Research Process Optimization: Efficient Data Management with ELN

Customer Challenge

Improving the efficiency of management in the biomolecule synthesis process

Results

• Optimized operation of tasks and resources
• Efficient management of data and document
• Digitization and standardization of operational processes and documents
• Easy implementation

Company Overview

GlyTech, Inc. has established a technology for mass production of glycoconjugates, which are classified as complex N-glycans. Based on this technology, they are engaged in custom synthesis of glycogen reagents, peptides, glycopeptides, and glycoproteins for research, and sell them as raw materials for drug substances. In addition, based on the know-how cultivated through these manufacturing processes, they provide synthesis and analysis services for biopolymers that meet various needs. Their screening services for peptide binders with characteristic three-dimensional structures are also used to search for new lead compounds for pharmaceuticals.

Customer Issues

In the past, they used paper and laboratory notebooks to record research and production.

1. Previously synthesized compounds and associated data were not shared.
2. Project progress management was limited to reporting results at meetings, and real-time monitoring was not possible.
3. It took time to fill in the laboratory notebooks because they were written by hand as needed, and recorded data was not completely standardized.
4. Each worker carried out experiments according to a standardized procedure to some extent, but there were many aspects that were personal, as specific operating procedures and standards for judging the quality differed from person to person.

The project progress management described in Item 2 above was managed by sharing information at internal meetings and by filling in Excel tables. As indirect methods, they used systems such as an expense management system, a reagent management system, and groupware to check the progress. These methods worked to some extent, but it was inefficient because it took time and effort to create materials and progress tables while checking the data in the paper experiment notebooks, and detailed management was difficult.

Yokogawa Solutions

Mr. Ochiai, the leader of this project, recognized the need to improve the management in the biomolecule synthesis process, and started using OpreX Informatics Manager, a multifunctional electronic laboratory notebook provided by Yokogawa. Mr. Ochiai talked about the background of PoC and its advantages.

Efficient operation of tasks and resources

• Instant data sharing
  Experiment data can be shared to facilitate access to past experiment operations. Saved data can also be used in online meetings.
• Real-time progress management
  For progress management, OpreX Informatics Manager enables managers to track progress whenever and wherever they want— even during a business trip.
• More efficient and accurate input by using templates
  By creating and utilizing templates, the time required for data input has been reduced. As a result, necessary items can be filled in and checked carefully, and data can be obtained with high reproducibility. Creating templates has also helped to get a better overall picture of the items to be described and the contents of the experiment before the experiment. Furthermore, by specifying specific operating procedures and required data items to be filled in, personalization has been prevented, and data can be unified.

Efficient data and document management

• Easy data management
  Paper lab notebooks were cumbersome. Tasks such as pasting data across multiple pages, reducing the print size, or putting it in separate files were necessary. With OpreX Informatics Manager, however, even a large amount of data can be saved together as one experiment, and bibliographies can also be attached.
• Document history management
  Historical documents were sent and received by email, but it was difficult to know which version was the latest. By using the document management function of OpreX Informatics Manager, they could immediately check the update history and the latest version, which greatly helped them to create common documents.

Digitization and standardization of operations and documents

• Highly flexible operation
  This is a highly versatile system. Researchers can customize it in accordance with their current workflow. By selecting and using only the necessary functions, the workload for system construction was reduced.
• Improved legibility
  While handwritten laboratory notebooks are sometimes difficult to read, electronic laboratory notebooks are easier to read because they can be displayed and enlarged as needed.

Easy installation

• Use on a variety of devices
  This browser-based application does not require special software and can be used on multiple devices such as PCs and tablets. Devices suitable for the laboratory environment can be used, and work can be performed anywhere, for example, data input in the laboratory can be reported in the office.
• No maintenance personnel required
  The use of the cloud eliminates the need for server maintenance and maintenance personnel. Since a dedicated IT administrator is not required, they felt that this system could be applied to small and medium-sized organizations like themselves and university laboratories.
• User-friendly screen
  People who normally use Microsoft Word and other common applications were able to use this system without any problems. They were also able to start using this system as soon as they received an explanation about how to start it up.

Customer Comments

“We are attracted by the enhanced functions for managing personnel information, equipment and reagents, and the chemical drawing software. We also have high expectations for system integration, which is being considered in the future.

Down the road, we will further improve operational efficiency by utilizing the functions to manage operations, equipment, reagents, and documents. The functions will help us (1) enhance ELN templates, (2) assign personnel according to their skills, and (3) manage equipment and reagent reservations.”

*ELN Electronic Lab Notebook

Mr. Hirofumi Ochiai, Assistant Director
Technology Department, Glytech, Inc.