The Digital Lab

Paul Planje

I have been working since 1992 on subjects such as efficiency and Productivity increase. Initially in the laboratory and research sectors. Here I made my experiences with analytical instruments and automation. With the change to sales, enterprise solutions such as Scientific Data Management Systems (SDMS), Laboratory Information Systems (LIMS), Laboratory Execution Systems (LES), Electronic Laboratory Journals (ELN) and Document Management Systems (DMS) were added. In the last years I was engaged in the digitization of processes and their measurements. Scince 2019 I'm running the iVention DACH region supporting our customers to move into the digital lab world.
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Recent Posts

Pharma 4.0

Aug 3, 2021 11:00:00 AM / by Paul Planje posted in Digitalisation, Platform, DigitalTransformation, iLES

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The digital future of laboratory technology

The digital transformation has now turned countless production facilities around the world into smart factories. Industry 4.0 has become a buzzword that everyone can imagine, at least in part. Pharma 4.0, on the other hand, is largely unknown as a term - even though an incredible amount is happening in the pharmaceutical industry in terms of digitization. Advanced smart production methods, powerful data analysis and a high degree of automation are also high on the agenda in the pharmaceutical industry. Of course, manufacturing processes must also be optimized in the production of medicines or in research. After all, consistently high quality of products or research results, agile and efficient work, and a significant reduction in costs also play a key role in our laboratories for a future-proof, competitive design of everyday working life.

Pharma 4.0 - The future is now!
The "next generation" production methods of Pharma 4.0 enable completely new possibilities for laboratories. From 3D printing to additive manufacturing methods to fully automated workflows, highly productive systems are ready to reduce labor costs, offer new options in disease control, and make business decisions much easier. With all the advances, however, one factor must not be forgotten: People! Because even if processes are automated and networked apparatus and systems significantly simplify daily work, laboratory employees must of course also be included in the transformation process. The "interface" between technology and people is represented by ergonomically manageable, intuitively operable management systems. LIMS, the "Laboratory Information Management System", provides precisely the tools that link the advantages of the digital laboratory with the daily work routines of the employees. Easy data retrieval, automatic storage of data in the cloud for worldwide access, and paperless management are just a few of the many benefits of using LIMS in digital lab environments.

If you want to learn more about the fascinating benefits of Pharma 4.0, check back here regularly! Because in loose succession we will dedicate ourselves to the topic in detail! Or give us a call right now and let our experts advise you comprehensively, personally and of course without obligation on the digital future of the pharmaceutical industry!

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Tangible benefits for laboratories through lean management?

Jun 24, 2021 12:00:00 PM / by Paul Planje posted in On-Demand, DigitalTransformation, _Platform

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In industry, the approach of lean management with its various methods has already become established. Lean processes in the interest of the customer, minimization of waste and continuous improvements along the entire value chain have become the standard in manufacturing companies worldwide - and a guarantee for sustainable competitiveness.

The application of lean management in the laboratory is described by the term "lean lab". And "Lean" as a concept is also on the road to success in the science-driven world of laboratories. Several studies in recent years have impressively demonstrated that laboratories can reduce errors, shorten lead times and cut costs with the concept of the lean lab. Laboratory employees can also benefit from lean techniques - through laboratory equipment that is better adapted to the respective workflows and optimally coordinated process sequences.

Crucial to success: the right technique
Lean management is not a universal method, but the generic term for a whole range of measures and techniques. Perhaps you have heard of Kaizen, value stream mapping or the Deming circle. For the Lean Lab, the techniques must be carefully selected and adapted to the respective actual situation. Digitalization supports the Lean Lab in this process, because with the Internet of Lab Things as well as a powerful inventory and instrument management, existing weaknesses can be uncovered and processes can be optimized without negatively affecting the daily work routine.

What does your lab look like? Do you already apply lean techniques or are you toying with the idea of making your lab "smart" in the near future? Write to us - we look forward to a constructive dialog! post content here…

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Why we like the cloud so much

May 26, 2021 8:50:39 AM / by Paul Planje posted in Digital transformation

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The powerful, flexible iLES - the iVention Lab Execution Platform - stands for modern, web-based, scalable lab management. The platform is the foundation of all our iVention solutions and arguably the smartest way to digitally transform a lab. We are convinced: Without paper and without paperwork, bridges between the data islands generated in a lab can be built faster and more efficiently than ever before. But there are many more good reasons why we at iVention love the "cloud" so much.

The iVention Cloud
With LIMS, the highly integrated laboratory information and management system, electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN), scientific data management systems (SDMS) and efficient groupware solutions, we have powerful solutions for the modern, digital operation of a laboratory in our portfolio. The basis for the application of the aforementioned building blocks is our iLES, the iVention Lab Execution Platform. The cloud-based platform does not require the installation of client software and is available in both hosted and installed versions. In both cases, iLES can be effortlessly configured to meet customer requirements to perfection without custom coding. Sounds simple? It is - and ease of use is also one of the reasons we like the cloud so much.

Insight into lab data anytime and anywhere
No matter where you are: Our iLES platform is accessible to you at all times. Whether via cell phone, tablet or PC: iLES provides users, managers and cooperation partners with information in real time. Without a separate client installation, any data user can access iLES with a web browser. And because iLES also comes with a client portal, your customers can also take advantage of our system - at no extra cost, because the client portal is already included in the end-user license fee. The cloud brings the laboratory world closer together. We love "our data clouds" for that, too.

Working paperless
iLES enables paperless working via tablet computers on the web and in the cloud. The generated data can be used throughout the company without any detours. iLES simplifies access to real-time information - of course, always in compliance with legal regulations and data integrity. In this way, our platform saves time and, by automating processes, also costs. In addition, iLES reduces the amount of manual data processing. Our vendor-neutral iVention technology transforms labs into highly integrated, paperless environments. The third plus point for our cloud.

How do you see digital cloud-based solutions being used in the lab? We are eager to hear your opinion on the topic of digital transformation! Write to us, we look forward to a stimulating exchange of ideas! 

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Let's build bridges!

May 4, 2021 8:08:18 AM / by Paul Planje posted in Platform, Digital transformation, Digitalization

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We find them in nearly every laboratory - the data islands. In the course of the digital transformation, the data generated in our laboratories is spread across more and more systems, most of which are different. Where once a database and one or two Excel spreadsheets might have been used, a real ecosystem of different data sources has developed over the last few years. In laboratories around the world, these data islands consist not only of digitally generated data - but also of a whole lot of paper. Notes, file entries, experimental results are still often recorded on paper. Processing and managing the data islands means manual effort - and thus time that is missing for the actual tasks in the daily business of a laboratory.

With iLES, bridges are built. Bridges between the data islands generated in the laboratory! With iLES, working paperless via tablet computers on the web and in the cloud becomes a real game changer - transforming data from data islands into information that can be used throughout the entire company. iLES simplifies access to real-time information - while of course complying with legal requirements and data integrity at all times. iLES also saves time and costs, however, because the solution automates processes and reduces the amount of manual data processing. As iLES is vendor-neutral, the solution can turn any lab into a highly integrated, paperless environment.

So - let's build bridges together and make your lab ready for the demands of the future, too! Write to us, we will be happy to advise you in detail on the optimal strategy for the comprehensive digitization of your laboratory!Your blog post content here…

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With iVention to the optimal instrument management in the laboratory

Apr 1, 2021 11:43:40 AM / by Paul Planje posted in Digitalisation

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Modern equipment in the laboratory must inevitably be serviced regularly and with the utmost care. Because only if the connectivity and correlation of the individual devices is permanently guaranteed, uncertainties in measurements and the subsequent analysis processes are reliably prevented. With iVention's digital capabilities, you get a powerful solution for sustainable instrument management,. Reduce the risk of unexpected downtime and minimize uncertainties in measurements.

Predictive maintenance - proactively avoid downtime.
The easiest repairs are the ones that don't need to be done in the first place. With iVention's Instrument Management, predictive diagnostics of your laboratory equipment has never been easier. All relevant information on the condition of the equipment is provided immediately by means of sensors. Upcoming maintenance work is indicated just as early as technical errors. This enables you to carry out maintenance and repair work at an early stage and in a sustainable manner. This prevents unnecessary downtime and at the same time increases process reliability.

Informed regardless of location
The iVention solutions in the area of Instrument Management are optimized for mobile use. Regardless of location, you can obtain information about the status of your laboratory technology on any Internet-enabled mobile device. In many cases, problems can be solved remotely - a real time advantage!

Would you like to receive comprehensive information about the many possibilities of iVention Instrument Management or would you like a personal consultation about the advantages that our digital solutions offer you for your laboratory? Then send us a message right away - we are already looking forward to hearing from you!

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