Abstract
Major medical analyzer supplier invests in approach to
reduce product development cycle. Rather than using internal departments,
contract expert vendors to create a virtual group and reduce
time-to-market.
Situation
Between the Summer and Fall of 1997, McNair Software,
AEG* and several small mechanical manufacturers collaborated to design
and produce the ADVIA® LabCell® Automation
Prototype for Bayer Healthcare, Diagnostics Group. In November 1997 after
only months of preparatory time, the team unveiled the proof-of-concept at
the Medica trade show in Düsseldorf, Germany. LabCell was an overwhelming
success, attracting hundreds of interested parties to view the highlight
of the show.
To achieve this success, all team members had to hurdle
time and tool constraints to meet the deadline. New prototyping software
applications were used, new mechanical vendors were used and some work-arounds
were made. But for Labcell to be a product, steps had to be taken to
ensure that the final product was reliable, reproducible, maintainable,
and easy for clinicians to use. To accomplish these goals, the product had
to be constructed from reliable proven tools with a firm plan and
architecture in place.
From the software perspective, McNair Software believed
that the project could use state-of-the-art technologies, such as
Microsoft Visual C++ and DCOM, to build a well designed and planned system
that would produce a product that would be viable into the 21st century.
These technologies would provide a platform for product growth, analyzer
integration flexibility and efficient maintenance.
Solution
To cut costs and improve efficiency, LabCell uses a
robotic gripping mechanism to handle test tubes. The same mechanism is
used in the many different robotic interfaces. To meet the throughput
demands, McNair Software implemented intricate path planning to optimize
movement while maintaining critical limits, such as not spilling fluid
from open tubes.
A LabCell system can accommodate up to sixteen different
analyzers, and the analyzers do not have to be manufactured by Bayer. To
accomplish the communications between stations and multiple analyzers,
McNair Software implemented DCOM technology to operate headless control
computers from a single command computer. Also, MSI wrote and implemented
the LabCell interface standard, so that any manufacturer complying to the
standard can connect to the automation line.
Directing the specimens through the system is handled by
a system of picking and placing and recording in a SQL database. The
system can pin point the location of a specimen on the automation line at
any time, reroute a specimen if an analyzer is down, and direct a specimen
for technician analysis if it is unknown. A variety of system logs and
reports allow customers to configure system information to their specific
needs.
Keys to Success
The system is modular: allowing customers to purchase a
system that fits their needs today and allows them to adapt the system as
their needs change. To do this, the software is also modular. A drag and
drop configuration allows customers to easily add and remove analyzers to
any position on the line.
To penetrate the market, Bayer offered a base system
with add-ons available. Knowing the full desired system in the beginning,
allowed McNair Software to design hooks into the software for
enhancements, new features as well as new analyzers.
McNair Software implemented a HMI conforming to Bayer's
product-wide interface. A common, uniform look and feel among Bayer give
technicians a level of confidence, no matter their world-wide location.
While Windows® NT technology runs beneath that application, a user sees
only the LabCell application and, through configurable security
restrictions, can only access operations assigned to his position.
Benefits
When the industry thought that Bayer was not a
laboratory automation supplier, the introduction of LabCell turned heads.
Bayer surprised it's competitor's and it's customers with an innovative
laboratory automation system. The system offers reduced cost hardware,
space-saving design, unique individual specimen handling and efficient,
productive software control.
Years after it's debut, LabCell continues to grow:
adding analyzer capability, feature enhancements, and continued
performance built on Windows technology. It is truly a system designed for
years of proven, reliable service.
More ...
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PowerPoint presentation.
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here to link to LabCell web site.
Software
Architects
