Paper in the lab: 4 challenges and how the Q/LES app solves them
Paper-based processes are still widespread in many laboratories despite advancing digitalization. However, the use of paper documents poses considerable challenges: long search times, error-prone data transfer, slow workflows and high costs for archiving and administration.
In this article, we highlight four key problems caused by paper in laboratory operations and explain why the Q/LES app, an extension of our LABS/Q LIMS, offers an effective solution to overcome these challenges and sustainably increase efficiency.
1. avoid time-consuming document searches
According to a study*, employees spend an average of 18 minutes trying to find a paper document they need. This time quickly adds up and leads to delays in processing samples, reports and requests from your customers. Especially in a dynamic laboratory environment, such lost time can severely impact efficiency and reduce responsiveness.
The Q/LES app is your electronic laboratory companion, providing you with support through digital documentation of work instructions and steps as well as material identification by scanning.
2. sources of error in data transmission: Manual entries increase the risk by up to 3%
Just quickly enter the results and then I'll call it a day - perhaps you're familiar with this too. However, it is precisely at moments like this that errors creep in. This can lead to incorrect analysis results, which in turn causes delays and additional work in data processing. The result is often time-consuming rework and, in the worst case, incorrect laboratory reports.
Errors are avoided thanks to the workflow-specific, immediate transfer of information and entry of the results in the app.
The real-time transfer of data from the Q/LES app to the LIMS prevents transmission errors.
3. digital forms as an efficiency booster: how laboratory processes become up to 80% faster
Paper-based forms slow down many work processes in the laboratory considerably. Electronic forms, on the other hand, allow time savings of 30% to 80%, depending on their complexity, according to a report by Wirtschaftswoche.
With the Q/LES app, your laboratory values are recorded faster and more accurately and automatically transferred to the databases. This fully automated process speeds up data acquisition and reduces transmission errors. This makes laboratory processes more efficient and significantly reduces processing times.
4. archiving cost trap: why paper storage costs up to 21 euros per sheet
In addition to time losses and sources of error, paper-based processes also cause high costs - particularly due to the archiving obligations that are prescribed by law. According to a study by RKW, the total costs for archiving, including personnel costs, can amount to up to 21 euros per A4 sheet over 10 years. With an extensive document inventory, this quickly results in enormous costs for space, administration and maintenance of paper archives.
Solution: Expanding your LIMS with the Q/LES app
LABS/Q LIMS digitizes and automates all relevant laboratory processes - from sample processing to data acquisition and evaluation. The Q/LES app takes laboratory automation to a new level by supporting laboratory staff directly at their workstation and creating the basis for a paperless laboratory.
Direct advantages of this solution approach:
- Increasing efficiency
- Minimization of running costs
- Better traceability
- higher data integrity.
The Q/LES App solution offers you the opportunity to make your laboratory operations more efficient in the long term. An investment in an end-to-end LIMS is therefore an important step towards a paperless, modern laboratory.
*) Source: M-Files
