Determine Chromatography Instrument Utilization in Real Time (Part 2)
Written by Kristina Djordjevic
Following the positive feedback on the last article regarding the determination of device utilization via Chromeleon data containers, we have now developed a concept for a company-wide determination of device utilization. The graphic shows the classic problem in a laboratory, namely that there is rarely one specific device manufacturer in use, but usually many different ones. However, an effective determination of device capacity is essential and very important. Bottlenecks, for example, are often difficult to visualize and point out with conclusive evidence; this means that there is no meaningful argument for budget discussions and equipment purchases. In addition, such a workflow also enables so-called "back-tracking". The final device utilization data can be used to draw conclusions about which projects require the most device capacity or to track team utilization (if devices are assigned to a specific team). This makes it possible to use historical data to predict whether there will be problems with device utilization as soon as a project is received. This means that timeline delays that would have been unavoidable can be communicated in advance and risks can be better assessed - and responded to accordingly.
An API access (Application Programming Interface) enables data from different software or device manufacturers to be retrieved and harmonized so that it can then be used for laboratory and business intelligence to monitor device utilization.
A typical everyday example of an API application is the exchange of flight information between airlines and travel websites: the flight information is updated automatically and in real time on the travel website as soon as it is changed by the airlines.
In order to integrate the conceptual workflow into your laboratory, your requirements are first recorded together with a wega employee from our CDS team and the inventory of equipment and software is drawn up.
The next step is to check whether direct or indirect API access is possible (e.g. Chromeleon, Open Labs, etc.) and how potential data architecture could be set up and integrated.
The workflow makes it possible to automatically monitor and check device utilization at any time - whether at work, at home or directly during the Gemba Walk1 so that a prompt response can be made in real time in the event of device or team overload.
Which aspects of monitoring are relevant depends on the organization and its needs. Therefore, wega and our data science team offer the possibility to customize dashboards so that important project management decisions can be made correctly, project delays can be minimized and devices can be used optimally. Corresponding device data also supports budget planning, as it is clear to what extent devices are being utilized. The company's internal project backlog can then be used to efficiently argue for the purchase of new equipment.
The final phase of implementation and configuration, as well as the training of the complete workflow, is also accompanied by a wega employee (or team).
We look forward to hearing from you.