Chasing Time: Gaining GC Workflow Efficiencies with a Simplified Approach

Time is something people always need more of but never seem to find. That’s why most everyday activities and devices have been simplified to fit today’s busy lifestyle. The lab is no exception.

Gas chromatography (GC) labs face the need for accurate and compliant results, while ensuring cost-efficient operations. Even under the best circumstances, labs are still vulnerable to human error. Reducing complexity in the lab minimizes that risk.

Simplification is one of the strategies of Industry 4.0 for manufacturing processes. It can also be applied to laboratory operations where it will support lab managers in their efforts to minimize human error and drive business excellence.

This blog explores three types of simplification processes labs can immediately implement into their GC workflow.

1. Analytical Workflow

Simplifying the instrument control and data management of a GC workflow requires software that’s easy to use, yet adaptable and powerful. Optimally, a single software platform will be able to control hardware, collect data, and report results.

In addition, an intuitive software interface can help simplify the overall analytical process. For example, the planar structure of the PerkinElmer SimplicityChrom^™ Chromatography Data System (CDS) Software supports simplification of the workflow, while reducing the need for extensive training.

2. User Experience

Lab analysts spend the most time interacting with CDS software, so if the systems are complex, productivity and profits suffer. The faster labs can seamlessly adopt new technologies, the more efficient the workflows become. User interface and experience play a huge role in how technology is perceived and learned. So, it makes sense that the most optimal experiences lead to better integration and collaboration.

With its iconographic style, the SimplicityChrom CDS Software is a great example of software that provides intuitive instrument control and data management of the PerkinElmer GC 2400^™ Platform. Different data tables and chromatograms can be selected and viewed for specific analytes across multiple samples, enabling the identification of trends and better data analysis.

3. Maintenance

Results are only as good as the equipment analyzing the samples. Labs that lack well-managed instruments tend to have slow productivity – and low integrity. In addition, undermaintained labs tend to purchase replacement equipment too soon, breaking the budget and affecting the bottom line.

However, there are various procedures that can help labs ensure their equipment is cared for and well-maintained, including:

• Developing SOPs for all lab equipment
  Not only do SOPs enforce lab health and safety, but they also prevent the mishandling of valuable instrumentation.
• Receiving live status notifications
  For example, the GC 2400 Platform, with its detachable touchscreen, allows remote monitoring of the analytical runs and accelerating the decision-making process.
• Training and updating regularly
  Knowing how to troubleshoot and perform method optimizations helps labs get the most out of their instrumentation while enabling efficiency.
• Maintaining hardware parts
  A system’s individual parts need regular updating and cleaning to run as efficiently as possible. Labs should consider implementing instruments that require simplified maintenance processes to maximize uptime. For example, the GC 2400 Platform includes features that help labs simplify instrument maintenance.

How does your lab simplify GC operations and optimize workflow? Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter and share your tips.

Learn more about simplifying GC laboratory operations.