Client: Kansas City Police Crime Lab (KCPCL)
Industry: Forensic Science
Location: Kansas City, MO
Project: LIMS Batch Processing Automation
Date Implemented: 2010
Background
The Kansas City Police Crime Lab (KCPCL) is a multidisciplinary, ANAB-accredited forensic laboratory with a rich history dating back to 1972. Serving Kansas City, MO, and many surrounding communities, the lab has consistently grown in scope and scale, leading to continuous investments in personnel and technology. In 2010, KCPCL implemented the Forensic Advantage Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to streamline its operations.
The Challenge
In 2019, KCPCL’s DNA section identified a need to enhance its existing automation system to improve flexibility in its workflow. While KCPCL had implemented bi-lateral communication between their LIMS and lab instrumentation back in 2010 when Forensic Advantage was initially brought on, the evolving demands of the lab required more advanced workflow capabilities. The challenge was to upgrade the existing batch processing system to offer greater flexibility, allowing the lab to adapt more seamlessly to new processes and requirements without being constrained by the limitations of the previous system.
The Solution for the Kansas City Police Crime Lab
Forensic Advantage collaborated closely with KCPCL to document specific automation requirements and integrate customer feedback into the development of our Batch Processing module. The objectives outlined by KCPCL and successfully achieved through our partnership, included:
Bi-lateral Instrument Integration: Automating the flow of data between LIMS and lab equipment, allowing batch results to be imported directly into case records.
Enhanced Data and Report Management: Providing greater flexibility in managing and generating reports.
Improved Audit Tracking: Strengthening the traceability of sample results and chain of custody through automated processes.
Flexible Workflow Management: Allowing the DNA section to adjust workflows as needed without requiring external support from Forensic Advantage.
Elimination of Manual Processes: Automating plate mapping and concentration calculations, which were previously managed through Excel, thereby reducing human error and increasing efficiency.
Increased Administrative Control: Empowering lab administrators with more control over DNA batch processing workflows, minimizing the need for vendor intervention.
Implementation
In 2022, KCPCL implemented the new Forensic Advantage Batch Processing module, marking the most significant LIMS upgrade since its initial implementation in 2010. This module automated essential workflows, enhancing data quality, and eliminating manual steps in their processes. The transition was part of KCPCL’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Results and Impact
The implementation of the Batch Processing module at KCPCL has led to significant improvements in lab operations, including:
Increased Efficiency: Automation of routine tasks has allowed lab personnel to focus on more complex analyses, thereby increasing productivity.
Enhanced Data Integrity: Automated data handling has reduced the risk of human error, ensuring higher data accuracy and reliability.
Streamlined Workflow: The flexibility in workflow management has enabled the DNA section to operate more efficiently, adapting quickly to new challenges without external intervention.
Conclusion
The Kansas City Police Crime Lab’s experience demonstrates the powerful impact of automation on forensic lab operations. By integrating Forensic Advantage’s LIMS with lab instrumentation through our Batch Processing module, KCPCL has improved efficiency and set a benchmark for other forensic labs looking to transition to a more automated, paperless environment.
Forensic Advantage is proud to have played a role in KCPCL’s journey toward greater operational efficiency and looks forward to continuing our partnership.
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