Biokit

Key points:

• Keeping data in a range of disparate solutions meant experiment data not readily accessible, increasing the risk of having to repeat studies
• BioKit believed that its current methods of recording information might be improved by using E-WorkBook
• Since adopting E-WorkBook, Biokit has seen its scientists save up to six hours a week, significantly reduced administration time, and its lab managers save four and a half hours per week

The challenge

With such a large spend on diagnostics R&D, Biokit wanted to ensure that this spend was utilized effectively, in order to improve efficiency within the company and, ultimately, improve patient care.

Keeping data in a range of disparate solutions created a number of challenges for Biokit. With experiment data not readily accessible and some information frequently kept in the minds of individuals – some of whom had left the company – there was the risk of having to repeat studies.

David Giles, Biokit R&D Team Leader Chemiluminescence, said: “Data is useless if it can’t be found. We were aware of the risks of misplaced information, which generated extra, often unnecessary work for the Biokit team. We needed a solution to help alleviate these risks.”

The solution

Aware that their current methods of recording information might be improved by using an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN), Biokit – based in Spain – attended an IDBS workshop in Barcelona to see, first hand, what solutions were available.

Impressed by E‑WorkBook’s capabilities, and having learnt more about the product through regular IDBS webinars, Biokit investigated other vendors and products before arranging a demonstration with IDBS in their Barcelona offices.

Following the demonstration, Biokit spoke with another E‑WorkBook customer, also based in Barcelona, before deciding to select E‑WorkBook.

The results

Biokit conducted an initial E‑WorkBook pilot in 2014, with support from the IDBS Paris team, across two laboratory departments – biochemistry and chemiluminescence.

During the pilot, E‑WorkBook was used to track results for experiments. Data insight was reviewed, as were the benefits of E‑WorkBook’s search functionality.

David Giles said: “Results from the pilot showed that, using E‑WorkBook, scientists could save an estimated 4-6 hours per week using the system, reducing their administration time significantly, with lab managers saving 4.5 hours per week.”

Following the successful pilot, E‑WorkBook was rolled out to the wider Biokit team. There are now 40 staff members using E‑WorkBook across all of Biokit’s research & development teams – chemiluminescence, biochemistry, latex, cell culture and molecular biology, respectively – increasing communication and collaboration across the areas.

About Biokit

Biokit, part of the Werfen Group, specializes in the research & development (R&D) and manufacturing of reagents for clinical diagnostics.

Investing over 15% of its annual turnover into R&D, Biokit is committed to both innovation and quality through its customer-driven R&D approach, ensuring it can research, develop and manufacture in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices in a sustainable way.