Today’s lab advancements simplify workflows and boost efficiency, making research easier and more accessible.

When measuring pH - a fundamental property that influences many chemical reactions and processes - precision is essential. By installing automation, engineers and technicians can significantly enhance pH measurement consistency and reduce human error, ensuring that every reading is precise.

Let's focus on how automation can make the difference.

Enhanced efficiency and productivity with sample automation

Sample handling is always a challenge regarding pH measurements, particularly when dealing with diverse samples that vary in volume and chemical composition. Certain samples require special attention, which makes manual handling prone to contamination and errors. That special attention might include repetitive motions and strict protocols, making it challenging and time-consuming. This can require users to pause tasks to ensure compliance or perform measurements, which disrupts workflow.

In contrast, automated systems utilize robotics, advanced sensors and calibration protocols to minimize errors and continuously monitor pH levels. This capability allows for real-time data collection without constant human intervention. Consequently, automation not only saves time but also enables researchers to focus on other critical tasks, ultimately maximizing overall laboratory efficiency while ensuring precise quality results.

Process integration and data management

A streamlined workflow, from sample handling to final reporting, can be accomplished through automation, which uses communication networks to combine line instruments for remote monitoring and control.

Advanced automation systems offer intuitive and flexible programming, allowing for the customization of workflows that adapt to changing research needs or priorities in pH measurements, without extensive downtime. Additionally, these systems can integrate and analyze data from various sources and formats. Automation software systematically records and saves analytical information, sample details and procedural guidelines, reducing the likelihood of data inconsistencies or loss, and ensuring the reproducibility of experimental results.

Increased safety and compliance

Health hazards, data entry errors and misinterpretation of results and cybersecurity threats pose significant challenges in managing pH measurements across multiple samples. Implementing automation technologies can enhance safety in the laboratory by reducing human error and minimizing exposure to hazardous substances. To prevent accidents and ensure sample integrity, automation software supports standard operating procedures that comply with regulatory requirements, thereby fostering a safer work environment. Additionally, these systems feature user management, electronic signatures, and secure release processes for methods and reports, further enhancing security measures.

Cost savings and resource optimization

One key advantage of implementing automation in laboratories is the significant reduction in operational costs. This not only improves the efficiency of reagent usage by boosting productivity and reducing waste but also provides labor savings through streamlined processes. Additionally, it facilitates predictive maintenance, which helps prevent costly equipment failures and downtime.

Summary

Automation systems often incorporate multifunctional properties within a single unit which eliminate the need for multiple devices, further contributing to cost savings and space efficiency. Overall, these interconnected benefits make automation a valuable investment for pH laboratories aiming to optimize operations.

Apart from this, there are several other benefits of automation including an intelligence support system that makes pH measurement as easy as a touch of a button.

Watch this video of a pepsin-HCl cleaning step that removes any protein from the sensor surface using InMotion™ Autosampler. The InMotion™, when integrated with SevenExcellence™ pH meter, offers a thoughtful approach to improving workflow efficiency. This setup facilitates the automated measurement of over 300 samples, helping to simplify the pH measurement process and potentially enhance throughput.