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Optimisation of laboratory workflows Fit for the digital laboratory with a ‘Smart Workflow’: Optimisation of laboratory workflows with the latest network concept from Brabender
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by Stefan Jansen and Viktor Schäfer, Brabender, Germany
he precise measurement of ingredients and rheological parameters is a key prerequisite for quality management in day-to-day laboratory work for the milling, baked goods, and starch industries as well as the grain sector and other sectors in the food industry. With its digital “Smart Workflow” concept for the laboratory of the future, Brabender is focusing on more transparency and higher efficiency via the automated transmission of measured values, clear data management, web-based data transfer, time savings, and the associated cost savings. We spoke with application technician Stefan Jansen (SJ) and software developer Viktor Schäfer (VS) at Brabender in Duisburg about the latest options for keeping laboratories up to date.
What do you at Brabender mean by “Smart Workflow”?
SJ: Networking is the solution for making operational workflows more efficient. This applies to communication between the laboratory and other departments of a company, and even more so, when working with clients or suppliers. In these cases, it is important to establish reliable networks which link humans and machines as well as their tasks and functions in a future-oriented manner. In our concept of the “Smart Workflow“, various Brabender devices are digitally networked with each other. This enables rapid and simultaneous access to multiple devices, providing results without any delay and collecting 72 | January 2020 - Milling and Grain
the information in a central database. VS: This requires a software solution which accomplishes all this. The key element of our “Smart Workflow” is the Brabender MetaBridge, which is a network concept that we have developed for our laboratory devices which makes the workflow quick and secure both for multitasking in the laboratory and linking to all levels where product-related decisions are to be made.
What makes the MetaBridge software from Brabender “smart?”
VS: Not only does our MetaBridge link the Brabender devices with their measurement results, but it also links their users: within a company, across different geographical locations, or optionally even with suppliers and clients. What is really intelligent about the MetaBridge software is its web-based and therefore platform- and location-independent user architecture. This means you have access to your data via PC, Mac, tablet, or smartphone — no matter where you are. SJ: This makes the workflow twice as smart in real-world Image 2: The core component of the “Smart Workflow“ concept: the Brabender MetaBridge software. It can be accessed simultaneously on multiple end devices. Whether on a PC, smartphone, or tablet — the measurement results can be accessed from any location and measurements observed live