Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Michael S. Zachowski, Robert D. WallaAstrix Technology Group
1090 King Georges Post RdEdison, NJ 08837
A Successful Approach to a LIMS Upgrade In A Public Wastewater Utility Laboratory
AbstractAbstractUndertaking a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) upgrade takes considerable resources that are often underestimated by the client. In addition to the obvious license and support costs, most commercial off the shelf (COTS) products will require customization and/or configuration to meet a client’s specific requirements and work flows. If these are not documented and compared to the base functionality of the COTS LIMS prior to the installation, it is unlikely that adequate resources will be allocated and the project will fall short of its objectives.
AbstractAbstract This paper will present a case study of a LIMS assessment and
upgrade in a public sector wastewater utility laboratory network. The client had an existing COTS LIMS that was no longer supported by the manufacturer and did not meet the ever-increasing needs of the user. In order to successfully upgrade to a new COTS LIMS product, requirements (functional, technical, business) were collected, segmented and prioritized. Use case scenarios were created and incorporated with the requirements into a system specification. The specification will be provided to pre-qualified potential COTS LIMS vendors via a Request for Proposal. After short listing, vendors will be required to perform an onsite demonstration using Astrix supplied demonstration scripts. This approach will provide the client with a better assurance that the selected product will meet the organizational requirements as defined in the system specification.
Utility LIMS UpgradeUtility LIMS Upgrade Project ObjectivesProject Objectives
Purchase Of a COTS LIMS Implement At Multiple Locations Integration Of Analytical Instruments Interface With Existing Data Systems
Stakeholder GroupsStakeholder Groups
Laboratory Stakeholderso Sample Receiving
o Sample Preparation
o Organic Analysis
o Metals
o Wet Chemistry
o Process Control
o Biology
o Microbiology
o Research Group
Stakeholder GroupsStakeholder Groups
Non-Laboratory Stakeholderso Quality Assurance
o Information Technology
o Plant Operations
o Ocean Assessment Group
o Sampling Group
o Lab Management
o Regulatory Reporting
o Industrial Waste
o Monitoring Group
Existing Utility SystemExisting Utility System
Plant Operations Database Toxicity Database Industrial Waste Pretreatment Information Management System
(PIMS) Enterprise Reporting System
“Implementing An Information Management System In A Laboratory Is Like Changing The Tires On A Car Traveling 100 mph”
— Author Unknown
LIMS Risk ComponentsLIMS Risk Components
60% of IT Projects Are Cancelled Prior To Implementation Many Systems Never Get Implemented Due To Functional,
Time and Budget Constraints Customization And Integration Requirements Underestimated Unrealistic Schedule And Budget Estimates Risk Management Plan Not Well Established No Formal Process In Place to Select and Implement LIMS
Astrix Technology Process ApproachAstrix Technology Process Approach
Business Case Preparation Collect and Organize User Requirements Development of Functional Specification Request For Proposal Evaluation of Vendor Responses (GAP Analysis) Configuration/Customization/Integration Validation And Testing Life Cycle Planning and Maintenance
Onsite Requirements Meetings Include All Stakeholder Groups User Focus Groups Story Boarding
Requirements AnalysisRequirements Analysis
Collect Detailed User Requirements Iterative Process Segment and Prioritize
o Priority 1 – Critical To Work Processo Priority 2 – Improves Work Processo Priority 3 – Nice To Have
Decompose To Level 2-3
Requirements AnalysisRequirements Analysis
Requirement Types
Functional Requirements Technical Requirements Security Requirements Regulatory Requirements Business Requirements
System Specifications
Description Of Processes and Procedures System Requirements Process Flow Diagrams Suggested Workflow Changes (if applicable)
Interface Design Report Design System Architecture System Topology Security Model
Standards and Tools
LIMS Selection Protocol
“Roadmap” Of the Selection and Evaluation Process Description Of Each Phase Define Roles and Responsibilities Evaluation Criteria Project Plan
Generate Request For Proposal (RFP) Distribution To Pre-Qualified Vendors Analysis of Vendor Responses Shortlist Vendors Vendor Demonstrations Demonstration Evaluation GAP Analysis Identify GAP’s That Are Showstoppers GAP Option Analysis Cost Analysis and Purchase
Vendor Evaluation and Selection Vendor Evaluation and Selection ProcessProcess
Request For Proposal
Developed From System Specifications Sent To Pre-Qualified Vendors Provide Information on Company, Product and
Services Develop Vendor Shortlist
Request For ProposalComponents
Business Overview Organizational Structure Work Process Descriptions Process Flow Diagrams Requirements Matrix Vendor Response Forms
Proposal Evaluation
Requirement Priority/Response Matrix Evaluation Conformance To Current Workflow Architecture/Topology Compatibility Company Profile
o Response To Solicitation
o Industry Experience
o References
o Support Services
Cost Analysis
Product Demonstration
Demonstrate How System Conforms To Requirements and Workflows Not A Sales Demonstration Standardize Demonstration Using Demonstration Scripts
o Outline Tasks To Be Performed
o Standard Demonstration Data
Demonstration Evaluation
Conformance To Test Scripts Scoring Criteria
Conforms Workaround Available
Non-Conformance
GAP Analysis
Evaluate GAPS Prioritize GAP Options Analysis
o Specifications
o Cost Analysis
Vendor Recommendation
Results Of Product Demonstration GAP Analysis Results Cost Analysis
LIMS Purchase
Contract Negotiations Payment Schedule Source Code Escrow Agreement Maintenance Agreement Warrantee
Benefits Of A Systematic ApproachBenefits Of A Systematic Approach
Capture All User RequirementsCapture All User Requirements Assures that the LIMS is selected based on Assures that the LIMS is selected based on
Requirements not featuresRequirements not features Consistent evaluation criteria applied to all Consistent evaluation criteria applied to all
productsproducts Reduces the risk associated with the purchase of a Reduces the risk associated with the purchase of a
LIMSLIMS
For More Information, contact:
Astrix Technology Group
1090 King Georges Post RdSuite 604Edison, NJ 08837732.661.0400www.astrixsoftware.com
