The Medfiles laboratory is well on its way to become fully digitalised to enhance its operational efficiency. Our vision is to move towards fully electronic laboratory processes and a seamless data flow between computerised systems and databases.
This change not only brings internal efficiency to our processes but also offers several benefits for our clients: the shorter turnaround time of samples offers faster and more cost-efficient service and digitalised processes ensure even better reliability and security for our clients’ data.
In addition to improved processes and better service, the need to digitalise our laboratories is also driven by changes in legislation. The EU GMP Annex 11 is currently being updated, and its requirements on digital processes will become even stricter than today, enhancing data integrity, minimizing the risk of errors, and uphold the highest standards of quality and safety.
![Laboratory digitalisation](https://medfilesgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/laboratory-digitalisation.jpg)
Laboratory digitalisation started over a decade ago
The first step in the laboratory digitalisation process was taken over ten years ago when titrators and conductivity meters were connected to the LabX system. The Empower 3 Chromatography data system, implemented in 2017, enabled paperless chromatography data handling and electronic approval of results. This was a significant step to improve the productivity of our laboratory with enhanced communication and system availability.
The next step was to implement a laboratory information management system (LIMS). This provided the essential tools for managing laboratory sample volumes, velocity and variety of data. Now our data is more organised, searchable and accurate, aligned with the best practices for compliance and quality control.
Where are we headed next?
In 2024, the use of LabX is expanding, and we can connect our balances and pH meters to the system. This makes it possible to use the instruments without a paper printout, increases the quality of weighing (data integrity) and enables the introduction of electronic worksheets.
As of 2024, LIMS/LES electronic worksheets have been acquired to replace the paper-based working note process. The implementation of electronic documentation drives Medfiles towards an even more modern and technologically advanced laboratory. This goes beyond internal efficiency; it directly benefits clients by saving time, reducing costs and ensuring the reliability and security of their data.
The latest step has been the implementation of Microsoft RDS (Remote Desktop Services) which allows the virtualisation of applications and provides powerful system use and data management. RDS supports high availability of our resources which, in turn, improves the efficiency of our processes.
The possibilities for laboratory digitalisation and automation are constantly developing, which is why Medfiles follows the principle of continuous development. Our mission is to enable automatic data transfer between all systems. With our commitment to continuous development, we can maintain our competitive advantage in the R&D and analytical services industry.
Medfiles is your reliable partner in analytics, product development and manufacture of investigational medicinal products (IMPs). Our team of 70+ experts offer tailored services to your needs. By selecting us as your partner, you can be sure that your medicinal product meets the applicable requirements set for its manufacture and quality control.