Solution

cronn developed a concept that was intended to replace the old application in small steps. As a first step, our team quickly developed a new frontend in the form of a web-based user interface to enable parallel operation of the old and new application during the period of development and replacement. After about 5 weeks, the first module was ready to be used and was put into productive use. Further modules followed successively in the following weeks. This enables central work steps and processes in forensic medicine to be mapped: The data of deceased people is recorded, examination data is captured, barcodes for evidence objects and samples taken are printed out, invoices are generated etc.

An important feature for this special software, we have called fLIMS, is also precise and transparent change histories, so that all legally relevant work steps can be traced and samples can be tracked. In order that invoices created in the fLIMS can be processed automatically by the accounts receivable department at the UKB, the team also programmed an interface to the SAP system at the university hospital. In the course of the project, the modules for forensic toxicology and forensic genetics were developed and put into operation in the new target architecture. This now made it possible to plan and control the orders and tasks in the respective laboratories.

The user interfaces were created in close collaboration with the users and adapted to the needs and work processes. User surveys and tests were also carried out for this purpose. In this way, the users were able to influence the design of the interfaces right from the start and immediately use improvements, which ensures an excellent user experience.

Screenshot of a fLIMS user interface with generic test data.

In the second step, our team reinstated the background systems. The original two-layer architecture from the database and fat client was turned into a modern and secure three-layer web application. All laboratory measuring devices were connected to the new backend and bilateral interfaces were also established. This allows laboratory equipment and software to exchange data in both directions. With the old software, for example, information that already existed in the system had to be manually re-entered in the user interfaces of the devices.

With the cronn solution, scanning the barcode is sufficient and the measuring device exchanges all the necessary data with the software. In the final phase, there was a completely new application, which was introduced in several small steps. The solution is state-of-the-art and easy to maintain. The application will be expanded in further steps in order to continuously advance the digitisation and automation of the processes in the institute.

Customer Advantage

There is virtually no special software available on the market for institutes of legal medicine. In addition to a general LIMS that can be used in all types of laboratories, there are a few special solutions that are also designed for use by authorities, such as the police service. fLIMS provides a laboratory system that is adapted to the needs and requirements of institutes of legal medicine and covers processes and procedures in the fields of forensic medicine, forensic toxicology and forensic genetics.

It also maps applications outside the laboratory, for example, examinations in clinical forensic medicine. In allowing the recording and reporting of personal data, elements of a LIMS, which is mostly concerned with the management of sample data and laboratory processes, have been combined with elements of a laboratory information system (LIS).

Our team also focused on a high level of efficiency for data entry and the highest possible degree of automation for the users’ work steps. In addition, excellent quality management and high IT security are guaranteed. The new system is easy to maintain from a technical perspective and will receive intensive support from us. For the cost of a standard solution, the University Hospital Bonn received specialised software for a highly specialised institute. In addition, cronn will remain a close and reliable partner for the continuous development and expansion of the software in the interests of the users over the next few years.