QiSOFT Blog - Digitizing the Laboratory

18 May, 2022

Is your Laboratory Ready for a Digital Transformation?

With the advent of digital technologies, we are seeing a transformation in the manufacturing industry like never before. New tools and software have made it easier than ever to design, prototype, and build products, giving manufacturers unprecedented levels of control over every stage in the production process. 

By linking production closely to machine learning and big data analytics, businesses can churn out more efficient processes and more sophisticated products than ever before. 

From smart factories that can predict when maintenance is needed to the 3D printing revolution, there is no doubt that digital transformation is forever changing the face of manufacturing as we know it. Whether we're talking about small-scale artisan enterprises or massive multinational corporations, every manufacturer today has a stake in this new frontier. 

And with exciting opportunities for growth and innovation right around the corner, now is certainly the time to get on board with digital transformation in manufacturing.

Starting a Digital Transformation Process

There are several different methods that manufacturing companies use to start their digital transformation. One popular approach is implementing production software to increase automation and improve efficiency. Quality management software like QIS is another essential tool for providing data in real-time. Another strategy is to create a more collaborative environment where employees across different departments can share ideas and information.

In addition, many businesses focus on digitizing customer communication and developing apps and websites that make it easier to engage with customers and gather feedback on products or services. 

But what about the laboratories? With all the focus on shop floor initiatives, there's a danger that the labs may be left behind.

The Importance of Data in Digital Transformation

Data plays an essential role in the success of any business. Every company has data, but not every company knows how to use it. Data is the key to understanding your manufacturing processes, customers, markets, and business. 

It helps you make decisions about making corrections to your manufacturing processes, what products to develop, how to reach new markets, and where to allocate resources. 

But it is crucial for businesses to quickly collect and analyze the collected data to gain the maximum benefit. This allows them to keep pace with rapid changes in the internal and external environments, giving them a better chance of staying ahead of competitors and maintaining a strong position within their market. 

Moreover, by feeding the latest data back into production, companies can take corrective action to any processes running out of tolerance. 

And that's where software like QIS comes in. By providing real-time quality data from the process, managers can make decisions before the production run has been completed. As such, live data reduces the cost of quality significantly.

Digital Transformation for Labs

A well-run lab is essential to any manufacturing company that relies on product testing. By managing all the activities in a lab, a company can ensure that its products are of the highest quality and meet all safety standards. 

In addition, a lab can help to streamline the manufacturing process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. For example, companies can avoid recalls and other costly delays by testing products before they are mass-produced. A lab can also help to improve customer satisfaction by providing accurate information about product development and quality control. 

So, labs must be included in any company-wide digital transformation process.

How to Digitally Transform your Lab with QIS LabLink

Labs not only collect mountains of data from the production processes but also feed data into elements such as asset calibration and Gage R&R.

And as with all the other data sources in a manufacturing company, lab data needs to be collected, analyzed, and made available for everyone else in the company as quickly as possible.

QIS LabLink is your ultimate lab management tool and is designed for digital transformation programmes. It lets you capture all the critical laboratory data, share test results with other users in real-time and analyze results together to make informed decisions about what's happening - live.

LabLink provides instant confirmation and visual feedback to technicians in the lab and operators on the shop floor. And the integrated document library ensures that those completing testing have access to the required test methods and standard operating procedures.In addition, with this innovative software, you have total control over what information gets collected, including the sample size that needs to be recorded for each test. 

LabLink gives you complete flexibility in data collection, and it ensures all your checks and tests are completed on time, every time. Whether you need to conduct low- or high-complexity analyses, LabLink makes lab management a breeze, offering clear and detailed dashboards that keep you updated on all lab activity. 

Plus, the asset register creates a calibration schedule for you, making instrument calibration and management of all of your testing assets a breeze.

Summary

By digitizing your lab, you can open up a wealth of possibilities for collaboration and data sharing. Giving those decision makers across your operation access to critical information to make informed decisions.  

With the right software in place, digital transformation can help your manufacturing business thrive in today's competitive market. Have you started your journey to digital transformation? 

Contact our team for more information on the QIS suite of quality management software tools.