, sample track, sample trace, sample storage and sample retrieval.  It will give an overview on the sample flow and work flow within the laboratory. Besides research SampleNavigator is also very suitable to be used in a production environment. SampleNavigator software is keen on sample relations and relating samples to each other. 

Pick list and population research

Another thing SampleNavigator is outstanding in is generating pick lists and reports on behalf of studies. For example a PhD student would like to investigate a certain population. SampleNavigator is able to generate a pick list of Biobank samples that fulfill the requirements of the query. This query is fixed with a few mouse clicks and the pick list will be generated in just a few seconds. Another possibility is to generate results from a population research performed earlier. Why do the same research twice? Also these results of the earlier study can be further fine-tuned by the other study with advanced insights and knowledge. Meaning advanced research by two PhD students reaching further than the current studies is possible with SampleNavigator. Worldwide study results can be compared to achieve a better worldwide knowledge on epidemics and physiology . 

Using Excel

Smaller laboratories tend to use Excel. However to keep all relevant data stored it is a humungous task to keep the Excel updated and accurate. To keep it manageable information is left out. Besides that Excel does not optimize your storage location efficiency. The Access program is an option however it has very much restriction and is not suitable for the laboratory at all. Besides all above, Excel is designed in the *0’s, you should use a program that is ready for the future instead. 

Concluding SampleNavigator is a future proof LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) and BIMS ( Biobanking Information Management System) in one. 

Return On Investment 

SampleNavigator is a product that is developed form the view of users and laboratory managers. The SampleNavigator software is keen on Return on Investment (ROI) by simply saving money on precious temperature controlled storage space by a **0% effectiveness. It is guiding processes so productivity and effectiveness increases.  When using expensive reagents a planning can be made so reagents that have to be used immediately will have better value. This is what SampleNavigator means when we are talking about optimizing a laboratory.

Corporate Social Responsible

SampleNavigator is adding Corporate Social Responsible features to the laboratory. Having less freezers or centralize freezers will resolve in better manageable costs for storage. Besides saving  costs on  the electricity use of a freezer in a low temperature surrounding cooled with for example a heat exchanger connected to soil water will produce lower carbon dioxide exhaust. Meaning the ROI will even be reached earlier than considered in first instance. SampleNavigator is used in cryostorage locations, VPLN (Vapor Phase Liquid Nitrogen) storage vessels. SampleNavigator is a tool for sustainability improvement on research sites. 

Unique features

What are the most important and unique features of SampleNavigator compared to regular LIMS? 

Interfacing with Information Systems

SampleNavigator is able to interface and communicate with most commonly used information systems that are currently used in the laboratory environment. This provides all users, whether they are physicians or lab technicians; complete and only relevant  information is available for all. Expensive and unnecessary double checks are history.  

Ongoing development and easy adjusting

Users are able to adjust the program themselves. In the contrary to the established programs such as Labware and Labvantage SampleNavigator users who are authorized are able to recreate processes and to delete or adjust mandatory fields with information. When deleted the information stays on the data-server it is just the visibility of information that changes.  

Storage location optimization

For many managers this is very important. When you can save on one side, you can spend on the other side. Meaning development and investing in new sophisticated devices and analysers is within reach faster and easier. 

Versatile Software

Although most of the current users are using SampleNavigator for human Biobanking and human research SampleNavigator can be easily be adapted for research on every study you can imagine. It is applicable to Life Sciences, Animal Sciences ,  Bacteria, fungi, Chemical, Petrochemical, but also for humane and animal IVF and sperm bank facilities. 

 

Multi compatible

SampleNavigator Software is able to work with all commonly used identification codes. Such as *-d barcode, *-d barcode or data matrix or QR code, and RFID