1.6 Technical. Hardware. Server stack
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Which hardware?Best practice is a dedicated LIMS server running Debian or Ubuntu. Quad core i7, 64GB RAM, 2 * 248GB SSD in RAID
The ZEO, see overleaf uses the multiple core to run concurrent client processes for a dramatic improvement in performance compared to single processor threads
A dedicated LIMS server avoids conflict between systems for RAM and processor cycles, and even more so between different systems' administrators when things go wrong Unlikely to be with robust and secure Bika on Linux, which runs like a train with up time measured in years Thin browser only bench top PCsFirst prize: Wall mounted touch screen tablets. Else, low spec laptops running Ubuntu All user interaction with their data should be via their browsers, LIMS, email, spreadsheets. E.g. shared Google sheets, documents and mail and text messaging Working on shared documents online improves efficiency by a lot
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Production server stackBika runs like a train on secure and robust industry proven Linux. Debian and Ubuntu are the most popular Though singular Bika/Senaite installations are good for prototyping and evaluation, it won't cut it on bigger volumes and more concurrent users Industrial grade Bika LIMS production server installations include the equivalent of
Production and Training instancesWe recommend installing both Production and Test/Training servers The Training server is used for acceptance testing, and thereafter as e-learning sandbox for users to uninhibitedly test real life scenarios without fear of interrupting production
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Barcode printersFor proven reliance the Zebra GC420d/t series printers if all labels are printed form a single PC at reception. If you want to print from elsewhere too, you need a networked printer like the GT800. Both ore updated equivalents are listed at Zebra.com NB Warning At the time of writing of this Zebra printers are not yet compatible with MS Windows 11, please confirm compatibility with your vendor Be sure to select a standard size label. Else you have to have custom ones cut and that can be expensive. Consider vinyl labels for wet samples and the labels not to smudge Barcode scanners?You'll require a minimum of one linear barcode scanner at reception, as well as one at each instrument that can read a USB input device (often a keyboard or mouse) This will improve TAT and accuracy by a lot. Look no further than Zebra's Symbol series, use to be Motorola's, industrial quality. Another to buy off the Internet without hesitation When it detects a barcode, it submits it using presentation (blink) mode scanning. When the scanner is mounted to, say, an instrument, the user can handle samples with both hands free Don't buy too many, they'l last for years and at some point we'll find a use for 2D scanners and QR codes
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