Implementing a digital infrastructure for the lab using a central laboratory server and the SiLA2 communication standard

Abstract

In this report, a fully integrated solution for laboratory digitization is presented. The approach presents a flexible and complete integration method for the digitally assisted workflow. The worker in the laboratory performs procedures in direct interaction with the digitized infrastructure that guides through the process and aids while performing tasks. The digital transformation of the laboratory starts with standardized integration of both new and “smart” lab devices, as well as legacy devices through a hardware gateway module. The open source Standardization in Lab Automation 2 standard is used for device communication. A central lab server channels all device communication and keeps a database record of every measurement, task and result generated or used in the lab. It acts as a central entry point for process management. This backbone enables a process control system to guide the worker through the lab process and provide additional assistance, like results of automated calculations or safety information. The description of the infrastructure and architecture is followed by a practical example on how to implement a digitized workflow. This approach is highly useful for – but not limited to – the biotechnological laboratory and has the potential to increase productivity in both industry and research for example by enabling automated documentation.

A Systematic Review of Internet of Things in Clinical Laboratories: Opportunities, Advantages, and Challenges

“…Two studies support high-throughput analysis and purification in laboratories through IoT-supported models, including Neil et al [ 66 ] and Shumate et al [ 67 ]. Two studies demonstrate virtual assistance and central automation, including Austerjost et al [ 68 ] and Porr et al [ 69 ]. The studies incorporating IoT within analytic laboratory processes are discussed ( Table 3 ).…”

“…Porr et al [ 69 ] implemented a micro-service-based automated digitalized central laboratory server using the open-source Standardization in Lab Automation 2 standard (SILA2) communication standard. The central lab server channel offers process management of principle steps, including database records, results, and protocols.…”

“… Challenges of IoT technologies from primary studies based on key metrics defined in Section 1.4 , depicted in a scatter plot [ 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 ]. …”

Digitalization concepts in academic bioprocess development

“…Other means to support the user in the laboratory are semiautomated standard operating procedures where device parameters are already preset after digitally selecting the required workflow. Using a standard protocol for device communication can realize these aspects when all devices are connected by a central device control server such as in [35,42] [45]. On the software side, the gateway module has the advantage of clearly separating the tasks while still using a standard protocol.…”

Digitale Zwillinge in der Bioprozesstechnik – Chancen und Möglichkeiten

“…Durch die Entwicklung und den Ausbau des Gera ¨tekommunikationsstandard SiLA 2.0 in den vergangenen Jahren [85][86][87][88][89] wurde eine Integration von Labor Management-Programmen [94,95] und die Etablierung einer versta ¨rkten digitalen Infrastruktur [68,[96][97][98] in den Laboralltag ermo ¨glicht. Das einheitlich genutzte Protokoll zur Gera ¨teintegration ermo ¨glicht eine Skalierbarkeit und Erweiterung der digitalen Laborinfrastruktur ohne Anpassungen an der serverseitigen Software vorzunehmen.…”