Developing a SaaS-based Data Acquisition and Management System

Softeq developed a comprehensive data acquisition and management system, consisting of a combination of hardware and software components for aggregating, processing, and storing information retrieved from the humidity and temperature sensors installed in a laboratory.

Core components:

• Logger — humidity and temperature sensors
• One-Wire Logger Reader (WLR)— a 3rd party data retrieval unit
• Data Processing Application (DPA) — available as a mobile Android app or a Windows-based desktop system
• Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) — a data processing and storage server

Temperature and Humidity Data Gathering Process

Process

Data Processing Application

The DPA is an Android or Windows desktop app designed to process data received via the WLR. It transforms the sensor aggregated data into a readable format. Supplemented with a graphic presentation, the data is sent to the LIMS server over the Bluetooth or USB connection in an XML file format.

The app operates in two modes: as a standalone mobile app storing all the processed data locally on the phone; or as a client-server app, provided the LIMS is installed in the target lab, transferring the processed measurements data to the server.

Laboratory Information Management System

The LIMS is designed to store the results of measurements and respective stats received in an XML file format as text and graphic files.

Key System Modules

• Climate Monitoring
• Data Retrieval Methods
• Logger Register
• Location Register
• History of System Logs
• Alerts
• Account Administration Area
• LIMS Administration Area
• Basic Functional Features (e.g. logging in, new user registration, new account creation, profile viewing/editing)

Technical Perspective

The system is implemented based on a SaaS model to be able to deal with large data sets and numerous accounts. The retrieved information is delivered via web services in an XML and JSON file format.

Security

The system supports:

• Password encryption realized with MD5 decrypter, a 128-bit encryption algorithm generating a 32-character hexadecimal hash
• Permission based access

The solution is built in compliance with regulatory documents stipulating requirements to the computer-based laboratory equipment (CFR — Code of Federal Regulations Title 21).