Huge Benefits for Testing Company Thanks to Quantos

German test laboratory Labor Friedle GmbH analyses food and food ingredient samples. Throughput and traceability are essential for providing an efficient and professional service to their customers. The company recently installed a Mettler Toledo Quantos QA gravimetric liquid dispensing system and a Quantos WorkflowBox in order to semi-automate sample preparation and eliminate manual transcription of their data and results. Not only can Labor Friedle now guarantee audit-proof results, but processing time has subsequently been reduced by around 66% enabling them to handle more samples and hence schedule additional clients.

As a DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab and member of the Relana^® Quality Circle, Labor Friedle regularly prepares food and food ingredient samples for sensory, microbiological, chemical, chemical-physical and mycological assay. This requires the preparation of highly accurate stock solutions to generate quality results that ensure consumer safety and reduce manufacturer liability. Until now, the whole process was undertaken manually with laboratory technicians preparing the stock solutions, weighing samples, and transcribing results by hand. The procedure was time consuming and open to variability with a high risk of human error. Seeking to improve sample preparation processes as well as assure accurate results for their clients, Labor Friedle recently purchased the Quantos QA gravimetric liquid dispensing system and the Quantos WorkflowBox.

Ensuring Accuracy and Traceability

Prior to Quantos, Labor Friedle used an analytical balance to weigh each substance directly into a volumetric flask by hand. Even with professional handling, the amount weighed was subject to variation and hence the preciseness of the concentration of the solution could not be fully guaranteed. Weighing results were also handwritten in a lab journal and then manually input into Excel for subsequent analysis. Any variation in the process had the potential to corrupt all down-line measurements, and errors were nearly impossible to identify and correct. Now, when the technicians weigh the substance directly into the target container; the Quantos QA system records the actual amount of substance weighed and automates the gravimetric addition of the precise amount of solvent required to reach the specified concentration. The Quantos WorkflowBox supports the full process by controlling the whole system in accordance with customer- and application- specific requirements, storing all process details for full data traceability, and providing further capabilities for label printing, report generation and data export.

Higher Accuracy with Increased Throughput

Using Quantos, Labor Friedle’s overall process for preparing a stock solution, including labelling and calculations, is now nearly three times faster: What used to require 15 minutes now takes just five. Of critical importance to Labor Friedle is that the likelihood of error is significantly reduced, even when preparing several solutions simultaneously. Thanks to the accuracy of the Quantos system, rework is practically eliminated. The process now runs so efficiently that Labor Friedle has been able to handle more samples and hence take on new customers. After rapidly recouping their capital outlay, the company is also pleased to report enhanced profits.

Exploring the Quantos Solution

The Quantos QA system integrates powder weighing and liquid dispensing into a single gravimetric process. This automated procedure eliminates any variation due to the user and produces highly accurate results. The powerful combination of the Quantos WorkflowBox and the Quantos QA system provides the user with a full workflow solution for their specific application and supports compliance with the CFR 21 Part 11 guideline concerning electronic data recording. Even with a relatively complex application, the Quantos system is easy to implement.

Ongoing Expert Support

Labor Friedle also opted to have their technicians trained by Mettler Toledo to enable them to modify the workflows implemented in the WorkflowBox. The parameters of the workflows can be adjusted in line with any changes in their processes. The training means the changes can be done in-house with very little downtime, maintaining the company’s ability to process samples in record time. However, Mettler Toledo is always on hand to assist with more demanding technical changes or new applications.

For more on how Quantos can help save time, reduce error risk, and increase processing capacity, visit the website.