Laboratory Products

Laboratory Balance Connectivity Streamlines Data Collection

Dec 13 2013

Author: Ruthanne Bell on behalf of Adam Equipment Ltd

Free to read

This article has been unlocked and is ready to read.

Download

Connecting a balance to other devices and equipment is more than helpful; it’s rapidly becoming a necessity for many laboratories. The ability to connect can speed up the entire research process, allowing faster recording of data and conversion of the data into tables, charts, graphs or other formats. Efficiency skyrockets when workers don’t have to waste valuable time manually inputting their measurements and results into a computer. It also can help minimise or even eliminate human error that can inevitably occur during the manual logging of data. These errors could lead to miscalculations or even result in failed tests, experiments and trials.

Laboratory balance manufacturers incorporate connection ports that enable the balance to transmit data to a computer. Balance-to-network connectivity has opened the door for companies to create software to accomplish the transfer of measurement data. Many industries count on balance connectivity to record weight, mass and density. Some common applications in which balance connectivity is beneficial include science, manufacturing,
industrial and medical.

When a balance is connected directly to another device, it decreases the chance of security being compromised. This is especially important in science research laboratories, where workers sometimes tap into highly classified information and formulas. Medical facilities strive to maintain patient privacy, and the ability to transmit data directly from a balance to a secure data logger or computers helps them achieve that goal. Regulations may exist that  an impact data collection processes or requirements in various industrials such as pharmaceutical, medical, or food processing, for example. Often, compliance with regulations or guidelines is necessary to receive or to continue to be accredited by organisations such as International Organization for Standardization, ISO, which offers accreditations on operational practices such as quality management systems and information security. Issues surrounding compliance usually impact security requirements, privacy, quality, etc.

Ways to Connect
The interface is a data pathway by which the information is transported from the balance to the computer. Types of interfaces used by balances and computers include RS-232, USB, Ethernet and wireless technology, such as bluetooth. Some balances include an interface as a standard, making them an affordable and attractive choice for laboratories on a budget. Others offer the interface as an option. It is important to ascertain which features are included on a balance when considering data collection in the laboratory.

Methods of Data Collection
Data collection can be accomplished by different devices including computers or data loggers solely dedicated to receive the information. A data logger is a separate instrument that connects to the balance for the sole purpose of collecting and recording the figures provided by the balance. (Figure 1) Information collected by the data logger can be accessed and analysed at a later point, or it can be stored for compliance recording. Alternatively, balances can be connected directly to other laboratory devices, allowing data from the balance to be incorporated into calculations made by that equipment. This type of data collection from the balance enables the examination and further analysis of results through other types of laboratory equipment. Computer-based data collection provides the overwhelming benefit of being able to use and rely on the computer’s processor, data storage, display and interfaces. (Figure 2)

Data-Analysing Software
CollectTM was designed by PerkinElmer, and is one example of software that connects and controls instruments with RS-232 serial interface ports, USB, Bluetooth or TCP/IP server. The software automates data transfer and testing, connecting balances directly to other instruments running in Windows. Software such as Collect can improve accuracy and test efficiency, eliminate manual data entry errors, and decrease overhead with a common interface solution. These types of software come with a pre-configured interface and commands for various balance manufacturers, allowing the user to add new balances at any point. An example of a more affordable software option is Adam Equipment’s Adam DUTM, which allows users to quickly and easily capture data from any Adam Equipment balance having RS-232 or USB connection (Figure 3). Adam DU collects information from up to eight balances simultaneously, while monitoring, configuring and customising the data to the user’s requirements. 

Adam DU can provide basic remote control of the balance, in addition to graphing data and exporting the readings to other applications, including Microsoft® Excel, Microsoft Word and Windows Clipboard. Laboratory users can perform statistical analysis on readings and capture custom data, since Adam DU supports up to six additional user-defined data fields. Adam DU also is capable of logging calibration reports, allowing complete tracking of calibration records. Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a software-based system that uses specific features, such as workflow tracking, data tracking and data exchange interfaces, to support labs that must adhere to specific guidelines and regulations during operation. This includes pharmaceutical, environmental or petrochemical research and analysis. Originally, LIMS was implemented solely for sample management, but has expanded to include assay data management, data mining, data analysis and electronic laboratory notebook integration. National Instruments manufactures its LIMS-based LabVIEW® software to provide comprehensive tools for any regulated research environment. The software simplifies complex tasks with a powerful, intuitive graphical development environment. LabVIEW can be integrated with any measurement and control hardware including balances, and it allows rapid development of user interfaces and delivers extensive data analysis and advanced control. 

Pharmaceutical Industry Advancements Through Data Transfer
One industry that is reaping the rewards of improved balance connectivity and the overwhelming benefits of data collection is the pharmaceutical industry. Facing stiff competition worldwide from rivals, pharmaceutical companies rely heavily on research and development to gain an edge in the drug manufacturing arena. Speed, efficiency and accuracy are fundamental elements of effective research and development for drug manufacturers. By incorporating data collection techniques into their technology network, pharmaceutical companies equip themselves with an excellent and simple way to accomplish their research quickly and with fewer errors. Adam Equipment is a balance manufacturer who produces balances used in the pharmaceutical development process. According to Tom Storey, marketing director for Adam Equipment, the process of researching and developing a new medication can take between 10-15 years. "During that time, science technicians and scientists perform numerous tests and trials of hundreds of thousands of different compounds to pinpoint those that might prove effective against diseases,” Mr Storey said. “They monitor experiments, analyse data and record and interpret results with the help of technology and balance connectivity.” Researchers can rely on automated data collection to expedite the process instead of sacrificing valuable hours manually logging information. This can lead to heightened productivity, as it allows a greater number of samples to be tested in a specific time frame. Today’s scientists around the world collaborate on a regular basis in their research and development efforts, drastically reducing the amount of time it takes to introduce new drugs. The ability to reach fellow researchers with data allows specialists to assist with product development, regardless of location.

Summary
Balances are an essential component in laboratory activities and functions. By examining existing methods and then implementing measures to improve processes, laboratory workers can ensure consistent, accurate data collection and more efficient workflow. In some industries, compliance with guidelines that are necessary to maintain or achieve accreditations may impact data collection consistency, privacy and security. Benefits of these accreditations include ensuring consistency of product, integrity of both employees and systems holding highly sensitive or personal data, minimised legal exposure, and increased credibility. The simple act of connecting balance to a computer or data logger can reap substantial rewards such as improving lab worker productivity, maintaining data integrity, speeding up timeto-market. Each benefit results in improved efficiencies and financial savings for the company.

Free to read

This article has been unlocked and is ready to read.

Download


Digital Edition

Lab Asia 31.2 April 2024

April 2024

In This Edition Chromatography Articles - Approaches to troubleshooting an SPE method for the analysis of oligonucleotides (pt i) - High-precision liquid flow processes demand full fluidic c...

View all digital editions

Events

Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2024

Apr 08 2024 Edinburgh 2024

analytica 2024

Apr 09 2024 Munich, Germany

ChemBio Finland 2024

Apr 10 2024 Helsinki, Finland

Analytica Anacon India & IndiaLabExpo

Apr 15 2024 Mumbai, India

Analitika Expo 2024

Apr 16 2024 Moscow, Russia

View all events