Integrating the X-Tube Processor®_Flex: Trust in Excellence
HTI Automation and TRIGA-S convincingly demonstrate their strong partnership through the valuable exchange of expertise on both sides.
In diagnostics, efficiency and accuracy are essential, especially in large-scale performance studies. For TRIGA-S, a leading full-service contract research organization, a recent study posed a logistical challenge. With around 20,000 patients participating and the need to label over 2 million tubes with individual barcodes, the requirement for precise labeling and traceability was particularly high. To meet this challenge, TRIGA-S turned to HTI Automation.
Together, HTI Automation and TRIGA-S developed a customized solution based on the X-TubeProcessor® Flex, which not only met the requirements of the study but is also still in use after the study ended.
“From the first contact to the final definition of the necessary modules, about three months passed. During this time, we held extensive consultations with the TRIGA-S technicians to thoroughly clarify all the technical details and requirements.
The X-TubeProcessor®_Flex was then customized according to TRIGA-S’ specific requirements, with the valuable know-how and feedback from the TRIGA-S team playing a crucial role. We carried out feasibility checks and tests to ensure that the device met the high standards and needs of TRIGA-S.
The continued close and professional cooperation with TRIGA-S makes it possible to continuously improve and further develop our products.”
Dr. Wolfgang Heimberg,
Owner & CEO HTI Automation
Challenges
The challenge was not only to label tubes in high volumes, but also to ensure the quality of the labels, i.e.
- precise positioning of the label on the tubes
- ensuring the correct barcode information readability of the barcodes for humans and machines
- documentation of the labeled tubes for quality assurance
- Precise placement of the finished tubes on the rack
Solution at a glance
Workflow
In the first step, each tube is prepared for the labeling process and fed through the tube feeder. A specific barcode is printed on a label and precisely applied to each tube. This ensures the label is positioned accurately for optimal readability.
An integrated barcode reader then verifies the readability of each barcode. Afterwards, the tubes are placed on the rack in a predefined position.
Initially, a photo function was used to document each labeled tube for quality assurance purposes, as is common with manual processing. However, this function was later no longer necessary due to the excellent quality of the X-TubeProcessor® Flex.
After the X-TubeProcessor® Flex has finished filling the racks, they are manually removed from the machine, stored separately, or fed directly into the subsequent process.
The entire workflow is continuously monitored to prevent errors. In case of any issues, the employee is immediately notified via email.
Regular inspections and maintenance of the X-TubeProcessor®_Flex ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.
Thanks to the professionalism and expertise of both teams, who remain in continuous contact, fast and effective support can be provided, and customer-specific improvements can be made to the X-TubeProcessor® Flex.
“We deliberately chose the X-TubeProcessor® Flex from HTI Automation because the local proximity and similarity to our medium-sized company were of great importance to us.
HTI Automation’s comprehensive service and all-round support, coupled with a partnership-based approach, were crucial. HTI Automation doesn’t just work according to a set formula but instead specifically addresses our pain points. The X-TubeProcessor® Flex was precisely tailored to our needs and quickly implemented.
Even today, our concerns are always taken into account, and HTI Automation continuously seeks suitable solutions. It is clear to us that we will continue to rely on HTI Automation in the future.”
David Brodbeck,
Head of Laboratory at TRIGA-S
Advantages of automated labeling: efficiency and accuracy
The successful implementation of the X-TubeProcessor® Flex has delivered significant advantages and greatly enhanced the production processes at TRIGA-S. One of the standout features is the consistently high quality of the labeling process. The processor guarantees precise label placement on the tubes while ensuring exceptionally high print quality.
By reducing preparation time to just 15 minutes, the X-TubeProcessor® Flex enables effective optimization of production times at TRIGA-S, allowing production runs to be extended into the night hours. This has resulted in a further increase in efficiency.
The X-TubeProcessor® Flex offers a significant advantage in terms of optimized safety and quality control. The integrated barcode reader eliminates the need for additional validation, simplifying documentation and further reducing the margin for error.
“The X-TubeProcessor® Flex has already paid for itself in full through the extensive study for which we purchased it.
In addition, it ensures that we can continue to conduct studies with consistently high quality and efficiency in the future. Initially, our employees had concerns about the new technology, but these quickly gave way to the conviction that the X-TubeProcessor® Flex is a valuable addition to our team: not only does it reduce our workload, but it has even created new jobs – since then we have all affectionately called it ‘Karli’.”
Klaudiusz Rolnik,
Team Leader at TRIGA-S
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