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A laboratory management solution SAP QM plays the role of the LIMS and
optimizes workflow and leverages analysts interact directly with SAP QM. The
technology to improve various aspects of third is an in-between scenario, where
the lab, including improving sample functionality of SAP QM is augmented by
throughput time, reducing errors in software such as an ELN, SDMS, and
calculations and transcriptions, reducing perhaps even a light LIMS – just enough to
overall costs, and improving the ability for give the lab analysts control over their day-
an organization to have a solid compliance to-day operations without the need to
position. realize the cost and complexity generally
associated with the deployment of a full-
Traditionally, a LIMS has played the central
blown LIMS.
role in the lab. However, there is a growing
interest in improving the integration of the A middleware software solution such as
lab into the rest of the manufacturing Labtronics’ LimsLink ™ and the Connector
process controlled by SAP. Through this for SAP module is the backbone to any
deeper level of integration, organizations laboratory SAP integration scenario.
see a golden opportunity to better extend LimsLink ™ is instrument and LIMS
the reach of SAP into the lab while realizing independent, so it can be used to interface
the benefits associated with improved virtually anything in the lab with SAP – so
integration and automation over the entire long as there is a means of getting the
manufacturing process. Recent advances in information from it, or reporting
technology have made this level of information to it.
integration not only feasible and cost
In order to improve the level of integration
effective, but also flexible enough to not
of the lab into the manufacturing process,
comprise a lab’s operational requirements.
the middleware software solution should
We can break the types of laboratory to SAP also be capable of receiving notifications or
integration into three categories – the first requests from SAP that trigger information
category is where a traditional LIMS retrieval or initiate work to be completed
manages all aspects of the lab and reports by the lab. Examples include the automated
final results to SAP. The second is where creation of samples and scheduling of tests
Integration of SAP into the Laboratory Workflow
within the LIMS when inspection lots are With a flexible middleware solution such as
created within SAP, the pushing of an LimsLink ™in place, we can now focus on
updated work list to a CDS, the execution of the type of procedural control that we want
custom calculations whose results get to have within the lab. One of the criticisms
reported back to SAP, or pre-populating an of SAP QM and traditional LIMS is that they
Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) with lack the flexibility to control the analytical
information provided by SAP in order to testing process. Whether or not a LIMS is
prepare it to accept results of tests to be involved, an Electronic Laboratory
performed. Notebook (ELN) such as Nexxis ELN ™ can
be used to satisfy the need for procedural
Another capability that some laboratory-
control at the bench top. For example,
centric middleware solutions provide is the
Nexxis ELN ™ can step the analyst through
ability for analysts to define calculations
testing SOPs while automating as much of
within the middleware application that are
the process as possible, including steps
executed automatically as part of an
involving sample preparation, data
inspection process within SAP. A common
collection, calculations, review, approvals
scenario is where statistical calculations are
and reporting of results to SAP, LIMS, SDMS
incorporated as part of an inspection plan
or any other system. An ELN now becomes
and reported back to SAP as characteristics
the primary tool used by the analyst,
with associated usage decisions.
providing significant levels of automation.
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Integration of SAP into the Laboratory Workflow
An Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) can provide the interface to the Analyst, providing process
control, automating SOPs, managing reviews and approvals, and integration with Lab instruments. The
interface to SAP occurs seamlessly in the background using a middleware solution such as Labtronics
LimsLink ™ and the Connector for SAP module
In order to tie SAP into a laboratory process, it’s important to understand when and where the
touch points between SAP and elements of the lab exist at various points of a workflow. By
reviewing the various possibilities, integration patterns begin to take shape. The following are
common integration patterns associated with interfacing SAP into the lab.
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Integration of SAP into the Laboratory Workflow
Although the patterns described below are Word™ and PDF documents, images and
instrument focused, similar patterns exist reports. Having access to this information
when integrating LIMS to SAP, ELN to SAP, during a review or investigation phase can
and so on. The term Instrument can be used provide a high degree of traceability. This is
loosely to describe the system used to useful not only for quality assurance and
generate information from within the lab, regulatory compliance, but also as part of
including physical instruments such as a review and approval process associated
CDS, or through a process involving an ELN, with GMP and GLP.
or LIMS.
The automated integration of laboratory
The integration of a Scientific Data processes into the manufacturing process
Management System (SDMS) into the controlled by SAP is often one of the last
laboratory workflow provides the ability to integration points into SAP being
capture and maintain metadata generated considered. With the advances in laboratory
during the analytical process. Each of these automation available today, there is little
artifacts can provide a reviewer with a reason as to why a lab cannot be highly
better understanding of how a automated and integrated into the
characteristic result or usage decision was manufacturing process. The following are
obtained. Examples of these information some considerations that can help ensure a
artifacts include raw data generated by the successful integration of SAP into the lab –
instruments, ELN worksheets, Microsoft
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Integration of SAP into the Laboratory Workflow