Contract laboratories benefit from LIMS flexibility

The Matrix Gemini Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) from Autoscribe is a versatile system that can meet the varied requirements of contract laboratories both large and small. In addition to ease of set-up for traditional LIMS activities through its unique ‘OneTime configuration tools’, Matrix Gemini offers bulk sample registration templates, multi-site use through its standard web browser interface and can readily incorporate business information alongside the laboratory data.

Matrix Gemini provides the flexibility to capture, store and report a very wide range of materials and tests. This is perfect for contract laboratories who may have different divisions for various industries. The easy to use configuration tools allow the system to be configured without the use of custom programming or esoteric basic scripting tools. A configuration wizard allows free choice of screens, workflows and menu designs, customer specific tables/modules, multiple screens for the same function (e.g. registration screens optimised for each sample category), multiple sample numbering systems and much more. In addition, Matrix Gemini features a Bulk Sample Registration capability to save time when registering large numbers of samples and/or multiple sample types.

Matrix Gemini is a dual desktop/web system and therefore customers of contract laboratories can be given controlled access for the purpose of registering samples, checking on the work status and obtaining reports, for example. This functionality will reduce the number of phone calls and e-mails sent to the contract laboratory. The web access provides the flexibility from the smallest contract labs with single user, single PC systems to large multinationals with multiple concurrent users connected via multiple sites.

Matrix Gemini is not just a LIMS as it also provides business management functionality. It will allow the creation of quotations, order booking, allocation of appropriate prices and the production of invoices either directly or in conjunction with a corporate accounts system. The pricing part of the system is completely configurable allowing discount structures based on customer, number of samples submitted, turnaround times requested and more. This allows contract laboratories to monitor profitability right down to the test level.