Problem
Chrometrix Systems was seeking to increase the sales revenue by providing the buyers of the humidity/temperature monitoring equipment a value-added service— possibility to access, process and manage data gathered by the equipment either via a mobile device or a dedicated server.
The client conducted a tender to select a development service provider based on a range of criteria. The service provider was required to possess a solid background in the mobile development space, as well as demonstrate thorough understanding of hardware and electronic component design and integration. Softeq stood out through its impressive track record in the domain along with proven ability to meet the designated budget and time expectations.
Solution
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).
Results
The team accomplished the first phase of the LIMS unit on time and on budget with additional improvements scheduled for the second phase. The sensor and DPA unit are nearing completion.