Remote Monitoring for Automation Goes Up a Notch

Tecan, building on the success of its Common Notification System (CNS) for the remote monitoring of automation, presented the latest upgraded version at ALA’s LabAutomation 2010 conference in Palm Springs, California, USA. CNS, standard with every Freedom EVOware® software package, allows the user to monitor the status of every Freedom EVO® liquid handling system within the network of the company, via a web browser or using the Tecan CNS iPhone® application. Version 2, due for release shortly, further extends this function to enable reliable monitoring via the 3G network from outside the company, and can actively send status updates to an iPhone by push notifications. Eskil Trollhagen, Product Manager for Freedom EVOware and TouchTools Suite™, explained: “CNS Version 2 is not dependent on the customer’s technical infrastructure, operating instead via the cell phone network, making it even easier to set up and use, as well as making it much more powerful. The application can be set to alert the user, for example, when a reagent refill is needed or upon completion of a run. The ability to react and to recover interrupted runs further increases the rate of success, significantly saving time and money. CNS effectively increases walk-away time by providing operators with added security and peace of mind when leaving the laboratory. This unique functionality boosts our customers’ confidence in using automation.”