Development of Smart Laboratory Information Management System: A Case Study of NMAIST Arusha of Tanzania

Abstract

Testing Laboratories in Higher Learning institutions of Science, Technology, and Engineering are used by institutional staff, researchers, and external stakeholders in conducting research experiments, analysis, and dissemination of results. However, there exists a challenge in the management of Laboratory operations and processing of Laboratory-based data. Operations carried out in the laboratory at Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, in Arusha, Tanzania, where this case study was carried out, are paper-based. There is no automated way of sample registration as well as identification and researchers are prone to making errors when handling sensitive reagents. Users have to physically visit the laboratory to enquire about available equipment or reagents before borrowing or reserving. Additionally, paper-based forms have to be filled out and handed to the Laboratory Manager for approval. The outlined manual operations make it difficult to keep track of expiry dates of reagents, storage conditions such as temperature, software licenses, tools, data regarding borrowed equipment as well as stock remaining, as they lack automated notification mechanisms. This study, therefore, was carried out to investigate the Development of a Smart Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT), Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for real-time monitoring of sample and reagents storage conditions, including digital sample identification and tracking respectively. A web application was developed to allow remote access to Laboratory information by users. Based on the performance test, it is concluded that Wireless Sensor Networks can be integrated with the Internet of Things to automate recurring tasks in laboratories, aid in monitoring, and eliminate paper-based record keeping.