Lab Work: There's an App for That
Harnessing the power of mobile apps in the lab can lead to enhanced productivity, data integrity and a more streamlined workflow.
Mobile technology has altered the style of working in many industries. Businesses have undoubtedly benefited from an interconnected workforce, resulting in flexibility of workflow and increased productivity. In the lab, however, adoption of electronic initiatives has taken a much slower hold. While some organizations already have mobile devices established in the lab, others are still in the process of considering the value of these devices.
A mobile data capture app that interfaces with an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) allows scientists to look up and enter information directly in the lab. Scientists can set up experiments from a PC and then access the information remotely, thereby eliminating the need to leave the lab or print out a procedure on paper to check the details of an experiment. They can also make use of the inherent capabilities of a mobile device, such as the camera, which can capture images that can be directly linked to a particular experiment and immediately transferred to the ELN. A dedicated mobile app is designed and optimized for use on a small mobile device, especially when the full application on a web browser would not be effective. The benefit of a small device, as opposed to a laptop, is that it can be conveniently carried in a lab coat pocket, taking up far less space at the bench.