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Q-SYS LIMS

Q-SYS LIMS is used by a wide range of laboratories, including those in the Food and Drinks, Brewery, Dairy and Environmental sectors.

Q-SYS LIMS has been continually developed for over 25 years, incorporating customer feedback to ensure a truly intuitive, efficient, feature-rich environment. Typically, our customers have hundreds of products/product combinations, high sample throughput, and pressure to record, test and report results quickly.

Designed for ease of use, with under-pressure lab staff in mind, Q-SYS LIMS returns tangible benefits in very little time. Q-SYS LIMS can also be combined with other Q-SYS modules to create a comprehensive multi-purpose quality system across your business. 

Key Features

  • Samples are identified by a simple coding scheme designed to suit your laboratory, including barcode integration if required
  • Provides a choice of customisable data entry screens to suit every situation
  • Informs technicians which tests to carry out based on the relevant Specifications
  • Direct test result entry from instruments if required
  • Comprehensive reports are produced at the press of a button
  • A powerful User Status feature allows positive release to be controlled
  • Integrated Media and Reagent control 

Benefits

  • Simple and quick to use, saving time and improving the efficiency of laboratory staff
  • Data entry is either automated or simplified, reducing costly errors
  • Automatic comparison of results with Specifications ensures any problems are flagged for action straight away
  • Complex custom validation and calculations are performed automatically
  • Reduces the use of paper, saving you money and benefitting the environment
  • Improved security and reliability relative to a paper-based processes
  • A full audit trail of changes, helping you to fully meet ISO 17025 

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.

Q-SYS LIMS for Food and Drinks Laboratories


Food and Drinks companies appreciate Q-SYS's combination of speed and ease of use, but also need its unrivalled flexibility. We've installed systems dealing with milling, crisps, snacks and nuts, smoothies, tea and coffee, egg processing, fresh soups, chilled products, industrial ingredients and many more.

With Q-SYS LIMS you can:

  • Perform tests on samples at all process stages, including incoming materials, in-process checks, final packaging and shelf-life.
  • Scan and check product, outer and pallet barcodes for correctness.
  • Record Physical, Microbiological and Chemical tests on products and materials against their own pre-defined tests and Specifications.
  • Trace incoming raw materials throughout your process.
  • Share live quality data with other departments.
  • Record tests on Detergent Tanks, CIP, Rinses, Swabs and other miscellaneous equipment.

Designed for ease of use, with under-pressure lab staff in mind, Q-SYS LIMS returns tangible benefits in very little time. Q-SYS LIMS can also be combined with the Pack Quality Control and/or Quality Logging modules to create a comprehensive multi-purpose quality system across your business.

Key Features

  • Samples are identified by a simple coding scheme designed to suit your laboratory, including barcode integration if required
  • Provides a choice of customisable data entry screens to suit every situation
  • Informs technicians which tests to carry out based on the relevant Specifications
  • Direct test result entry from instruments if required
  • Comprehensive reports are produced at the press of a button
  • A powerful User Status feature allows positive release to be controlled
  • Integrated Media and Reagent control 

Benefits

  • Simple and quick to use, saving time and improving the efficiency of laboratory staff
  • Data entry is either automated or simplified, reducing costly errors
  • Automatic comparison of results with Specifications ensures any problems are flagged for action straight away
  • Complex custom validation and calculations are performed automatically/li>
  • Reduces the use of paper, saving you money and benefitting the environment
  • Improved security and reliability relative to a paper-based processes
  • A full audit trail of changes, helping you to fully meet ISO 17025 

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. 

Q-SYS LIMS for Breweries


Q-SYS is the UK’s leading LIMS for the brewing industry. We have installed Q-SYS at many leading UK breweries, giving us expert knowledge of the brewing process that other LIMS vendors just don't have.

With Q-SYS LIMS you can:

  • Trace a Brew/Gyle throughout its entire life cycle from Wort to Keg/Cask/Bottle/Can/Tanker.
  • Configure and perform tests at all process stages including Wort, Maturation, Fermentation, Cask Racking Vessel, Bright Beer Tank, Cask, Keg, Road Tanker...
  • Record microbiological and analytical tests on brews against their own predefined tests and Specifications.
  • Share live laboratory data with the Brewers, Packaging and other departments.
  • Record tests on Filters, Pasteuriser Outlets, Detergent Tanks, Washed Casks/Kegs and other miscellaneous equipment.

Designed for ease of use, with under-pressure lab staff in mind, Q-SYS LIMS returns tangible benefits in very little time. 

Key Features

  • Samples are identified by a simple coding scheme designed to suit your laboratory, including barcode integration if required
  • Provides a choice of customisable data entry screens to suit every situation
  • Informs technicians which tests to carry out based on the relevant Specifications
  • Direct test result entry from instruments if required
  • Comprehensive reports are produced at the press of a button
  • A powerful User Status feature allows positive release to be controlled
  • Integrated Media and Reagent control 

Benefits

  • Simple and quick to use, saving time and improving the efficiency of laboratory staff
  • Data entry is either automated or simplified, reducing costly errors
  • Automatic comparison of results with Specifications ensures any problems are flagged for action straight away
  • Complex custom validation and calculations are performed automatically/li>
  • Reduces the use of paper, saving you money and benefitting the environment
  • Improved security and reliability relative to a paper-based processes
  • A full audit trail of changes, helping you to fully meet ISO 17025 

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. 

Q-SYS LIMS for Dairies


The dairy industry is where Q-SYS LIMS started. Q-SYS combines ease and speed of use with unrivalled flexibility; over 25 years later we're still a leading supplier of software to this sector.

With Q-SYS LIMS you can:

  • Trace incoming raw milk and other materials through the process from tanker, storage, pasteurisation and intermediate products to finished product and end-of-shelf-life.
  • Configure and perform tests at all process stages including ex-farm testing, road tankers in and out, silos, processing and packing.
  • Record microbiological and chemical tests on products against their own predefined tests and Specifications.
  • Share live laboratory data with the milk intake, processing, packaging and other departments.
  • Perform tests on Pasteurisers, Detergent Tanks, CIP, Rinses, Swabs and other miscellaneous equipment.

Designed for ease of use, with under-pressure lab staff in mind, Q-SYS LIMS returns tangible benefits in very little time. 

Key Features

  • Samples are identified by a simple coding scheme designed to suit your laboratory, including barcode integration if required
  • Provides a choice of customisable data entry screens to suit every situation
  • Informs technicians which tests to carry out based on the relevant Specifications
  • Direct test result entry from instruments if required
  • Comprehensive reports are produced at the press of a button
  • A powerful User Status feature allows positive release to be controlled
  • Integrated Media and Reagent control 

Benefits

  • Simple and quick to use, saving time and improving the efficiency of laboratory staff
  • Data entry is either automated or simplified, reducing costly errors
  • Automatic comparison of results with Specifications ensures any problems are flagged for action straight away
  • Complex custom validation and calculations are performed automatically/li>
  • Reduces the use of paper, saving you money and benefitting the environment
  • Improved security and reliability relative to a paper-based processes
  • A full audit trail of changes, helping you to fully meet ISO 17025 

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. 

Q-SYS LIMS for Environmental Laboratories

 
Q-SYS is a superb LIMS system for food and environmental testing laboratories, combining ease and speed of use with unrivalled auditability and flexibility. Thousands of samples are handled and recorded annually using Q-SYS LIMS.

Q-SYS LIMS provides:

  • Electronic sample request bar-coding, scanning and storage.
  • Sample and test recognition by barcode.
  • Unlimited templates for standard sample types.
  • Full and automatic auditability of all changes.
  • Fully paperless reporting with PDF creation, emailing, faxing and web access all built in.
  • Customer charging and invoicing.

Designed for ease of use, with under-pressure lab staff in mind, Q-SYS LIMS returns tangible benefits in very little time. 

Key Features

  • Samples are identified by a simple coding scheme designed to suit your laboratory, including barcode integration if required
  • Provides a choice of customisable data entry screens to suit every situation
  • Informs technicians which tests to carry out based on the relevant Specifications
  • Direct test result entry from instruments if required
  • Comprehensive reports are produced at the press of a button
  • A powerful User Status feature allows positive release to be controlled
  • Integrated Media and Reagent control 

Benefits

  • Simple and quick to use, saving time and improving the efficiency of laboratory staff
  • Data entry is either automated or simplified, reducing costly errors
  • Automatic comparison of results with Specifications ensures any problems are flagged for action straight away
  • Complex custom validation and calculations are performed automatically/li>
  • Reduces the use of paper, saving you money and benefitting the environment
  • Improved security and reliability relative to a paper-based processes
  • A full audit trail of changes, helping you to fully meet ISO 17025 

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.