Implementation Services for

Full System Implementation

CSols has expertise and experience in a broad range of implementation methodologies from classic sequential design methodologies to incremental and iterative methodologies. 

STARLIMS systems are commonly put in place utilizing a phased implementation approach and an iterative, prototyping implementation methodology. As a STARLIMS partner, we have had extensive experience with this approach and methodology and are fully vetted to deliver your STARLIMS system this way. However, many of our customers require that their particular software implementation methodology be followed and we are happy to comply.

CSols has also leveraged our experience to develop our own best practices, value-added implementation methodology.  That is the LASER™ (Laboratory Automation Services Execution Routes) implementation methodology, as illustrated below.

The LASER implementation methodology combines the best of sequential design methodologies and the speed and effectiveness of incremental and iterative methodologies.  LASER is completely scalable and can be utilized in both regulated and non-regulated environments. 

At CSols we define success as being on-time, on-budget, meeting your requirements, and attaining the highest level of system adoption and utilization rate.  We don’t just help you implement your informatics system, we work with you to manage the change it drives. We believe that it is critical to involve all the system stakeholders (managers, supervisors, scientists, technicians, IT) throughout the project and actively manage how they perceive and receive your informatics system.  An implementation is not “successful” if no one uses it!  Our process ensures that you will realize true project success. 

Project Management

CSols’ informatics project management methodology is based on the Project Management Institute (PMI) framework of Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing. Our project managers are Project Management Professional (PMP) certified, and more importantly, have the industry, laboratory, STARLIMS, and other informatics systems expertise which are the extra ingredients that will make your STARLIMS project successful.  We have extensive experience with global implementations of STARLIMS.  Our goal is to be your partner, not just a services provider.

Software Installation and Upgrade

CSols’s STARLIMS Consultants provide expert-level services for the installation and configuration of the STARLIMS application, worker processes, and print manager in all industries and environments. We have extensive experience and expertise in upgrading both the STARLIMS application and the runtime instance. Additional support can be provided for technology upgrades (Oracle, IIS, LDAP, etc.) associated with the STARLIMS system.

Configuration and Customization

Configuration is generally defined as tailoring the informatics solution utilizing the COTS vendor’s tools that do not require any programming.  Customization, on the other hand, is the modifying of the COTS solution through programming.  For long-term supportability, best practices indicate that configuration is preferable over customization but CSols feels that this needs to be balanced so as not to overly impinge upon your work practices.  CSols will, therefore, always seek to implement flexible solutions whereby your requirements will be satisfied through the configuration of the application while minimizing the need to customize the system.  The informatics system must adapt to your processes, not the other way around. Additionally, as a STARLIMS Partner, we can work directly with STARLIMS to facilitate the inclusion of customizations into the core product whenever feasible. 

We leverage our experience to ensure that the configuration and customization of your informatics systems is accomplished in the most efficient, scalable, and supportable way to satisfy both your current and future needs.  CSols has the expertise and knowledge of the STARLIMS configuration and customization capabilities, functions, and tools including:

• .Net, XFD, and HTML5 for forms
• SSL, Jscript, Web Services for customizations & extensions
• Crystal Reports and QBE for reports
• SDMS and Fusion (File Grabber) for instrument/system integration
• STARLIMS Advanced Analytics and MS Chart for charting and graphing
• STARLIMS ELN

As an independent informatics consultancy, we’ll always advise you as to the best way to satisfy your requirement, either through configuration or customization.  We will accomplish this without forcing large-scale reengineering of your processes. 

Instrument Integration

Instrument interfaces that CSols has developed and implemented have run the gamut from a simple one-way data transfer to sophisticated, workflow-driven, multi-step programmatic interfaces.  We have interfaced virtually every type/brand of instrument and instrument system with LIMS.  CSols has expertise with the preferred instrument integration tools utilized with the STARLIMS system including; DCU, SDMS, and Fusion (File Grabber).  We are also experts on several other commercially available instrument integration and middleware systems.  

System Integration

CSols has unparalleled experience in integrating the STARLIMS system with other information systems.  We have utilized STARLIMS’ APIs as well as SSL, Jscript, and Fusion to accomplish our clients’ integration goals.  We have also utilized commercial middleware systems and a variety of third-party database integration tools when a client’s systems integration needs could not be satisfied with the STARLIMS toolset.  Beyond our expertise with the tools and technologies used to integrate systems to STARLIMS, CSols also brings our knowledge and real-life experience of how laboratories operate and how their data is used throughout organizations. 

Data Migration

CSols has developed a hybrid data migration methodology that utilizes both manual and programmatic processes.  There are a number of standard Extract Transfer Load (ETL) tools available that often can be utilized to perform the programmatic process.  Additionally, CSols has developed a more robust, informatics-oriented, data transfer tool, the Automated LIMS Loader (ALL), which facilitates analytical data migration and load processes. 

Enhancements and Extensions

Your needs and requirements invariably expand and change.  These new requirements may be for modifications and changes, new functions and features, integration to new systems or instruments, or additional system entities like templates, workflows, or reports.  Collectively these types of changes and additions are referred to as Enhancements and Extensions. CSols will leverage its diverse portfolio of expertise and our broad knowledge of the STARLIMS system to ensure that the enhancement and extension of your LIMS will be accomplished in the most efficient, scalable, and supportable way.  We have successfully enhanced and extended STARLIMS within a variety of industries including; pharmaceutical, biotech, clinical, and forensics. 

Some examples that CSols has developed and delivered include:

• Requirements gathering and documentation of enhancements and extensions
• STARLIMS integration to other information systems (ERP, EHR, business systems, etc.)
• Adding Instrument Interfaces (DCU, SDMS, Fusion)
• Mobile Device Support via Mobility Module
• Implement new or old modules that have not previously been used
• STARLIMS – Empower 2/3 interface
• Real-time Out of Compliance indicators
• Modifying and adding Workflows
• Additional reports (Crystal, SL QBE)
• Additional Dashboards (XFD, HTML5)
• User issue list fixes

Training

CSols’ informatics training experts have a long, successful track record in the preparation of customized, role-based (technician, researcher, supervisor, system administrator) training materials and classes.  Our customized training is designed to complement the vendor training offerings.  Our training materials and classes can be oriented toward delivery in a classroom setting, as computer-based training modules, or for “train the trainer” consumption.  Our expertise in the STARLIMS systems coupled with our industry, domain, and laboratory knowledge ensures that your training materials and classes will be designed, developed, and delivered to optimize your STARLIMS adoption rate.

Hyper-Care Support

You are getting close to go-live with your new STARLIMS system.  The training must be developed and delivered prior to the go-live date but within no earlier than two weeks prior.  Training of your system administrator and super users also needs to be conducted in an informal, unstructured manner.  Even after all the training, there will inevitably be questions and hiccups when you officially go live.  How this is handled is the true make-or-break test of your project.  All of these questions and issues must be handled professionally, fully, and rapidly or frustration will set in and your adoption rate will plummet. 

CSols Hyper-Care Support will take care of your training needs (formal & informal) and will provide an expert on-site for a minimum of two (2) weeks to answer any questions and handle any glitches before they become a real issue.