The Development platform, sciForge, sits atop the Cloud Platform (IaaS) layer, providing a suite of tools for development, customization/configuration and maintenance of the apps offered by LabLynx. These tools enable you to have control over every phase of laboratory informatics management, from the initial defining of system requirements through validation, and each additional stage through the entire lifecycle of your informatics solution suite. The tools comprise, in lifecycle order:
URS Definition - Defining User Requirements Specifications for informatics systemsProject Management - Managing implementation - and, later, maintenance, additional customization, etc.
Validation - Verifying the system does what the URS said it should
Configuration & Customization - Add/modify screens, fields, buttons, etc., as well as functionality
Integration - Integrate systems with other systems, instruments, databases
Report Building - Create and modify report templates
URS Definition
It includes real-world specs in every category of laboratory data management functions, as well as sections aimed specifically at particular types of labs, e.g. environmental, diagnostic, etc. These were all derived from actual URSs, with some added by LIMSinstitute staff based on experience with labs in the industry.
The LIMSpec has grown and evolved since its initial introduction, with today's emphasis being on clear, unambiguous language and open-ended opportunities for vendors to describe fully how they address each requirement. It attempts to steer away from excessive requirements for their own sake, in favor of actual meaningful and relevant functionality that truly reflects the lab's needs and preferences.
The LIMSpec is your LabLynx community tool for the first step in the LIMS or other data management system lifecycle.
Project Management
The second phase of the LIMS lifecycle is implementation, and, after validation, then regular maintenance plus any future modifications. The LabLynx Project Management tool in the sciForge suite provides a complete system for management and documentation of all work, covering these areas.
Help DeskIt includes an integrated online Help Desk ticket management system where customers can submit new tickets, manage existing ones and communicate with support staff, project managers and developers involved. It also provides for instant email notifications based on a variety of circumstances. Users can be notified of all updates to all or specific tickets, support can be instantly notified of new tickets and updates, etc.
There are other features of this sciForge tool, including the ability to store and access documents, such as SOWs, contracts, etc., as well as uploading files (e.g. screenshots) to accompany tickets. There is a calendar showing task dates/deadlines, a progress chart and more included in the Project Management Help Desk. An online tutorial video and user guide are available on the LabLynx site at http://www.lablynx.com/company/help-desk.
Validation
Results are documented in the LIMSpec-derived test scripts. Time spent, along with the completed scripts themselves, are stored in the LabLynx Project Management system, where they can be accessed any time there is a standards validation or certification audit. LabLynx even provides validation script templates, including DQ, IQ, OQ, PQ and more as necessary.
Configuration & Customization
Of course when talking development platform, the first thing that comes to mind is tools for customization and configuration. As a general rule, the term "configuration" refers to making changes to an existing app without the need to write code, and "customization" refers to source code based work, including creating apps as well as modifying existing ones.
LabLynx provides its iStudio screen designer tool through the sciForge development platform so you can work with your webLIMS solution at a developer level.
System ERDs are provided, along with documentation to help you use the LIMStudio development tool. And our support team are always ready to help you with whatever you need.
Integration
Mirth channels allow for either unidirectional or bidirectional interfacing, with the ability to have a great deal of control over specifics of the interface. Once channels are defined, they may be used for the same purpose for future interfaces.
Report Building
Fields, database objects, labels and much more are easily arranged, along with a header and footer and any number of groupings. Barcodes may be also added in the same drag-and-drop method, with the ability, as with all template items, to define all characteristics, including size, font, color, hide/show, etc. Barcodes are included by default on the standard sample/specimen label. Other standard templates include a results report, bench worksheet, throughput/TAT report and more.
Native database tools are also usable on the webLIMS SQL database, including SQL Reporting Services, if desired, as are those for open source apps included in the sciCloud.net® suite.