OPINION


7


The BST decided to invest in a LIMS to centralise biochemical screening, map laboratory workflows and dramatically drive efficiency through superior data management. A system was required that could coordinate global


requests, create automated workflows and standardise screening, ultimately delivering analytical excellence and superior productivity. The system had to significantly improve the management of compounds, reagents and the team’s workflow, all in a single, discreet software solution. AstraZeneca chose the Thermo Scientific Nautilus LIMS.


Centralisation: the results


Fig. 2. Once samples have been cherry-picked they can be graphically manipulated – for example moved on plate, moved between plates and solubilised.


an unpromising compound. The company needed a system to coordinate global requests, create automated workflows and standardise screening and ultimately, accelerate the process.


Benefits and challenges


The BST effectively offers a pool of assays spanning all current projects. Bioscientists and chemists can create their own selectivity panels from any or all of the assays offered.


This centralised approach to post High Throughput


Screening (HTS) offers many advantages in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, making smarter use of the team’s members and better use of the data generated. However, it also means that all data and resulting information must be instantly accessible via a common IS interface, posing new challenges with regards to information management.


Within six months of the LIMS deployment, AstraZeneca’s BST realized a 180 per cent efficiency gain in its laboratory from the centralised screening process with approximately seven assays per scientist (up from 2.5). It has been possible to reduce turn around from initial


sample screening request to upload of data, taking into account order and delivery times for compounds from the company’s central compound store as well as processing times from 16.5 days down to an average of seven days. This improvement gives multiple benefits including


allowing customers to simultaneously test against several biological targets with minimal compound usage; the chemists receive their answers faster, thereby accelerating research on promising compounds. Seamless sharing of information across the team and department has been achieved, greatly enhancing collaboration and competence and ultimately accelerating the discovery process. AstraZeneca has been able to configure an interface between Nautilus LIMS and its corporate database, so that sample information can be easily transferred via barcode avoiding duplication of data-entry and therefore minimising potential errors. The inherent workflow functionality of the LIMS


provides the testing instructions for each sample resulting in process harmonisation and centralisation across the BST.


In addition to tracking samples, the LIMS has been


used to track and manage reagent stocks, thereby facilitating reagent sharing outside of the team, with the obvious potential for significant cost savings. Running several different assays with various components in each, the company is intent on having the necessary reagents ready and available so that it will not lose efficiency gains from centralised screening to poor inventory management. Fundamental to improving the effectiveness of


any process is the ability to capture metrics on key performance indicators. Using a LIMS to help manage the workflow means that


Fig. 2. Once samples have been cherry-picked they can be graphically manipulated – for example moved on plate, moved between plates and solubilised.


all information with regards to the process is accessible to various database reporting tools. Generating real-time statistics on the team’s


productivity has allowed AstraZeneca to identify bottlenecks and remedy them.


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