Which hardware?
Server hardware specification?Best practice is a dedicated LIMS server running Debian or Ubuntu. Quad core i7, 64GB RAM, 2 * 248GB SSD in RAID We recommend dedicated hardware for the LIMS server - this avoids conflict betweens systems for RAM and processor cycles, and even more so between systems administrators when things go wrong. Unlikely to be with robust and secure Bika on Linux, which runs like a train with uptime measured in years Thin browser only bench top PCsFirst prize: Wall mounted touch screen tablets. Else, low spec laptops running Ubuntu All user interaction with their data should be via their browsers, LIMS, email, spreadsheets. Currently, shared Google sheets, documents and mail are leading the pack Working on shared documents online improves efficiency by a lot
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Production server stackBika runs like a train on secure and robust industry proven Linux. Debian and Ubuntu are the most popular Though singular Bika/Senaite installations are good for prototyping and evaluation, maybe for production purposes in a small lab, it won't cut it on bigger volumes and more concurrent users Industrial grade Bika LIMS production server installations include the equivalent of
Production and Training instancesWe recommend installing both Production and Test/Training servers The Training server is used for acceptance testing, and thereafter as e-learning sandbox for users to uninhibitedly test real life scenarios without fear of interrupting production
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Any good barcode printers?Zebra GC420d/t series printers if all labels are printed form a single PC. If you want to print from elsewhere too, you need a networked printer like the GT800. Both listed at Zebra.com We are not agents for them, but these are without a doubt the best value for money, plug and play and reliable enough to buy off the Internet Be sure to select a standard size label. Else you have to have custom ones cut and that can be expensive. Bika's label size is 48 x 18 mm and anything slightly larger will do. Consider vinyl labels for wet samples and the labels not to smudge Barcode scanners?Barcode scanners you'll need a minimum of one at reception, and one each at every instrument capable of reading a USB input device (keyboard, mouse normally). This will improve TAT and accuracy by a lot. Look no further than Zebra's Symbol series, use to be Motorola's, industrial quality. Another to buy off the Internet without hesitation They do Presentation (Blink) mode scanning, it submits a barcode when it sees one. Mounting the scanner at say the instrument, the user has both hands free to handle samples with Don't buy too many, they'l last for years and at some point we'll find a use for 2D scanners for QR codes. A ton of information on a small label, say Sample Type, Date Sampled, etc. Just not sure where it will be needed yet |
