RTI Laboratories



Overview

RTI Laboratories, a respected name in the environmental and industrial testing sector, faced a common challenge: increasing testing demands, evolving regulatory requirements, and outdated workflows. Despite having a well-trained team and a commitment to quality, RTI’s legacy systems slowed down daily operations, introduced risks of human error, and lacked the flexibility required for a modern lab environment.

To meet these challenges head-on, RTI turned to Khemia Software, seeking a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that could streamline operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and support the lab’s growth goals.

Challenges Before Khemia

Before adopting Khemia’s LIMS, RTI managed sample logging, data entry, and reporting using a mix of software tools and manual methods. While functional, these workflows resulted in several limitations:

  • Sample tracking lacked real-time visibility
  • Technicians spent hours manually entering results
  • Compliance reporting was time-consuming and error-prone
  • Report formatting required constant staff input
  • Managers couldn’t easily view workloads or project statuses

These inefficiencies limited the lab’s scalability and reduced available time for technical staff to focus on analysis and client service.

Why RTI Chose Khemia

RTI selected Khemia Software because it offered an industry-tested solution designed for environmental labs. The platform supported deep customization, integrated seamlessly with RTI’s existing instruments, and provided automated workflows that aligned with federal and state reporting requirements.

Key reasons for choosing Khemia included:

  • Experience with multi-matrix environmental testing
  • Customizable LIMS modules and templates
  • Compatibility with RTI’s analytical instruments
  • Flexible implementation model
  • Responsive customer support and ongoing training

Rather than force a new workflow, Khemia adapted to RTI’s existing processes while optimizing them for speed and accuracy.

Implementation Process

Khemia’s team began with a detailed assessment of RTI’s lab operations. Together, they mapped workflows, configured instrument integration, and built templates that met Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and EPA requirements.

Implementation highlights:

  • Real-time chain-of-custody tracking
  • Automated QC and QA validation
  • Preloaded method-specific calculation rules
  • Regulatory report templates (including Excel, PDF, and EDD outputs)
  • Secure user access control based on department and role
  • Cloud backup and disaster recovery options

RTI’s team worked side by side with Khemia’s developers during testing and launch, ensuring all staff understood the system and could transition without disruption.

Impact and Results

Once the new LIMS went live, RTI saw dramatic improvements in key areas:

1. Faster Turnaround Times

Automated reporting and validation tools cut sample processing times by up to 40%, allowing the lab to handle more work with the same team.

2. Improved Accuracy

Instrument integration eliminated data re-entry. Technicians uploaded results directly from analyzers into the system, removing a major source of errors.

3. Easier Regulatory Compliance

Standardized output formats ensured that reports met all local and federal guidelines. During audits, staff could instantly retrieve any document or chain-of-custody report.

4. Smarter Resource Management

Lab managers gained access to live dashboards showing workload distribution, due dates, and flagged samples—helping them assign tasks more efficiently.

5. Positive Client Feedback

Clients received clearer, faster, and more consistent reports, helping RTI reinforce its reputation for quality and professionalism.

Ongoing Collaboration

Khemia continues to support RTI with:

  • Feature updates based on client feedback
  • Integration of new instruments as the lab expands services
  • Custom reports for industry-specific clients
  • Training for new staff as the lab grows
  • Prompt technical support during busy seasons

This ongoing relationship ensures RTI can keep improving without switching systems or retraining teams from scratch.

Future Outlook

Now that RTI has optimized its core testing workflows, the lab is looking ahead to new capabilities:

  • Launching a secure client portal with downloadable reports
  • Expanding mobile access for field collection teams
  • Incorporating predictive analytics to improve lab scheduling
  • Using API integrations to connect with state and client databases
  • Tracking lab performance metrics like TAT and QA rates in real time

RTI views its LIMS as a foundation for innovation—not just a reporting tool. With Khemia, they can continue to build smarter, faster, and more connected operations.

Conclusion

RTI Laboratories didn’t just adopt a LIMS—they transformed their entire operation. By choosing Khemia, they gained the flexibility, speed, and control they needed to scale efficiently while maintaining compliance and quality standards.

Through strategic implementation and close collaboration, RTI now stands as a model of how environmental labs can modernize without disruption. Khemia continues to support their goals with a responsive, reliable system that evolves with their needs.