TMA Member News: Scientific Control Laboratories New LIMS System

CHICAGO — TMA member Scientific Control Laboratories, Inc. (SCL) has announced the implementation of a new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Sample Master(R), a software system that optimizes lab instrument resources and to enhance SCL’s testing and lower detection analytical capabilities for decades to come.

“As we celebrate our 80th year of providing accurate and timely laboratory services to customers in the aerospace, automotive and medical industries,” said Joelie Zak, co-owner, in making the announcement, “this new LIMS system increases our extensive testing and technical capabilities even further and enables us to better serve our customers.”

Sample Master(R) leverages open software architecture and automation to accelerate accurate reporting, multiply productivity, increase operational efficiency and provide unparalleled data security. Using Microsoft SQL Express as its database engine, Sample Master(R) is Windows compatible, and boasts feature-rich components such as an intuitive user interface, integrated calculations, automated email alerts, Master Query functionality, scheduling and automated reporting. Sample Master(R) affords laboratories such as SCL unparalleled flexibility to choose hardware and software specific to their needs, as well as supporting expansion of reporting capability as operations grow.

Improved sample and data tracking

SCL’s new LIMS capability provides improved sample tracking and shorter turnaround time, as well as tighter quality management in certification records. Reports, which have been modified to upload data easier, are formatted to facilitate easier understanding of data. Lab reports have a slightly different format, but are still clear and easy to understand, particularly for compliance and quality testing reports for their clients.

Continued compliance

“Most of our clients rely heavily on us for a multitude of compliance testing,” says Brittany Maki, LIMS Coordinator for SCL. “As compliance testing has grown from independent chemical analysis to Nadcap and A2LA accreditation for materials testing for REACH/RoHS/PPAPs. For EPA and OSHA compliance, our clients depend on us for compliance assurance and expect a focus on accurate and easy-to-understand results for wastewater compliance assurance.”

“We have reviewed the notes that we have collected over the years on every one of our clients’ effluent wastewater limits and product testing details,” Maki states, “so that we can provide a solid history of data and reports for each client.”

Positive customer impact

The soft launch of the new LIMS system took place March 1, and SCL’s customers have already begun to benefit from it. One client that often uses SCL’s testing services on a weekly basis now receives same-day results emailed directly to the office. For critical quality data needs, the level of prompt results provided by the new system is invaluable.

“SCL continues to grow in their technical capabilities and addressing the connectivity among the environment, quality data, compliance and the various supply chains,” says Pete Demakos, materials engineer, for Northstar Aerospace, “The new LIMS system is a major technology step forward in accomplishing this.”

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Scientific Control Laboratories, Inc., is an independent and privately-held Nadcap, A2LA and NELAC accredited testing laboratory in Chicago, IL since 1938. SCL is the leading provider of environmental engineering and consulting services for metal manufacturing operations, with a wide array of environmental, physical, and chemical knowledge for a variety of manufacturing industries. SCL also provides industrial hygiene testing for occupational air and noise exposures. Training and auditing services are also available for RCRA, DOT, OSHA compliance, pollution prevention and many other related services for industry personnel.

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