How to Successfully Integrate an ELN to the Lab’s Processes

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Case study byIngenza, United Kingdom, a biotechnology company specialising in the design, development and manufacture of diverse, high-value industrial products and therapeutic-proteins.

By Rita Cruz, Team Leader in Molecular Biology, Ingenza Ltd, United Kingdom

About Ingenza Ltd

Ingenza is a biotechnology company specialising in the design, development and manufacture of diverse, high-value industrial products and therapeutic-proteins. They exploit synergies between synthetic and evolutionary biology, providing next generation microbial and mammalian manufacturing platforms.

The dynamic teamwork forged from full integration between the in-house molecular biology, fermentation and chemistry teams, boosted by close ties to UK universities, provides the perfect skillsets to expertly guide clients through their project.

“We believe our switch to an ELN has been a truly positive change, bringing our workflow up to speed with the digital age.” – Rita Cruz, Ingenza Ltd, From Lab Books to Laptops

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Take away messages

ELN selection process framework to identify the best ELN

1 – Defining a dedicated person for market research

Ask your community – What are they using?
When talking with the provider always ask for referrals.
Contact the referrals and ask them for their honest opinion.

2- Establishing non-negotiables

Establish the non-negotiable variables for your lab.
When deciding the non-negotiables, it is reccommended to use an ELN comparison template for easier selection of top choices.
An ELN comparison template has been provided by the NEUWAY Pharma.

It is important that the system is user-friendly as it will be used on a daily basis.

3 – Software testing during the Trial period

Trial team should include a member of every department.
Trial the system with dummy data.
During the Trial period be in close contact with the Customer success manager to easly solve any issues.
Define an end date for the Trial period. For example 3 months.
Recognize the effort of the Trial team to motivate the members.

4 – Selecting the ELN as a team

It is importnat to make a group decision.
Let each department represenatative voice their opinion.

ELN implementation – How to encourage the lab team to implement and use the ELN?

1 – Defined standardized practices

Define how the ELN will be used.
Define how your projects will be created inside the ELN.
Define data input practices.

2 – Defined key users

Key users are crucial for successful implementation.
Key users should be from different departments.
Key users should participate in the Trial period.
Key users should have a positive attitude towards ELNs and the change in general.
Key users should be trained by the ELN team.

3 – Staff training

The staff is trained by the Key users.
Have in-house training.

4 – Sharing tips and troubleshooting

Continuously share tips.

ELN proficiency – How to use an ELN daily?

1 – New customer set-up

For every new customer a new folder is created.
Each lab has a different set-up. Suggestions for SciNote setup can be found at Lab examples on our website.

2 – Project management

An ELN helps managing projects.
The project manager is responsible for creating new teams inside the ELN.
The project manager is responsible for assigning timelines and responsibilites.

3 – Task layout

The technical lead creates templates for needed tasks.
The templates with standard practices can easily be duplicated.

4 – Data handling

The data is inputed by the lab team.

5 – Reports

Tasks are reviewd and marked as “done” by the project manager.
All data can be exported as a report.
A copy of the report is keeped seperately in a differnet format.

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