CSols has been implementing laboratory informatics solutions Right-the-First-Time for over a decade 

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.  LabWare LIMS is commonly put in place utilizing their GOLD methodology which is a goal-oriented implementation approach.  This methodology leverages quick, iterative prototypes and small dedicated teams to produce rapid results.  As a LabWare partner, we have had extensive experience with this approach and methodology and are fully vetted to deliver your LabWare LIMS this way.  

However, many of our customers require that their standard company software implementation methodology be followed and we are happy to comply.  For clients that do not wish to employ the GOLD methodology and do not have their own standard, CSols offers the LASER™ (Laboratory Automation Services Execution Routes) implementation methodology, as illustrated below.  This hybrid implementation methodology has been developed based on our vast experience and industry best practices.

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. 

By the way, 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, customers) 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, LabWare LIMS, and other informatics systems expertise which are the extra ingredients that will make your LabWare LIMS project successful.  We have extensive experience with global implementations of LabWare LIMS.  Our goal is to be your partner, not just a services provider.

Configuration & Customization

Configuration is generally defined as tailoring the informatics solution utilizing the COTS vendor’s tools that do not require any programming.  LabWare LIMS provides and supports a wide variety of configuration capabilities.  Customization, on the other hand, is the extension 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.  

We leverage our experience to ensure that the configuration and customization of your informatics system are 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 LabWare LIMS’ configuration and customization capabilities, functions, and tools including:

• LIMS Basic
• Visual Workflows
• JavaScript, Web Services for customizations & extensions
• Crystal Reports (Stored Queries, Data Explorer, etc…) for reports
• LabStation for instrument/system integration
• NorthWest Analytics (NWA) for charting and graphing
• LabWare ELN

And 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 to LIMS.  CSols has expertise with the preferred instrument integration tools utilized with LabWare LIMS including; LabStation and LIMS Basic.  We are also experts on several other commercially available instrument integration and middleware systems.  

Systems Integration

CSols has unparalleled experience in integrating LabWare LIMS with other information systems.  We have utilized LabWare LIMS Web Services to accomplish our clients’ integration goals.  We have also had extensive experience integrating LabWare LIMS to SAP QM through the standard LabWare – QM IDI Interface.  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 LabWare LIMS toolset.  Beyond our expertise with the tools and technologies used to integrate systems to LabWare LIMS, 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 & 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 LabWare LIMS 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 LabWare LIMS within a variety of industries including; pharmaceutical, biotech, petrochemical, and food & beverage. 

Some examples that CSols has developed and delivered include:

• Integrating a new business unit/site into the existing LabWare LIMS
• Adding storage location tracking
• Adding inventory tracking of standards & reagents
• Updating LIMS to current versions
• Creating integrated labels with barcoding
• Configuration of visual workflow interface to standardize/simplify business processes and performance metrics.
• Interface directly with external systems and documents (e.g. excel, word) for importation of data into LabWare LIMS.
• Exporting LabWare LIMS data into requested formats (excel, xml, txt, etc.) and creating reports for such exports, if needed
• Writing automation scripts to assist with performing routine tasks
• LabWare LIMS system improvements including:
  • Enhancing performance
  • Optimizing code
  • Harmonizing code for consistency
  • Convert customized options into configuration options 

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 LabWare LIMS coupled with our industry, domain, and laboratory knowledge ensures that your training materials and classes will be designed, developed, and delivered to optimize your LabWare LIMS adoption rate.

Hyper-Care Support

You are getting close to go-live with your new LabWare LIMS.  The training must be developed and delivered prior to the go-live date but within no earlier than two weeks prior.  Formal training of your system administrator and super users need to be accomplished and should be supplemented and enhanced via informal, unstructured training with Subject Matter Experts.  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 - 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.