Barcode technology has contributed to efficiencies in inventory and tracking across many industries. For Research and Development (R&D), barcode systems are extremely useful so that samples, materials, and equipment are all accounted for. With the digitization of lab notebooks and laboratory information management systems (LIMS), barcode scanners have become a key component for efficiency and accuracy when conducting lab inventory.
This article provides an overview of what a lab barcode system is, and how it contributes to the success of lab management for leaders in R&D.
What is a Lab Barcode System?
A lab barcode system is a process that many R&D labs use for inventory and to track different objects in the lab. It consists of barcode labels and barcode scanners to automate the process of manual label identification. Lab barcode systems are important because they eliminate the need to type label codes, ultimately reducing human error and increasing efficiency.
- Barcode Labels are machine readable series of lines and spaces which represent numbers and characters. These numbers and characters are associated with a particular object or material in the lab, which needs to be labeled and tracked. Information for a specific labeled item can also be tracked using a QR code, another type of machine-readable image.
- Barcode Scanners are tools which read the barcode and identify the numbers and characters associated with the label. Once those numbers and characters are identified, the user can perform an action using that information.
- Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a tool that lab managers and scientists use to digitally compile information about testing and research. This is helpful to retrieve and manage lab data overtime. Barcodes are useful to allow individuals to keep track of samples, raw materials, and equipment by quickly identifying an item and locating it in the digital notebook.
How are Barcode Scanners Used in R&D?
Barcode scanners are used to track and manage raw materials, samples, and equipment. They have many use cases, all of which involve the automation of identifying individual codes.
Barcode systems can be used when conducting inventory, moving materials and samples between physical locations, and for monitoring the quantity of a raw material or sample. This automatic process creates more efficient lab management, and reduces the chance of human error.
- Conducting Inventory Barcode systems can be used to keep track of materials, machinery, and samples in the lab. One example of how to utilize the barcode system for lab management is for labeling samples created in the lab, and capturing the relevant information. Once a sample is created, it needs to be labeled so that its location, ingredients, materials and amount is recorded. The barcode system can help with that. The sample needs to be added to the LIMS, and a code will be generated. The label is then printed and attached to the sample. Now the sample, and its corresponding information, is easily found in the system when using a barcode reader.
- Moving Materials and Samples The barcode system can also be used when transporting samples or raw materials from one location to another. The physical location of the items can be tracked using the barcode system, as scanning the barcode will update information about when and where the item is throughout the shipping process. This greatly reduces the error in transporting items because objects can be easily and quickly identified. This can also be used for tracking chain of custody, to ensure that all locations a material has been located in are tracked electronically.
- Deducting the remaining quantity of raw materials Finally, When a new raw material enters the lab, it must be quantified and recorded for inventory. When the raw material is added to a LIMS, it will be assigned a barcode to easily retrieve information about that material. When scientists are conducting studies, they are able to scan the barcode for a particular raw material, and instantly gain access to relevant information. When they are done using the raw material, they can edit how much they used, so that the remaining amount of the raw material is stored in the lab notebook. The lab manager can then easily identify which raw materials need to be re-ordered or updated.
How Does Uncountable Incorporate a Barcode System to Enhance Laboratory Information Management Systems?
Uncountable offers a LIMS that keeps track of data, experiments, lab notes, and inventory, and the barcode system helps maintain efficiency at every step of handling materials in the lab. Uncountable’s label builder enables labs to automate previously manual processes by tracking samples, raw materials and equipment across physical locations.
With the label builder by Uncountable, customers can configure templates with customizable layouts, sizes, and objects like barcodes, QR codes, or hazard symbols. Lab managers rely on Uncountable’s labels to track inventory, create commercial labels, and affix them to customer samples.
Barcodes can record the name and number of the sample, as well as the date it was produced. The safety hazard signs corresponding to the experiment are included to ensure safer protocols and care. The barcode allows for quick and easy access to information about this sample, and updating its location is simple and efficient.
![A screenshot of a barcode label with the title "[3347] Josh's Blend" at the top, two safety hazard signals on the right, and the Date (2019-09-30) below. A machine-readable code is at the bottom of the label.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5dd1ef5e033682a6f0f8926f/651440061bf119d378404a12_Screen%20Shot%202023-09-27%20at%2010.40.35%20AM.png)
Leverage Uncountable’s Label Builder for Your Lab
The configuration of lab management with the barcode label system is one of the ways that Uncountable has improved efficiency throughout the tracking, shipping and management of samples materials and equipment. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can leverage Uncountable’s label builder for your lab, please reach out to hello@uncountable.com.
