Productivity as Continuous Improvement
Productivity is a constant goal and measure of success across all industries; from accounting to waste management and everything in between. The life sciences are no exception. We seek to accomplish more in less time. In this context, productivity might manifest as discovering a novel target for a new drug, developing a companion diagnostic, or publishing impactful data faster than a competing lab.
Productivity is also an evolving target. A great example of this evolution is genome sequencing. Starting in 1990, it took researchers involved in the Human Genome Project thirteen years to sequence the human genome. Today, with technologies boosting productivity, human genome sequencing can be completed in a few hours.
Parallel Processing Increases Productivity
Increased productivity is not the consequence of happenstance or fortunate accident. At the same time, it’s not significantly impacted by working faster or longer, especially in life sciences where precision, accuracy, and repeatability are paramount, and human error is a major risk to quality.
Instead, productivity is a culmination of thoughtful planning and adopting advanced methodologies. One such methodology is parallel processing.
Parallel processing means that several assays are processed simultaneously in a workflow. In contrast, batched processing, a common bottleneck in many labs, means that only one assay may be processed at a time.
In theory, additional lab technicians may be employed for parallel processing; each assigned to one assay, and all working at the same time. In reality, however, this is wholly impractical. The added labor expense is detrimental to already-tight lab budgets. Time spent on training takes away from time spent processing samples. Task performance, such as pipetting or incubating, will vary from person to person, and these variations can negatively impact sensitive assays. Finally, competition for instrument use compounds variability issues.
The most effective way to increase productivity through parallel processing is via an automated workflow.
Three Automated Parallel Processing Levels
HighRes Biosolutions offers three automated workflow types so that any lab can take advantage of the efficiency and productivity improvements afforded by parallel processing.
The first is parallel processing on the Prime automated liquid handler. Prime features dynamic, independently moving trays and separate labware loading and pipetting positions. The trays, along with Prime’s two collaborative robotic arms, enable liquid handling to occur while the deck is being loaded.
Most other automated liquid handlers lack this flexibility; meaning that liquid transfers are halted while you add plates to the deck. The workflow interruption introduces processing time variability and impedes productivity.
The second automated parallel processing option is through the Nucleus automated infrastructure. In a pre-configured or highly personalized Nucleus system, a scalable and modular combination of devices, on fixed or mobile dockable work surfaces, and Cellario whole lab automation software work in concert with robotic arms that reach all the devices. This provides hands-free operation and parallel processing without interruptions due to manual handling.
To see how a Nucleus system with Cellario software helps to accelerate high throughput screening and parallel processing of up to 15 distinct assays in inflammatory disorder research, read about a recent project in our poster, “Increased Automation Screening Efficiency Through Parallel Processing and Advanced Scheduling” that we produced in conjunction with our partner, the pharmaceutical research company Galapagos NV.
The third option is a large-scale or multi-room Nucleus automated infrastructure. You still have the option to fully personalize the system with hundreds of devices to meet your requirements, and still have access to the novel docking technology and Cellario software. However, the devices do not need to be in close proximity. Rail-mounted or mobile sample conveyance systems safely transport samples to workflow destinations that may be located in remote rooms, or even on separate floors. This option is ideal for ultra-high throughput labs, including those with complex sample processing needs.
The Role of Software in Parallel Processing
Laboratory automation scheduling software is used to control and manage automated systems. A common limitation of most software platforms is processing a single protocol at a time. This can decrease overall device utilization and restrict processing throughput to reduce overall lab productivity.
Fortunately, high-quality whole lab automation software, such as Cellario, offers parallel processing capabilities. By running multiple, different scientific processes in parallel, devices distributed across the automated system may be more fully utilized, sample processing throughput is increased, and scientists can gain faster access to valuable insight-supporting data.
For help in selecting the right lab automation software when parallel processing is a critical factor, read our blog, “The Right Software Opens the Door to Automated Parallel Processing”.
Independent of your sample throughput or workflow complexity requirements, below are three major benefits to consider when seeking to increase productivity through automated parallel processing.
Maximize Device Utilization
When implementing parallel processing, you can unleash the full power and capabilities of the entire automated system. Your team can choose to use all or some of the system’s devices depending on their specific workflow needs.
For example, one person can schedule a cell-based assay that utilizes a subset of system devices, while another person can schedule a biochemical assay that uses a different subset of devices. The lab automation software will instruct both protocols to be run at the same time while identifying and mitigating potential workflow conflicts or overlaps so that both proceed seamlessly.
Reduce Discovery Time
The high consistency and repeatability afforded by an automated workflow means fewer tests to repeat due to error or variation. Walkaway convenience provides confidence and peace of mind to users and enables them to attend to higher value tasks while samples are processed.
Automated parallel sample processing beyond normal office hours and over holidays and weekends means that you have access to more data while using less of your team’s time. This increases efficiency while it decreases wasted time
On top of this, another key benefit of lab automation software is that it facilitates parallel sample processing and data integration while cutting down the time it takes to manually coordinate and process samples in separate protocols.
These time savings can add up. By processing three, four, or more protocols in parallel, or testing against multiple targets simultaneously, your organization may be able to make rapid decisions and achieve results faster than the competition.
Strengthen Coordination and Planning
Your team is focused on a common goal, yet individual responsibilities may collide in the lab as team members compete for device use in a manual or batched workflow. Competition for equipment use can also introduce variability that weakens data integrity.
In the automated system, whole lab software can manage and execute parallel processing of multiple sample plates to help team members improve coordination, align across resources, and even share results without delay. The software is a conduit of sorts to facilitate planning among colleagues.
Summary
Automated parallel processing is a highly effective way to increase lab productivity. And with different levels to suit a wide range of lab needs and budgets, your automated parallel processing solution is awaiting your discovery.
Contact us today for more information on how an automated parallel processing solution can increase productivity in your unique lab.
Revision: BL-DIG-220603-01_RevC