Bika Interlab is an all-in-one software solution that integrates laboratory information management, workflow management, and web content management into a comprehensive package. It is designed to help laboratories streamline their operations and enhance their overall efficiency.
A particular case study that exemplifies this is the proficiency testing at the SA Wine Laboratory Association. SAWLA utilizes effective proficiency testing to ensure the quality of the wine laboratory members. The proficiency testing scheme (PTS) runs on a monthly basis, with two different wine samples per month. The system's coordinator validates bulk wine as homogeneous in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, bottles and distributes it, and member labs have a week to analyze the samples on 15 different parameters and submit their results online.
The proficiency testing system operates efficiently using the following process: the PTS coordinator creates a testing round online. The system then automatically informs members via email and provides relevant information about the sample type, distribution, and closing date. Member labs fetch their samples, analyze them, and enter the results on the system. A senior analyst or manager verifies the data, and after verifying their results and having enough verified results, members can see their comparative statistics and performance indicators.
Finally, after the testing round closes, members receive their final performances via email. The system also archives analysis results and presents them to members in easy-to-read graphical formats such as distribution curves, chronological z-value plots, and method comparisons.
Additionally, since the SAWLA system is built on a content management system (CMS) platform, it delivers benefits in a dynamic interactive web portal, available at www.sawla.org. The system's CMS capabilities are also being exploited to the fullest to help SAWLA achieve ISO compliance. It will serve as a document repository for SAWLA's quality control manuals, year plans, complaints registers, corrective and preventative action forms, internal audits, management reviews, and skills development packages.
The software further stimulates participation among members by using their performances to calculate scores per analysis round and then display a list of top five performers. Labs not making it into the top five see their own ranking and score in addition to the list. Overall, Bika Interlab is a powerful and versatile software solution that can be used in a variety of industries and organizations to streamline processes and enhance communication, access to information, and overall productivity.
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