In Detail

The Q-SYS Specifications module is what drives Q-SYS LIMS. It controls what tests are to be performed, what sample identification information can or must be entered, and the targets, validation and limits applied to the entered test results.

Specifications are set up for each raw material, ingredient and product at each process stage. Specifications are uniquely numbered, as are all Specification versions, and the history of all changes is retained by Q-SYS. Each version may also incorporate documentation of changes, and the system provides alerts when a revised Specification comes into effect.
Comprehensive facilities for entering Specifications for each test include, for example, maximum, minimum, upper and lower warning limits and upper and lower mandatory limits. Each limit can also have a customised on-screen or even spoken message defined. Q-SYS LIMS uses this information to highlight test results automatically and alert technicians and managers as required.

Specifications can be printed or exported in any format to provide customer reports, management review information or operator checklists. Operator viewing screens can be configured so that your staff can see the current version of each Specification.

The Specifications module is also shared by the Pack Quality Control and Quality Logging modules. So, for example, if you are testing a product in the laboratory and also conducting on-line quality and weight checks using the Q-SYS Quality Logging module, the same Specification is used for everything. 

Q-SYS provides a comprehensive suite of standard reports and exports, which have been developed to meet typical needs. Furthermore, when we survey your organisation’s requirements, we will identify any specific reporting needs and integrate these into your system.

The following are some of the comprehensive reporting capabilities delivered by Q-SYS:

• Maximum flexibility due to fast data filtering.
• Integrated email capability: reports and spreadsheets can be emailed to customers/suppliers/staff direct from standard menu options, or from custom-designed batch reporting routines, which can be set to run automatically if required.
• The ability to design your own reports, using the built-in report and export designer, which are integrated into the underlying database technology.
• Generation of reportable data in many formats, including on-screen, printed, PDF, spreadsheets, XML, .csv and other text formats.
• Password-protection of PDFs, allowing you to send important reports to clients securely.
• After your system has been installed, Clyde Computing provide a comprehensive custom design and consultancy service, giving you the option to have new reports and reporting routines created to your exact specifications. 
  

Media and Reagent Control is integrated into Q-SYS LIMS. This enables you to keep control of media batches and usage with no paperwork and little additional effort.

Features and Benefits

• Media and reagent stocks can be booked in by barcode. You can use the manufacturer's barcode, which often includes "Use By" information.
• Technicians are prevented from using media that is out of date - they can also be warned if media is nearing the end of its shelf life, or stocks are low.
• Media stocks are automatically decremented as they are used. Re-order levels may be set to suit your specific requirements.
• If there's a media or reagent failure, Q-SYS instantly flags test results as void (using that batch). 
  

Q-SYS LIMS helps reduce paperwork in the lab however many critical paper documents still manage to find their way into the laboratory environment. Q-SYS LIMS provides a mechanism to store these electronically and associate them with the corresponding records, for example samples, tests, specs, suppliers, customers etc.

Features and Benefits

• Q-SYS can generate barcoded labels to attach to documents, such as sample requests. These are then scanned in bulk. Q-SYS reads the electronic document images and recognises the records they refer to based on the barcode. It then converts them to PDF and stores them within the Q-SYS file system.
• Related documents can be viewed via a single click.
• Easy access for auditing and referencing purposes - no more time spent hunting through paper-based filing systems.
• Managers have complete control over what types of documents users can access.
• Q-SYS can print to rugged industry-standard label printers such as the Cognitive Blaster™ family of printers - suitable for harsh conditions, or when heat resistant barcode labels are required for incubator use. Or use office friendly Dymo™ label printers if you prefer. 
  

Security and auditability is central to Q-SYS LIMS.

Security

Q-SYS LIMS delivers comprehensive security while providing the flexibility to meet your organization’s specific needs: user, group and location security settings ensure access to data and system functions is restricted according to your requirements.

Q-SYS enables the control of all aspects of sample management, from Sample Login and Result Entry through to Positive Release, Authorisation and Certificate generation. Furthermore, system admins receive automatic notifications by email, and the system incorporates a secure internal messaging system and bulletin board.

Auditing

Every action performed on Q-SYS LIMS, including changes to samples and test results, is traceable back to the user, time, date and workstation. This provides comprehensive auditing and accountability, enabling compliance with ISO 17025.

Changes to fields, status, results etc. are all recorded, allowing you to see a complete image of the sample at the moment each change was made, along with the user who made the change, when they made it and what workstation they were using at the time.

The system error log contains a history of actions and notifications that occur on the system. Record deletions and other critical operations are recorded here along with fall traceability data. Furthermore options can be configured to record error and warning messages displayed to staff, giving supervisors a clear understanding of what has occurred while they have been away.