Category Archives: Blog

Part 1 – Automated Level IV Data Packages for Environmental Data Reporting


Nobody likes to pay for certain types of insurance until they need it – especially home, auto, life etc. 

But in the environmental sector, there is a type of insurance that is often utilized and is valuable even if the results aren’t being legally or scientifically challenged. 

Level IV data packages provide the most complete picture of data, quality control, calibration and total traceability, helping environmental labs to remain current while serving high-end clients with legally defensible and scientifically valid data. These Level IV reporting capabilities allow automated data to be generated easily from a fully implemented modern environmental LIMS. 

A Level IV package contains all raw data, such as instrument chromatograms and other instrument printouts, along with the data results. This type of reporting includes specific data that is required to fully reconstruct the laboratory results, with much of the information available through PDF reports. All information can be dated, time stamped and available for independent, third-party data validation.  

A Level IV Data Package includes everything needed to trace the production of analytical results including field sampling and shipping chronology. All notes, printouts, sample results, dated materials, analysis and validation, communications and more are tracked and generated from the data elements stored in the LIMS.  Every element needed to defend the validity of data is there, if it happens to be challenged years later.

We’ll talk more about the Impact of Level IV in our next blog post

Read More

Choosing the LIMS solution to meet your needs


Selecting a LIMS system for your lab can be a time-intensive process. And it can also be overwhelming. Such an investment can cause you to wonder if you are making the right decision and whether you are judging options based on the most appropriate features.

In addition to the technical details of a LIMS solution, you will also want to consider the “personality†of the vendor, the service commitments, frequency of updates and more. And you will want to make sure you understand what and when extra costs may arise.

We’ll provide postings in the coming days to outline the right questions you should be asking when shopping for or considering a LIMS.

Read More

Expert design for your LIMS is critical to its efficiency


Omega 11 was designed and developed by analytical chemists and experienced software engineers, so the end result is a product that includes features and functionalities that are important to your laboratory. It’s important that not only your LIMS software be developed by software experts to ensure ease-of-use and functionality, but laboratory experts who understand the challenges you are faced with daily.

At Khemia we use a robust database engine (MS SQL Server) that includes huge data storage capacity and performance that suits the needs of an individual user or a large enterprise. But we are always looking for feedback on how the product can evolve and improve. Drop us a line and tell us how we’re doing!

Read More

Report Designs do Matter with LIMS


Most of us are not accomplished graphic designers – or photographers for that matter. But our clients still expect that we will produce easy-to-follow reports that can help them to communicate with other stakeholders how your laboratory is performing.

One of the best ways to ensure that your reports have the information and look you want is to utilize the features inherent with report templates within a LIMS. You should have the choice to customize the look and feel that meet your needs and answer any questions your customers have.

With Omega 11 we have created pre-labeled report templates to meet such needs. For example you can easily configure a report to conform with a quality assurance project plan (QAPP) that is specialized by your client. And you can customize a look and content that adheres to your style.

There are no extra fees for these features, nor should there be. It’s not an option in today’s environment – it’s a requirements. Various certifications and accreditations, such as those from NELAP, ISO 17025, DoD, ELAP and more, have specific requirements on how reporting should look and what information should be included. Best of all making content changes to a report will not affect the overall design.

You may not be a graphic designer. But you can claim to be one provided you have dynamic reporting designs available to you. You can adhere to your branding needs while eliminating mistakes since none of your changes will affect the details provided in the report.

Read More

Productivity is a must when managing the efficiency of your lab


Think of all the features and characteristics that may be keeping your lab from being as productive as possible. The list could be extremely long.

There may be redundant data transcriptions, high batch numbers that overwhelm your lab and need to conduct multiple redos.

You may have inefficient methods of turning bits of data into actionable information. It is possible that you may not be communicating in an effective way with other critical systems in your lab. Today’s modern laboratory needs an enterprise resource planning tool that manages multiple aspects of laboratory operations and informatics.  The laboratory must monitor certain metrics to identify operational goal is to reduce turnaround and improve on-time delivery.

In today’s lab environment these aren’t roadblocks but are merely challenges. At the highest level, what you are likely faced with in too much manual work for your staff and some operational processes that are inefficient or time consuming.

You no doubt have heard of a LIMS but today’s technology is not like the LIMS of yesterday. The key for today’s best-of-breed LIMS solutions is automation, organization and reporting.

Automation allows you to create alerts that will let your lab professionals know when certain samples are expiring. You can stay on time and on budget. Automation can decrease the likelihood of backlog that leads to areas of overcapacity not only unlikely but unimpactful. Consider that a best-of-breed LIMS is designed to help you properly document the activities of your lab at a point in time. Mistakes can be virtually eliminated. Quality is improved. Production is enhanced.

Look for Part 2 of our blog on Productivity next week!

Read More