Introduction to Laboratory Automation (LAE-SC-3)

	This full-day course will introduce you to laboratory automation, covering: What laboratory automation is Why it is important to you How can automation benefit laboratory operations What the automation options are for improving productivity in the lab Technologies for laboratory automation Issues in lab automation How to start an automation program Note: page updated Nov.16th, 2009

Why is this course important to you and your organization?

Laboratory computing is essential to the operation of R&D and quality control labs. Both technology and economic demands are pushing labs to incorporate automation and informatics into the labs. If your lab is being faced with demands for increased productivity, lab automation can be an effective means of meeting that requirement. However the key to successful implementation is understanding what is possible, what the technologies are, their limitations and how to apply them. This introductory course starts you on the path. This course, followed by the "Manager's Guide to Lab Automation & Technology Management" will provide the basis for developing a laboratory automation plan.

Purpose

If you are developing an interest in lab automation, or are curious about what it is and it's potential in your lab, this is the place to start. Lab automation is not just a matter of putting equipment in the lab. It is the effective use of automation technologies (devices, computers, software, robotics, etc.) to improve the ability of people to work, the labs productivity, add new capabilities, and generally improve the labs ability to function as a cost-effective operation. Lab automation can improve peoples ability to carry out scientific work: Give people better tools, they'll produce better science.

The purpose of this course is to start you on the road to developing an effective laboratory automation program and introduces you to ILA's unique methodology for planning, managing, and implementing projects.

Who should attend?

This course is intended for laboratory managers and personnel that are interested in the application of lab automation technologies in their facilities. We strongly recommend that BOTH lab and IT personnel attend the course together, if possible.

When the course is over, the attendees should understand what lab automation is, the technologies used and how to apply automation to lab work which differs from more traditional instrumentation applications. They will understand the steps needed to develop effective and successful programs.

This full-day course will introduce you to laboratory automation, covering:

What laboratory automation is, why it is important to you, & how can automation benefit laboratory operations.

For most lab work, automation isn't an option it is the way work gets done; much of the instrumentation comes with some form of automation. Lab automation can improve productivity, reduce costs, and all the good things you've been told by vendors, IF it is done right, and what "done right" means is the issue. It requires learning about the technologies used, and how to plan for & apply them. This course is the first step in doing that.

What the automation options are for improving productivity in the lab

More people, updated instrumentation, instrument data systems, robotics, LIMS, Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN). Some of these will improve sample throughput, some will make management of the lab easier. Which products do you choose, is LIMS better than an ELN? We'll cover that.

Technologies for laboratory automation

Data acquisition, instrument communications and control, robots, autosamplers (there is more to them than you think!), LIMS, ELN's - we'll discuss them so that you can understand the basics and how they relate to each other. We'll also cover how we've arrived at where we are in lab automation and what that means to you and your work.

Issues in lab automation

Lab automation is a mix of technologies from various vendors that often do not work well together. We'll cover some areas where they do and don't and what can be done about it.

How to start an automation program

The work we are discussing is as appropriate for an existing facility as it is for a new one. The key element in both cases is planning. We discuss how to go about it and why it is essential to success.

This course is available in two versions:

Pricing

• The pricing for public courses will be announced when course scheduling is determined
• On-site pricing varies with the number of students, facility requirements, etc. Contact us for details.