Innovative smart device could increase laboratory productivity
VIDA, a new smart device that allows laboratory staff to track, record and store data more easily, could improve efficiency in laboratories.
A new smart device, currently being brought to international markets, could make manually recording and storing instrument and measurement data a thing of the past and increase laboratory efficiency.
VIDA, developed by laboratory instrument manufacturer Martel Instruments (Durham, UK), is a smart device that connects to instruments in the laboratory and allows laboratory staff to track record and store data easily.
“We see VIDA as a cost-effective solution to the problems of accuracy and connectivity which Lab Managers face every day,” explained Keith Walker, Managing Director of Martel Instruments.
The device is able to connect to new and legacy equipment, meaning that laboratories do not need to invest in upgrades for all of their equipment. This will allow laboratories to reduce costs whilst still running a modern, connected laboratory.
Teesside University (Middlesbrough, UK) is currently running pilot tests to determine whether the device can operate in a commercial environment. The aim of this trial is to help Martel secure a market for VIDA in the United States.
“As a University we work with a wide-range of state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and so are perfectly situated to help Martel test its VIDA device,” commented Paul Van Schaik (Teesside University), a team leader in these trials. “We were also able to apply academic rigor to the design and delivery of the test to ensure it met the required standards of commercial operators.”
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The team identified any equipment the smart device needed to be able to work with before carrying out a series of quantitative and qualitative tests to determine the functionality and ability to gather data.
So far, the trials have been successful. The device allows laboratories to accurately record results, maintain compliance standards and operate more efficiently whist eliminating the need for paper records.
“This has been a research project which has real and practical significance,” remarked Garry Weeks (Teesside University). “Early feedback from our students and technical staff certainly indicates that VIDA will be a welcome addition within any laboratory – helping to streamline and manage their activity plus massively reducing manual data processing requirement.”
“The University has proved that VIDA is easy to use and that it has made a significant contribution to accuracy accountability and efficiency. Martel is grateful for the support it has received from the GX project and Teesside University, and looks forward to working together again to implement its new product roadmap,” Walker concluded.
