{ APP NOTE }Integrating an SPT Labtech
Automated Store to yourMosaic Software using
Titian’s Automated Stores(AMS) Application
Tim Stroud, Titian Software Ltd
v2.1.

visit titian.co.uk
Integrating an SPT Labtech Automated Store to your Mosaic
Software using Titian’s Automated Stores (AMS) Application

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INTRODUCTION
Manual methods of storing and retrieving samples are slow and inefficient in comparison
to automated ones, so it is a natural step for companies to consider adding automatedstorage systems to the sample management workflow as the business grows. Being
able to integrate your chosen store easily and comprehensively into your workflow
management provides multiple benefits and efficiencies.

BENEFITS OF USING AN AUTOMATED STORE®

®

Automated stores, such as SPT Labtech’s comPOUND , comPACT®

or arktic , checkeach sample into and out of storage, process samples rapidly and improve sample
integrity by keeping samples in a stable temperature-controlled environment, often under
an inert gas. Because freezer doors do not have to be opened for prolonged periodsof time, temperature fluctuations are greatly reduced. This has the additional benefit ofreducing energy consumption and prolonging the life of your freezers, as they do nothave to repeatedly be brought back down to the correct temperature.

BENEFITS OF INTEGRATING AUTOMATED STORESWITH YOUR SAMPLE MANAGEMENT
Titian’s Automated Stores (AMS) application forms part of Titian’s overall Mosaic sample
management software suite. It provides a seamless automated link between SPT Labtech
automated stores and Mosaic’s sample tracking, order processing and audit trail. The
integration ensures:
 You always know where your samples are. Mosaic’s AMS application constantly
monitors each store for activity, so that Mosaic’s inventory is automatically updated
when any items are added or removed

Integrating an SPT Labtech Automated Store to your Mosaic
Software using Titian’s Automated Stores (AMS) Application

Page 2 of 11 You have a complete history of each sample because the sample records inside eachstore, such as freeze-thaw cycles, are added into Mosaic’s audit trail of events outside
the store
 Scientists and operators only need to learn one interface to manage and order from awide range of automated stores, from large to small A sample order can be submitted remotely by a scientist, ready for when the scientist
is next in the lab You can search for samples by specific criteria, such as small molecule batch or cell line
passage number, rather than having to use the store ID
 Error recovery is seamless thanks to Titian’s exhaustive testing and most errors areresolved with minimal user input
 You can receive email notifications remotely to help you recover quickly from issues
like misread barcodes, failed picks, or missing labware
 You can investigate the cause of any errors through the detailed log of Mosaic’s audit trail

COMPATIBLE AUTOMATED STORESThe Mosaic AMS application integrates with and drives a wide variety of automated stores,
from large to small, including SPT Labtech’s comPOUND, comPACT and arktic, along withadditions to the stores including comSTACKER and lab2lab connect.

Integrating an SPT Labtech Automated Store to your Mosaic
Software using Titian’s Automated Stores (AMS) Application

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SUPPORTED OPERATIONS
Mosaic’s AMS application provides different processes to help users. These include: Storing or placing items
 Retrieving or picking samples
 Sample jobs for stores with integrated liquid handling Providing full sample information
 Sample search Email notifications
 Error handling Error investigation

Storing or Placing Labware
Operators simply store samples in tube racks using the store’s own software interface.
Mosaic’s AMS application will read the SPT Labtech store’s log files and automatically
update the Mosaic database in real time to record that these samples are now held bythat store. No additional manual processing or updates are required.
Requests to store samples can also be placed using the Mosaic interface, if required.

Retrieving or Picking Labware
Mosaic’s AMS application makes order processing easier for operators:
 Operators can pick samples in response to specific order requirements.
 Operators can also define a layout for tubes to be placed into delivery racks to facilitate
a downstream process, e.g. to leave columns for controls to be added to a plate.
To do this the operator selects the order(s) to run from Mosaic, and defines a layout andpriority for the job, if wanted.

Integrating an SPT Labtech Automated Store to your Mosaic
Software using Titian’s Automated Stores (AMS) Application

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Mosaic’s AMS application then creates the pick order for the store and monitors progress,
including updating inventory locations in real time, as the labware leaves the store:

If multiple stores share one input/output buffer, then Mosaic’s AMS application treats
them as one extended store and samples from all the stores can be consolidated directly
directly into one set of racks for an assay.
Alternatively, operators can request samples are picked on an ad hoc basis to meet selfservice needs, simply by submitting a list of items to the store. For example, to fulfill aparticular search request.
Mosaic’s AMS application automatically allocates pick jobs according to order priority. Thispriority may be set by the requesting scientist when placing the sample order, or by thestore’s operator.

Integrating an SPT Labtech Automated Store to your Mosaic
Software using Titian’s Automated Stores (AMS) Application

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Sample Jobs
Mosaic’s AMS application also supports automated stores which have an an integral
liquid handler such as SPT Labtech’s comPILER. This further automates the specific liquidhandling operations which can be performed on your sample order without an operator
needing to move samples to other workstations.

Sample Information
Mosaic’s AMS application connects the Mosaic inventory to the SPT Labtech store’s
records so sample information can be accessed and the sample’s history can be reviewed:

Integrating an SPT Labtech Automated Store to your Mosaic
Software using Titian’s Automated Stores (AMS) Application

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Sample Search
Using Mosaic’s AMS application gives operators access to Mosaic’s powerful Search tools,
so that samples can be traced by specific criteria instead of just sample ID. This allows
scientists and operators to conduct and save searches based on a range of criteria suchas concentration, small molecule batch, cell line passage number, labware type, numberof freeze/thaw cycles or expiry dates.

Error Handling
Mosaic’s AMS application improves store robustness as well as integrating storessmoothly into your automated workflow. The AMS application is very extensively tested
to handle a wide range of errors. It also aids the rapid diagnosis and resolution of any
support issues.
Errors are treated as two types: a blocking error, that requires operator action before
orders can proceed; or a non-blocking error that may be parked to allow other processes
to continue until the error can be resolved. The most common errors usually stem fromhuman error and involve labware unknown to Mosaic in a location.

Integrating an SPT Labtech Automated Store to your Mosaic
Software using Titian’s Automated Stores (AMS) Application

Page 7 of 11Email Notifications
If an error or store alert occurs, it can be automatically emailed out to a specific list via theAMS application. This aids timely response and helps to diagnose and resolve support issues.

Investigating Errors
In the event of a store error, the integration with Mosaic’s AMS application makes diagnosing
the problem very easy as all the store notifications are stored in Mosaic’s log and it is simple toreview them and pinpoint the cause.

Integrating an SPT Labtech Automated Store to your Mosaic
Software using Titian’s Automated Stores (AMS) Application

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SUMMARY
Titian’s AMS application seamlessly integrates Mosaic inventory software with your SPT
Labtech automated store(s). Mosaic will monitor store activity and automatically update
its database as inventory known to Mosaic is stored or retrieved, ensuring your audit trail
remains up to date.
The benefits of using Titian’s AMS application to seamlessly integrate automated stores withMosaic software includes multiple efficiencies: Automatic inventory and audit trail updates, removing the burden from operators
 Operators and scientists only need one interface to manage multiple stores efficiently
 Assay samples can be automatically picked from any store Urgent orders are prioritized Errors are minimized, error handling is streamlined and error recovery is faster Storage capacity and processing is optimized
 A full audit trail combines sample history from inside and outside the store
An additional benefit is that Titian works in partnership with automated store vendors, suchas SPT Labtech to continually evolve the AMS application, so it is responsive to customer
requirements and the development of new store types and software.

AUTHORTIM STROUD
After 15 years as a scientist at Pfizer, Tim Stroud moved to MedImmune for3 years to specialise in managing laboratory automation. He joined Titian
Software in 2014 and is now a Sales and Application Consultant.

Trademark notice: All trademarks are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners.
Images reproduced with permission.

Integrating an SPT Labtech Automated Store to your Mosaic
Software using Titian’s Automated Stores (AMS) Application

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ABOUT TITIAN SOFTWARE
Titian is the industry leader in providing sample management software for the LifeSciences. Using our Mosaic software, our customers see significant benefits in terms ofthroughput, response times, error rate reduction, sample conservation and cost savings
due to markedly reducing the labour associated with managing sample collections. We
also use our experience of integrating laboratory instrumentation and robotics into oursystems to ensure that our clients make best use of their investment in research anddevelopment technologies.
At Titian, our development efforts never stop as we continue to advance Mosaic towardhigher levels of efficiency and practicality for the user. The ongoing collaborative
relationship between Titian and hardware vendors continues to ensure that new
applications are made available on a timely basis to fulfill our customer’s researchgoals. We pride ourselves on taking into account customer feedback for all of ourMosaic applications to drive our product to be the best it can be. It’s all part of
Titian’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that make life easier for sample
management professionals.

Integrating an SPT Labtech Automated Store to your Mosaic
Software using Titian’s Automated Stores (AMS) Application

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Thank you for your interest in this document

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Integrating an SPT Labtech Automated Store to your Mosaic
Software using Titian’s Automated Stores (AMS) Application

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