Customer presentations

I3 2026 Yuya Ishikawa

Bridging the gap between vision and reality: A scientist-led approach to building an integrated bioprocess database using IDBS spreadsheets

Yuya Ishikawa, Scientist, Chugai

Many organizations aim to build integrated bioprocess databases, but success depends on capturing high-quality, structured data at the bench, including full sample context and lineage. This presentation describes a pragmatic, scientist-led approach using IDBS Spreadsheets as the primary data entry interface. By replacing traditional experiment records with structured spreadsheets, consistent data capture is achieved without adding burden to scientists. Close collaboration between spreadsheet developers and end users enables rapid iteration and intuitive design. The approach has already delivered normalized data structures, routine deployment, and downstream analytics powered by an AWS-based data platform.

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An inventory-driven architecture for adaptive ELN execution, automation, and collaboration

Shawn Fernando, Senior Scientist, Eisai

This session presents a materials-centric informatics architecture that makes inventory data the foundation of ELN-driven laboratory workflows. Rather than relying on fixed templates, the ELN is organized around materials, samples, and equipment, allowing workflows to adapt naturally to bench execution while ensuring traceability and data integrity. Within the IDBS E-Workbook ecosystem, calculations, dependencies, and instrument-ready instructions are generated automatically, reducing manual transcription. Barcode-based tracking links physical and digital workflows, supporting automation, multi-step coordination, and scalable collaboration across teams and laboratories.

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I3 2026 Shawn Fernando
I3 2026 Brad Feilmeier

From pain points to power: Transforming research workflows with IDBS

Brad Feilmeier, Sr. Principal Business Analyst, Boehringer Ingelheim

Research teams often face hidden inefficiencies caused by manual data entry, fragmented tools, and copy-paste workflows. This session presents a real-world case study where these challenges were addressed through a unified, API-driven workflow built around IDBS E-Workbook, Inventory, and the IDBS REST API. The resulting automation enabled over 1,600 formulation experiment runs, saving approximately three hours per experiment and dramatically reducing errors. Attendees will see before-and-after workflows, understand how the systems work together, and learn how to identify similar automation opportunities within their own research environments.

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Beyond spreadsheets: End-to-end ligand binding assay workflow for regulated bioanalysis in IDBS Polar

Jennifer Bourn, Principal Scientist, Novartis

This presentation showcases a digital transformation at Novartis GCP Bioanalysis Labs through the implementation of IDBS Polar ELN as a fully end-to-end GxP platform for ligand binding assay bioanalysis. Developed in close collaboration with Novartis IT and IDBS experts, the solution delivers controlled execution, seamless documentation, and complete data lineage directly at the bench. Starting with core capabilities such as reagent management, standardized templates, and equipment integration, the platform expanded to fully traceable LBA execution. The result strengthens compliance and inspection readiness while improving efficiency and enabling future analytics and AI-driven insights.

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I3 2026 Jennifer Bourn
I3 2026 Daniel Wall

Discovery Bioanalysis Lab Workflow Automation: design, development, integration and implementation

Daniel Wall, Director, Discovery Bioanalytics Labs, Novartis

This presentation describes how Novartis Discovery Bioanalytical Labs, working with Novartis IT and IDBS, streamlined laboratory workflows using IDBS SmartBook and E-WorkBook. It follows the journey from initial concept through development and implementation, covering automation, system integration, and FAIR data reporting. Key challenges, platform adaptations, and solutions are discussed alongside performance metrics demonstrating improved efficiency. The session highlights how workflow automation has reduced cycle times, improved application integration, and supported faster, higher-quality decision-making in drug discovery.

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Advantages of migrating from on-prem E-Workbook to SaaS Polar at Bayer Crop Science

Jennifer Green, Information Scientist & Yelena Hines, Genetic Composition Analysis System Specialist, Bayer Crop Science

Bayer Crop Science conducts global research, development, and regulatory work that requires secure, robust, and accessible systems. IDBS E-Workbook has long supported the capture of scientific and regulatory data. This session outlines Bayer’s migration from the on-premises E-Workbook solution to IDBS Polar SaaS. The move modernizes laboratory practices while enabling greater integration across product pipeline activities. Attendees will gain insight into the drivers for migration, expected benefits, and how a SaaS platform supports scalability, security, and cross-organizational collaboration.

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I3 2026 Jennifer Yelena
I3 2026 Nick Fuller

Accelerating the Lab Loop: The next-generation Polar Platform for trusted, AI-ready science

Nick Fuller, Director, Value Stream, IDBS

Scientific teams are under pressure to accelerate discoveries without compromising compliance or data integrity. This session introduces how the IDBS Next Generation Platform speeds up the Lab Loop while preserving rigorous governance and trust. We’ll show how Polar Intelligence turns historical data into actionable hypotheses and experiment proposals, and how Modular Workflows convert those proposals into validated, reusable processes that replace scattered SOPs and spreadsheets. Attendees will see guided execution, real-time instrument and inventory data capture and AI-driven summarization that removes hours of manual effort; all built on responsible, auditable, GxP‑aligned AI where your data always remains your own. We’ll close with a look ahead to the safe, compliant evolution toward agentic, autonomous lab execution.

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Panel Discussion – Scaling AI & Data Quality in the Life Sciences

Jennifer Omigie, AI Product Lead, IDBS (Moderator)
Stephen Gelling, Head of Lab Informatics, Boehringer Ingelheim
Swetabh Pathak, Co-founder and CTO, Elucidata
Bryan Marsh, Principal Solutions Architect Public Sector Healthcare & Life Sciences, AWS

This panel discussion brings together industry perspectives on what it actually takes to scale AI in life sciences beyond initial pilots. Structured around Technology & Agentic AI and Data Quality & Foundations, the conversation explores the practical realities of AI adoption—from defining AI-ready data and evolving beyond FAIR principles, to designing trust into workflows and governance. With honest insights from across the ecosystem, the discussion highlights that scaling AI is as much an organisational and cultural challenge as it is a technical one.

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I3 2026 Panel

Poster presentations

Please click on the images to listen to the audio recordings

Capture procedural data step‑by‑step in Polar

Danielle Vilar, Senior Consultant, IDBS

This poster demonstrates how Polar canvases enable scientists to capture procedural data step by step while maintaining usability, structure, and compliance. By combining procedural text with contextual data entry, teams can follow protocols naturally while ensuring traceability and consistency. The approach uses structured background tables displayed flexibly on the canvas, supporting exception checking, change tracking, and guided workflows. The result is procedural data that is easier to follow, audit, reuse, and maintain—helping teams move beyond unstructured documents without adding unnecessary complexity to everyday lab work.

View full poster (PDF)
Capture procedural data step-by-step in Polar
Simplify and govern data out from spreadsheets with data view configurations

Simplifying data out with data view configurations (DVCs)

Scott Sullivan

This poster addresses a common challenge: extracting structured data from spreadsheets for analytics and reporting. Data View Configurations (DVCs) provide a standardized, governed way to define how spreadsheet data is structured and delivered downstream. Instead of preparing data repeatedly, the structure is defined once and reused across reporting, analytics, and Insight Apps. Centrally managed through Cloud Administration, DVCs support both legacy and new data capture while improving trust, consistency, and scalability. The result is faster access to analytics‑ready data with significantly reduced manual effort.

Beyond go‑live – Measuring ROI from IDBS Polar

Sumeet Chawla

This poster explains how organizations can move beyond system deployment to define, measure, and sustain return on investment from IDBS Polar. It outlines a structured approach focused on articulating business drivers, calculating holistic ROI beyond cost savings, and tracking a balanced set of operational and strategic KPIs over time. By positioning Polar as a strategic investment, teams can link adoption and compliance to long‑term outcomes such as research efficiency, cost reduction, and AI readiness. A centralized data foundation enables continued value realization well beyond go‑live.

Beyond go-live: A guide to achieve and measure ROI of your IDBS Polar implementation
I3 Thumbnail Michel Rafat

Spreadsheet Automated Testing

Michel Rafat, Scientific Strategic Consultant, IDBS

This poster addresses the challenge of manual spreadsheet regression testing, which is time consuming, costly, and increases compliance risk. It presents an automated approach using data driven test scripts that validate spreadsheets without programming, with all components managed in a single experiment. Automation improves reliability, reduces execution time and documentation effort, and lowers operational cost while aligning with regulatory expectations. By shifting effort upfront, teams enable faster testing cycles, support frequent upgrades, and maintain confidence in business critical processes and outcomes at scale.

Tech transfer with Polar and PIMS

Ken Forman

This poster explores how Polar and PIMS support smoother, more reliable tech transfer from development through full manufacturing. By maintaining a consistent digital thread across process design, control strategy, and execution, teams can reuse definitions rather than recreating them at each stage. This reduces manual effort, minimizes errors, and improves confidence during scale‑up. The approach also strengthens CMC traceability by clearly showing how processes evolve from early development to commercial production. Overall, it accelerates tech transfer timelines while improving consistency, quality, and manufacturing readiness.

Tech transfer with Polar and PIMS
I3 Thumbnail Ken Forman 2

Spreadsheet simplification with Polar Control

Ken Forman

This poster explores how Polar supports the full lifecycle of process design, execution, and analysis in a single system. Using ISA-88‑aligned recipes, teams can define modular, reusable process structures with clear parameters and specifications. Integration with the Polar catalogue ensures parameters are defined once and reused consistently across workflows. Built‑in versioning and audit trails support governance and compliance, while dynamic configuration enables processes to be adapted and executed across contexts without rebuilding. Connectivity to inventory and analytics platforms provides real‑time visibility and insight to support better decision‑making.

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Enhanced inventory management

Ken Forman

This poster highlights how enhanced inventory management in IDBS Polar helps laboratories remain flexible, compliant, and efficient as requirements evolve. Inventory records and items can move between types, allowing configurations to change without system redesign or rework. Shared property definitions reduce duplication and improve consistency across inventory data. Proactive compliance features automatically monitor conditions such as expiry and calibration status, updating item status when issues arise. Configurable alerts and direct inventory tagging within the ELN strengthen traceability, reduce risk, and help ensure only compliant inventory is used in scientific workflows.

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Enhanced inventory management
Plan. Assign. Track. Deliver with Request

Plan. Assign. Track. Deliver with Request

Ken Forman

This poster introduces Request as a centralized platform that brings work planning, scheduling, and execution into one system. Instead of relying on spreadsheets and email, teams can plan experiments, maintenance, calibrations, and project work with clear ownership and timelines. Integration with the Notebook enables automatic experiment generation, while enhanced tracking improves visibility and coordination. Inventory integration ensures required materials are linked to work. With improved usability and traceable communication, Request acts as a single hub for managing scientific work more efficiently across teams.

Agenda

The i3 2026 program delivers a full day of insight, learning and practical knowledge‑sharing across the scientific digital landscape. Throughout the event, you’ll explore how organizations are modernizing their data infrastructures, moving from legacy and on‑prem systems to integrated, cloud‑native platforms, and transforming both discovery and regulated bioanalysis workflows through automation.

For those arriving early, an optional networking evening event will take place on May 17th at Puttshack Boston, starting at 5PM.

Please bookmark this page as new speakers and sessions will be added as they are confirmed.

  • 09:00 - 09:40 AM

    IDBS strategy & market positioning

    Scott Weiss, VP Product and Strategy, IDBS

    Life sciences R&D is entering a new era, defined by exponential data growth, increasing experimental complexity, and rising expectations for speed, traceability, and predictability. As organizations pursue digital labs, AI driven science, and automation at scale, the limiting factor is no longer data generation, but the ability to contextualize data into insights that can act. In this presentation, the VP of Product and Strategy will share IDBS’ platform vision for enabling this shift. By unifying fragmented experimental data, embedding scientific context, and orchestrating programmatic and agentic AI driven workflows, IDBS is helping organizations move beyond static analytics toward closed loop automation.

  • 09:40 - 10:20 AM

    Bridging the gap between vision and reality: A scientist-led approach to building an integrated bioprocess database using IDBS spreadsheets

    Yuya Ishikawa, Scientist, Chugai

    Many organizations share the vision of an integrated database for bioprocess development to enable advanced data utilization. However, the primary barrier to realizing this vision is often not the digital technology itself, but the challenge of capturing high-quality, structured data at the source—the bench. Specifically, capturing not just assay results, but the full lineage and context of each sample is critical. To address this challenge, we adopted a pragmatic strategy: building the system in-house, led directly by scientists who understand the scientific needs, workflows, and culture. We utilized IDBS Spreadsheets as the core interface for data entry. By replacing traditional experiment records with structured Spreadsheets, we ensure consistent data structuring without adding a significant burden to the scientists. Our team of scientists, trained in data structure design and spreadsheet development, works in close proximity to end-users. This allows for rapid prototyping, immediate feedback loops, and agile adjustments—capabilities that are often difficult to achieve with external vendors. We have successfully designed a highly normalized data structure while keeping the user interface intuitive and natural for bench scientists. Currently, we have released initial Spreadsheets for routine use and are continuously expanding the scope. Furthermore, we have established an AWS-based data platform where data extracted from E-WorkBook is already powering automated analysis applications. In this presentation, we will demonstrate how our scientist-led approach effectively bridges the gap between conceptual data strategy and practical, daily lab operations.

  • 10:20 - 10:40 AM

    Coffee Break

  • 10:40 - 11:20 AM

    An inventory-driven architecture for adaptive ELN execution, automation, and collaboration

    Shawn Fernando, Senior Scientist, Eisai

    A materials‑centric informatics architecture was developed to support modern laboratory workflows by making inventory data the backbone of the electronic laboratory notebook (ELN). Instead of relying on fixed templates or serving primarily as a file repository, the ELN is organized around the core elements of laboratory work, including materials, samples, and equipment. This structure allows workflows to naturally adapt to how experiments are performed at the bench while ensuring consistent documentation, traceability, and data integrity. Within the IDBS E-Workbook ecosystem, calculations, step dependencies, and workflow logic are handled automatically in the background, including the generation of instrument‑ready instructions. This reduces the need for manual data transcription and detailed upfront planning. As a result, the same workflow can be executed interchangeably by bench scientists or automated platforms without differences in documentation, calculations, or data structure. Barcode‑based tracking directly connects digital records to physical laboratory actions, improving accuracy, auditability, and operational consistency. Because the system is anchored in inventory, it supports scalable reagent registration workflows and enables structured, request‑driven coordination of multi‑step activities across teams and laboratories. Together, these capabilities transform the ELN from a passive record‑keeping tool into an adaptive operational system that supports experimental execution, automation, and cross‑team collaboration, which delivers organizational efficiency.

  • 11:20 - 12:00 PM

    From pain points to power: Transforming research workflows with IDBS

    Brad Feilmeier, Sr. Principal Business Analyst, Boehringer Ingelheim

    Research teams produce great science — but manual data entry, fragmented tools, and copy-paste workflows across databases, SharePoint, and Excel create invisible overhead that compounds across every experiment, every day. This session tells the story of how one research organization eliminated that overhead by building a unified, API-driven workflow around IDBS E-Workbook, Inventory, and the IDBS REST API. We'll walk through the pain points that drove the transformation and a real-world case study in formulation experiment automation that delivered over 1,600 automated runs — saving approximately three hours per experiment and reducing copy-paste errors to near zero. Whether you're a manager wanting to understand what modern research operations can look like, or a developer curious about what the IDBS REST API can do in practice, this session offers concrete takeaways you can bring back to your own team. Attendees will leave with: a clear picture of the before-and-after workflow, an understanding of how E-Workbook, Inventory, and the REST API work together, and a framework for identifying similar automation opportunities in their own environment.

  • 12:00 - 12:40 PM

    Accelerating the Lab Loop: The next-generation Polar Platform for trusted, AI-ready science

    Nick Fuller, Director, Value Stream, IDBS

    Scientific teams are under pressure to accelerate discoveries without compromising compliance or data integrity. This session introduces how the IDBS Next Generation Platform speeds up the Lab Loop while preserving rigorous governance and trust. We’ll show how Polar Intelligence turns historical data into actionable hypotheses and experiment proposals, and how Modular Workflows convert those proposals into validated, reusable processes that replace scattered SOPs and spreadsheets. Attendees will see guided execution, real-time instrument and inventory data capture and AI-driven summarization that removes hours of manual effort; all built on responsible, auditable, GxP‑aligned AI where your data always remains your own. We’ll close with a look ahead to the safe, compliant evolution toward agentic, autonomous lab execution.

  • 12:40 - 1:25 PM

    Lunch

  • 1:25 - 2:05 PM

    Beyond spreadsheets: End-to-end ligand binding assay workflow for regulated bioanalysis in IDBS Polar

    Jennifer Bourn, Principal Scientist, Novartis

    This presentation showcases an exciting digital transformation at Novartis GCP Bioanalysis Labs through the implementation of IDBS Polar ELN as a truly end-to-end GxP platform for regulated ligand binding assay (LBA) bioanalysis. In close collaboration with Novartis IT and IDBS subject matter experts, the team configured a novel, highly governed solution that brings controlled execution, seamless documentation, and full data lineage directly into everyday laboratory work. What began with core capabilities such as reagent and compound management, biobank tracking, standardized templates, controlled electronic documentation, and equipment integration rapidly expanded into fully traceable LBA experiment execution. The result is a powerful new way of working that strengthens compliance, inspection readiness, and data integrity while reducing manual effort and improving operational efficiency. Beyond immediate impact, the implementation creates a forward-looking digital foundation for advanced analytics, AI enabled insights, and expansion into additional regulated bioanalysis modalities, making it a compelling example of innovation in modern GxP laboratories.

  • 2:05 - 2:45 PM

    Scaling AI and Data Quality in Life Sciences | Panel discussion

    Jennifer Omigie, IDBS | Stephen Gelling, Boehringer Ingelheim | Swetabh Pathak, Elucidata | Bryan Marsh, AWS

    As AI adoption accelerates across the life sciences, the success of large‑scale initiatives increasingly depends on the quality, provenance, and governance of the underlying data. This panel brings together leaders from pharmaceutical R&D, health informatics, regulatory affairs, and AI engineering to explore the tension between rapid AI deployment and the rigorous data standards demanded by regulated environments. Panelists will discuss the challenges of scaling AI across multimodal biological and clinical data, strategies for harmonizing fragmented datasets, and the impact of evolving regulatory frameworks such as FDA AI/ML guidance and the EU AI Act. Beyond technology, the conversation will address the organizational changes needed to build trust, transparency, and accountability — enabling organizations to scale AI responsibly without compromising scientific rigor or patient safety.

  • 2:45 - 3.25 PM

    Discovery Bioanalysis Lab Workflow Automation: design, development, integration and implementation

    Daniel Wall, Director, Discovery Bioanalytics Labs, Novartis

    This presentation outlines how Novartis discovery bioanalytical labs, in partnership with Novartis IT and IDBS developers, used IDBS SmartBook and E-WorkBook to streamline our lab workflows—from integration and automation to study execution and FAIR data reporting. We will cover key milestones from ideation through implementation, discuss challenges and solutions, explain platform adaptations for specific needs, and highlight KPIs demonstrating enhanced lab performance. This presentation explains how these improvements are advancing our mission by reducing cycle times, improving integration across applications and driving faster and thus improved drug discovery decision making.

  • 3:25 - 3:40 PM

    Poster showcase

  • 3:40 - 4:00 PM

    Coffee break

  • 4:00 - 4:40 PM

    Break out sessions

    Please check our exciting lineup above in the Breakout sessions tab

  • 4:40 - 5:20 PM

    Advantages of migrating from on-prem E-Workbook to SaaS Polar at Bayer Crop Science

    Jennifer Green, Information Scientist & Yelena Hines, Genetic Composition Analysis System Specialist, Bayer Crop Science

    Bayer Crop Science invests heavily in research, development and regulatory efforts. Capturing IP, data and regulatory studies. We are a global organization that requires system solutions that are secure, robust and accessible. IDBS E-workbook has been a great systems tool to collect our science and regulatory studies. This year we will migrate from the E-workbook solution to IDBS Polar. This move will update our lab practices and provide functionality to integrate product pipeline endeavors across our organization.

  • 5:20 - 5:35 PM

    Customer awards

  • 5:35 - 5:50 PM

    Closing remarks

    Rene Schipper, VP Global Sales

  • 4:00 - 4:30 PM

    The art of the possible with Quantrix Modeler

    Aaron Hudson, Vice President, Product and Marketing, Danaher Life Sciences

    This presentation will review how Quantrix can address the challenges in creating market models. A prototype of a Quantrix Market Modeler will be shared. This Prototype is designed to transform how organizations build, validate, and compare market projections. Built on the Quantrix multidimensional modeling platform, it addresses long standing challenges such as inconsistent assumptions, ad hoc spreadsheets, lack of comparability, and the high cost of external consultants. This Market Modeler Prototype can significantly improve precision and reduce time and cost while strengthening strategic decision making for M&A, new product development, and growth initiatives. This presentation will demonstrate how aligned modeling standards, scenario management, and optional Monte Carlo simulations enable teams to generate dependable, leadership ready market insights in days rather than months and find confidence in uncertainty.

  • 4:00 - 4:30 PM

    Hands-on Workshop – Process monitoring made simple with PIMS

    Michelle Ko & Sean Stowe, IDBS

    In this hands-on workshop, participants will experience how process data can be quickly transformed into meaningful insights using IDBS PIMS. Starting from a simple process setup, attendees will add parameters, define specification limits, upload batch data, and visualize results through charts and dashboards. The session will demonstrate how PIMS connects process definition, monitoring, and genealogy into a single, structured workflow. By the end, participants will gain a practical understanding of how to move from raw data to actionable process insight without relying on manual tracking or disconnected tools.

  • 4:00 - 4:30 PM

    Hands-on Workshop – Managing your stability studies with Polar

    Shendi Lu & Caroline Luscko, IDBS

    This hands-on session is designed to show you how IDBS Polar moves stability programs away from disconnected spreadsheets and into a structured, automated digital space. Instead of hunting through files, we’ll walk through how Polar Stability Insight helps you manage stability studies and compare data, all in one place. You’ll get to try out the Summary Overview to track a campaign in real time and use the Comparison and Condition Visual dashboards to actually see how your data is trending across different storage conditions. By the end, you’ll have a sense of how the Lab Loop with Stability can be realized in Polar.

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