Wet lab production procedures can be time consuming and can suffer reproducibility issues that depend on personnel and their technique.
We are experienced in designing and specifying systems that start with your current manual procedure and end in a completely automated or semi-automated turn-key system. We can integrate components and work with OEM manufacturers of liquid handling, instrumentation, cell culture bioreactors and fermentation vessels to create a system that is specific to your process. Batch data conforming to FDA guidelines for access and control can be stored to reduce manual effort and avoid transcription error. The data can be also be made available to existing ERP systems for customer service and to produce compliance documentation.
What factors are involved in deciding whether or not to automate a process?
Sometimes a procedure is not performed often enough to justify automation. However, commonalities can often be found so that a select set of equipment can be effectively integrated to automate most steps of several similar procedures. Our experience with solutions created by laboratory personnel alone is that many companies neglect the integration glue that makes separate pieces of equipment work together to form a robust, reliable system that saves time and money.
Once the appropriate automation elements are identified, the manual procedure must be converted to its mechanical equivalent. We can identify factors that can affect reproducibility and accuracy and help you develop tests that will validate your procedure before your commitment to purchase liquid handling, cooling or incubation equipment. Some of the benefits of automation are less tangible ( for example, how much does it cost to find a qualified replacement technician or biologist after they have left because of the tedium of too many repetitive procedures?) We can help you identify the appropriate degree of automation for your laboratory procedures.