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Press release Medica 02/2016
Date
14th November 2016
Automation is the answer to increasing sample numbers
Ready-to-install, precision handling solutions from Festo simplify processes
The pressure on laboratories is continuing to grow: in the age of high-throughput
methods, not only do results need to be obtained quickly, but traceability and
reproducibility must also be guaranteed. It helps to be able to depend on reliable
manufacturers of pneumatic and electric automation technology such as Festo, whose
products and solutions are available worldwide.
Our reference
SG-MIM/SBG
Automation does not necessarily mean converting all previously manual processes to
become fully automated. The transition often takes place in steps, from automating modules
and automated linking of modules to fully automating entire processes, based on the needs
and requirements of the laboratory. Automation is the ideal solution to the conflict of
objectives between processing large numbers of samples and delivering the required high
quality and reproducibility.
Modular, linear and integrated
Individual automation concepts are flexible in the degree of automation they can provide.
The overall analytical process, for example, involves steps that have to be repeated over
and over again every day, such as opening sample vials. Automation helps to minimise the
risk of contamination and mistakes caused by repetitive work.
Linear automation links modules within a process, meaning less manual work for
personnel. Since samples are automatically transported from module to module or device to
device, it means that laboratory technicians no longer have to interrupt their work.
Tracing of processes
Integrated automation solutions use extremely advanced technology. Complete processes –
from preparation to reading out the results – take place within a single overall system.
Automation makes processes replicable and simplifies traceability. This makes it easier to
comply with legal requirements and regulations.
In order for cooperation with automation manufacturers such as Festo to be successful for
plant manufacturers, all parties must concentrate on their key competencies. The plant
manufacturers are familiar with the laboratory processes, while Festo looks after the
automation of these processes, both in the liquid handling system and in the sample
handling system.
Festo AG & Co. KG
Postfach
73726 Esslingen
Phone +49 711 347-50917
Fax
+49 711 34754-50917
[email protected]
www.festo.com
Ruiter Straße 82
73734 Esslingen
GERMANY
Advancement through innovations
The days when processing individual samples inevitably meant manual processing are past.
The new generation of laboratory devices and systems identifies the testing requirements
of primary samples with the help of barcodes, prepares the samples for the required tests
and distributes them to the corresponding test stations.
Automation makes process steps such as identifying, opening and aliquoting a sample as
well as loading centrifuges and incubators much more efficient and reliable. Festo develops
custom solutions for many of these processes, in some cases also integrating components
and devices from third-party manufacturers. These custom solutions increase sample
processing productivity, enabling laboratories to process more samples in the same amount
of time – regardless of whether in the pre-analytical, analytical or post-analytical phase,
whether in clinical or medical laboratories or whether the samples are from humans,
animals or plants.
About Festo:
Festo AG is a global player and an independent family-owned company with its
headquarters in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany. The company supplies pneumatic and
electrical automation technology to 300,000 customers of factory and process automation in
over 200 industries. Our products and services are available in 176 countries. With about
18.700 employees in 61 companies worldwide, Festo achieved a turnover of around €2.64
billion in 2015. Each year around 8 % of this turnover is invested in research and
development. In this learning company, 1.5 % of turnover is invested in basic and further
training. Yet training services are not only provided for Festo's own staff – Festo Didactic
SE also supplies basic and further training programmes in the field of automation
technology for customers, students and trainees.
www.festo.com/lab
Please refer to:
Festo press photo Chart Degree of Automation
Caption:
High flexibility: individual automation concepts adapt to the
requirements of the laboratory. (Photo: Festo AG & Co. KG)
Please refer to:
Festo press photo Laboratory Platform
Caption:
Linear automation links modules within a process. The samples
are automatically transported from device to device. (Photo:
Festo AG & Co. KG)
Please refer to:
Festo press photo Scan Module
Caption:
High quality and reproducibility: automated documentation of
the samples using a sensor helps to minimise mistakes caused by
repetitive work. (Photo: Festo AG & Co. KG)
Please refer to:
Festo press photo Compact handling system
Caption:
Integrated automation solution: complete processes and results
are easier to reproduce and trace within a single overall system.
(Photo: Festo AG & Co. KG)
Press text and photos are also available online at www.festo.com/press.
Or mobile under http://m.festo.com/press.
For queries please contact:
Festo AG & Co. KG
Christopher Haug, Market Media Creation
phone: +49 711-347 4032, E-Mail: [email protected]
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