Alaska Analytical Laboratory


Alaska Analytical Laboratory: Raising the Bar for Environmental Testing with Khemia LIMS

Overview

Alaska Analytical Laboratory (AAL) operates in Fairbanks, Alaska, where environmental concerns and testing requirements are unique due to the region’s climate and geographic conditions. AAL provides analytical testing services for soil, water, and air quality, serving government agencies, engineering consultants, environmental firms, and the private sector.

As demand for faster turnaround and digital compliance reporting increased, AAL sought to modernize its laboratory operations. They needed a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) that could meet their technical, regulatory, and operational needs—without disrupting day-to-day work.

Khemia provided the answer.

Challenges Before Implementation

Before partnering with Khemia, AAL faced several challenges that limited its growth and lab efficiency:

  • Manual sample logging and tracking led to delays and potential data inconsistencies
  • Reporting processes were time-consuming and error-prone, especially when complying with state and EPA formats
  • Lack of integration between lab instruments and internal systems made it hard to consolidate data
  • Staff fatigue from repeated manual tasks took time away from actual testing and analysis

These operational inefficiencies didn’t just cost time—they affected overall accuracy, client communication, and AAL’s ability to expand services.

Why AAL Chose Khemia

AAL evaluated several LIMS providers but ultimately chose Khemia for its expertise in environmental laboratory workflows, modular platform, and willingness to tailor the system to Alaska’s unique needs.

Key reasons for choosing Khemia:

  • Proven success in the environmental lab sector
  • Custom reporting capabilities for Alaska-specific regulations
  • User-friendly interface that required minimal training
  • Strong post-implementation support and system updates
  • Affordable customization compared to other vendors

Khemia didn’t offer just a software license—it offered a long-term relationship based on problem-solving and adaptability.

Implementation: A Tailored LIMS Solution for Alaska

Khemia’s team worked closely with AAL to understand lab protocols, staffing, instrument setup, and regulatory obligations. Instead of forcing AAL to adapt to a rigid system, Khemia configured the LIMS to align with AAL’s specific processes.

Key features implemented included:

  • Sample login and barcode tracking for accurate chain-of-custody
  • Real-time dashboard views for lab managers
  • Auto-flagging of results outside compliance ranges
  • Integration with AAL’s lab instruments (ICP, GC, HPLC)
  • Pre-built reports that complied with Alaska DEC and EPA guidelines
  • Audit trail tracking for quality assurance and defensibility

The Khemia team trained staff in stages to ensure a smooth learning curve. The transition was completed with no downtime, and the lab began seeing immediate improvements.

Operational Improvements & Measurable Results

After implementation, AAL reported noticeable gains in key areas:

1. Sample Tracking & Chain of Custody

Samples could now be tracked from intake to reporting with full audit visibility. Staff no longer used paper forms or spreadsheets, which reduced errors and sped up intake.

2. Turnaround Time (TAT)

Automated workflows helped AAL reduce their average TAT by nearly 40%. Clients began receiving results faster, which increased satisfaction and retention.

3. Data Accuracy

With instruments integrated directly into the LIMS, transcription errors dropped significantly. The system automatically checked values against regulatory ranges, reducing QA/QC time.

4. Staff Productivity

Lab analysts could focus more on testing and analysis instead of paperwork and formatting reports. Tasks that took hours could now be completed in minutes.

5. Audit Readiness & Compliance

The system logged every action and generated reports that met all required formats. AAL felt confident facing state or EPA audits with documentation instantly available.

Ongoing Support from Khemia

Khemia didn’t stop at deployment. The team continues to support AAL with:

  • Remote troubleshooting and upgrades
  • New report templates as regulations evolve
  • Assistance during audits and inspections
  • Feature enhancements based on AAL feedback
  • Training refreshers for new employees

This collaborative approach helped AAL remain flexible and compliant as testing requirements change.

Future Plans and Expansion

Encouraged by their LIMS success, AAL plans to expand testing services and offer client-facing features through Khemia’s platform.

Future initiatives include:

  • Online client portal for real-time access to reports
  • Integration with accounting and billing software
  • Cloud backup for secure off-site data storage
  • Mobile sample tracking for field collection teams
  • Internal dashboards to track lab KPIs in real time

These improvements will allow AAL to stay competitive, even as the regulatory landscape tightens and client expectations grow.

Conclusion

Alaska Analytical Laboratory’s partnership with Khemia shows how the right LIMS can completely transform a lab’s performance. By moving away from manual processes and embracing a flexible, tailored system, AAL increased its efficiency, reduced compliance risk, and positioned itself as a leader in environmental testing across Alaska.

Khemia continues to provide not just a product—but a platform for growth, compliance, and long-term success.