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| - Dec 2009 - Analysis Fields- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A LabCom client request for a method of simple invoicing has led to four new fields being added to the Test Type view in Maintenance; Analysis N1, Analysis N2, Analysis T1 and Analysis T2. These fields are unique to each Test Type (like Name i.e. Sodium). But not to each individual Test (like UoM i.e. 100ppb, which can now be altered directly in the sample screen) and are available in LabCom version 2.5.3 and above.
The Analysis fields N1 and N2 are for numerical values up to 6 before the decimal place and two following it e.g. 123456.78 The Analysis fields T1 and T2 are text fields and can take letters and or numbers up to 200 characters. Examples for usage of the analysis fields
These values can only be edited by a laboratory user, they are visible to both the laboratory user and the client user in version 2.5.3 but only visible to the Laboratory users in the up and coming 3.0 (see above for more information on version 3.0). If there is a demand, similar fields can be added for non lab users and hidden from the lab.
Fields can be used in customised reports e.g. for invoicing. If you wish to purchase a new report for yourselves or on behalf of your clients in the first instance please contact reports  laboratorycommunication.com.
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| - Dec 2009 - Field service management - | |
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Environmental testing services have teams of field engineers. Everyday each engineer visits multiple sites and collects numerous samples, which adds up to a lot of important and sensitive data. This data is frequently collected by means of a pen and a pad of pre-printed paper.
This method whilst accessible is not always reliable, and requires the cost of re-entering onto a computer, sometimes the same data can be typed up multiple times for various applications (e.g. LabCom, Accounts, Data Backup). Though a computer is not as portable as a pen and pad of paper, a computer is more consistent, and can transmit data straight back to base. |
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There are currently many different types of field device; PDA's, Smart Phones, Tablet PC's and notebook computers. There are specific "ruggedized" PDA's that are built to withstand some environmental pressures (temperature, moisture and the occasional drop on the floor) some Tablet PC's that can be integrated into business vehicles, other methods of data collection, such as Bluetooth pens and digital paper.
Here at Village we are looking at extending LabCom to allow data collection through field devices. This would allow for instant retrieval and review of data by both the engineers' company, the client and also the laboratory. This can help enhance customer service, automate paper processes to improve productivity and reduce human error. As software developers we can integrate our mobile LabCom solution on a individual basis to adapt it to your specific business environment. We can not only link up directly with LabCom but also to any other databases or software you may use or even provide you with a specific solution to your software needs. If you wish to discuss any software requirements please contact us. | |
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| - Dec 2009 - LabCom Audio Interface - | |
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Following Mel's work this year on an audio-based results entry system, another final-year student, Rachel from The University of Liverpool is continuing development of the system. Rachel is studying for a degree in Computer Information Systems. We will keep you updated on Rachel’s progress as the project evolves.
We want to give students real industrial experience and we are working to support Rachel and will be interested to see what she achieves. |
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| - Dec 2009 - LabTop Interface - | |
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This application software can replace the traditional paper based way of storing Lab result with a user friendly interface that allows entering data into the system. This interface an be accessed through devices such as PDA's, Smartphones, Laptops or anything that has a connection and you are happy to have in the lab.
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| - Dec 2009 - LabCom White label - | |
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To cut costs out of your processes, we are looking at a "White Label" results website to allow environmental testing sites to see their own organisation or site results.
The LabCom White Label module will allow environmental testing companies to offer this additional service on their website to their clients. This add on module is still under consideration, we have not discussed it with a wide range of clients or looked at price, we would be interested to talk through ideas. If you wish to discuss white labelling please contact us at whitelabel laboratorycommunication.com.
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| - How to - Flow of information - |
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LabCom allows you to see your results directly on the screen, providing instant access to your information. This information can also be passed onwards, recorded elsewhere or simply stored. LabCom is not only a tool to see your information, it can also be the tool you use to gather, manipulate or manage your stored data.
 In the last newsletter (viewable at http://www.laboratorycommunication.com/newsletter/LC01.html) we described how to export data into Microsoft Excel. In this month's further How-To we will be discussing how to attach and download Documents. LabCom can also create reports, documents or certificates to use internally or to be distributed externally, using either Microsoft Word or the inbuilt Crystal Reports. We are able to take any data stored in LabCom and manipulate it into the requested format. Bespoke reports can be designed on request, please contact us (reports laboratorycommunication.com) for further information or a cost analysis.
We are also able to use our knowledge to manipulate the data in to or out of another program that your company may already run or a database you may store elsewhere. Please contact us at newsletter laboratorycommunication.com) for further details.
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- Further How To - Documents & LabCom - | ||||||||||
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Reports and certificates can be attached directly to LabCom using our document store. To access this feature please choose the Documents Tab. If the Document Tab is not visible to you (as shown below), please contact us at newsletter
laboratorycommunication.com and we will be happy to enable this feature for you.
The screen shot above shows that there are no current documents available. If you have more than one company, as above Demo Water and Demo Food, you must click on the chosen company to view the associated documents. Documents are attached by Purchase Order and/or Month. If you wish to view documents attached to a Purchase order made in May 2009, Choose May to drop down the Purchase Order list and Choose the required Purchase Order (shown here as DEMO TEST 456). Any documents associated with the Purchase Order will be displayed in the Right hand pane (as shown below).
To upload and download documents use the buttons Attach Document and Save To Folder . When saving to a folder be sure to highlight only those files that you wish to save, you can use Shift or Ctrl +Click to highlight all or a selection of documents. You can also use this method (Shift or Ctrl +Click) to attach multiple documents to the same location. Before attaching a document ensure you have correctly highlighted where you wish to attach it. i.e. To attach to a PO, highlight the appropriate PO in the correct month. To attach to a month, highlight the appropriate month. Double clicking on a document will automatically open it using your computers preferred method. i.e. Double clicking on a .pdf will open Adobe Acrobat Reader and then display the contents. Choosing Attach Document or Save To Folder will bring up an explorer window, This will prompt you to choose the location where you wish to pick up or store your document(s). Once they are attached or chose downloaded they will appear in the list or folder, then you may continue as normal. Although you can store all your LabCom documents online this way, we would recommend downloading them to a file store once a month, to cover your documents from accidental loss. Excessive use of this feature may result in a charge to cover the costs of increased storage space. |
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| - Dec 2009 - Village News - | |
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There are three new additions to the Village Family since our last newsletter. Hannah Mary Read was born to Johnny & Rachel on the 11th of May and then on Saturday September the 26th Lee and Lorraine's daughter Sienna Rain Seddon was born. Less exciting but no means less important we were joined by a new developer Wajdi Al-Jaharani in early August.
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| - Sep 2009 - LabCom Version 2.5.3 - | |
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A new release of LabCom has gone into the testing phase. This version includes minor updates to functionality and new features, but focuses on improving the core of LabCom to resolve minor speed and multi-user issues.
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