Laboratory information management systems at Kodak: foundation for the future

Abstract

Uthman, A.P., 1992. Laboratory information management systems at Kodak: foundation for the future. Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems: Laboratory Information Management, 17: 295–300. The development of the Analytical Information Management Strategy (AIMS) within Eastman Kodak Company was described during the Fourth International LIMS Conference in 1990. Significant progress has been made toward implementing the strategy and vision that were described in that talk. A large number of laboratories across many of the Kodak sites are either using or implementing a commercial laboratory information management system (LIMS). Processes and standards are in place which enable sharing of data, custom code modules, training and support efforts among many organizations and sites. Custom functions have been developed to enhance a commercial LIMS that forms the foundation for analytical information management within Kodak, including the ability to incorporate chemical structures in the LIMS as searchable data fields. LIMS activity has been closely coupled to overall laboratory accreditation efforts through active software quality assurance plans. These ensure quality software development of LIMS functionality which helps the laboratory do its work in a quality way. This paper will quickly review the vision defined by AIMS. It will then outline the working LIMS installations across the company, describe some of the unique custom functions that have been developed, and outline future directions and plans for LIMS.