Client: Bexar County Criminal Investigation Laboratory
Location: Bexar County, Texas
Industry: Forensic Science
Product: LIMS
Date Implemented: 2012-2013
Background
The Bexar County Criminal Investigation Laboratory, located in Texas, is a medium-sized facility with 35-40 fully staffed professionals. As a multidisciplinary lab responsible for various forensic services, Bexar County faced significant challenges in managing its workflow, data, and reporting needs. Prior to adopting the Forensic Advantage (FA) Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), the lab had attempted to implement several LIMS solutions, each one failing to meet its unique requirements. After three unsuccessful iterations of custom-built LIMS that "blew up on the launch pad," the lab decided to shift strategies and opt for an off-the-shelf solution that could be adapted to their procedures.
The Challenge
Bexar County's previous attempts at LIMS implementation were met with substantial obstacles. Custom solutions failed to launch, and the lab was left with manual paper processes that did not meet their emerging needs. The lab required a robust LIMS solution that could streamline its operations, transition from a paper-based workflow to a digital system, and provide valuable insights through comprehensive reporting. Given their previous struggles, it was critical to find a partner who could deliver a reliable and customizable solution.
The Solution
In 2012-2013, Bexar County implemented the Forensic Advantage LIMS. Despite the challenges associated with transitioning to a new system, FA was the only company, out of four that attempted, to successfully launch a fully functional LIMS for the lab. The implementation was a gradual process, with the lab initially focusing on the most critical functions and gradually expanding to incorporate additional features.
One of the standout features for Bexar County was the Activity Logging portion of FA's software, which as a Fee-for-Service operation allowed the laboratory to seamlessly connect examinations performed to billable activities. This feature also allowed them to log all activities electronically, significantly enhancing their efficiency and aiding in determining future resource needs.
Another crucial feature that has proven invaluable is FA's Reporting Functions. The ability to generate detailed reports has allowed the lab to track how busy their analysts are, what tests are being performed most frequently, and identify pinch points in their processes. These reports have become essential tools for managing workloads, proving efficiencies, and justifying budget requests to decision-makers.
The lab also worked closely with FA to customize the LIMS to meet their specific needs. FA’s team, transformed Bexar County’s paper worksheets into a fully functional online system, enabling a seamless transition to a digital environment.
Results and Impact for Bexar County
Since implementing Forensic Advantage, Bexar County has seen significant improvements in lab operations:
Seamless Transition to Paperless Workflow: The move to electronic analytical documentation using integrated worksheets has eliminated the need for paper, streamlining processes and enhancing data integrity.
Enhanced Reporting and Decision-Making: The lab can now generate detailed reports that provide insights into staff efficiency and workload distribution. These reports are crucial for planning, resource allocation, and justifying budget requests.
Improved Customization: The ability to tailor the LIMS to their specific needs has allowed the lab to optimize its operations and address unique challenges.
Streamlined Discovery Process: The Discovery Packet Module in FA allows the lab to compile all case-specific information into a single zipped file, making it easier to disseminate to the District Attorney's office and, subsequently, to the defense. This electronic certification process ensures compliance and efficiency in information sharing.
Client Testimonial
Erin Reat, the Assistant Crime Laboratory Director at Bexar County, is a strong advocate for Forensic Advantage. He highlights the system's ability to meet all their current needs and emphasizes the value it brings to their operations. "The FA product meets every need that we have right now," Erin notes. "I recommend FA to anyone and have recommended it to different colleagues when asked. There is a lot of value that can be extracted from FA."
Erin also appreciates the system's capacity to support the lab's continuous improvement efforts. With features like the discovery packet module, activity logging, and robust reporting, FA has empowered Bexar County to optimize their workflow and demonstrate their efficiency to key stakeholders.
Conclusion
The Bexar County Criminal Investigation Laboratory's successful implementation of the Forensic Advantage LIMS is a testament to the system's flexibility, reliability, and ability to meet the demanding needs of forensic laboratories. FA's commitment to customization and customer support has enabled Bexar County to transition from a paper-based system to a digital, streamlined operation that continues to evolve and improve.
Forensic Advantage is proud to partner with Bexar County and looks forward to supporting their ongoing efforts to enhance lab efficiency and operational excellence.
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