Analis wants to provide customized solutions when implementing lab automation

Innovation in the lab world is accelerating, especially in the field of lab automation. In this series of portraits, FHI highlights a number of members of the Laboratory Technology industry with knowledge in this field. One of those members is Analis. We speak with Hans Sluimer (Area Sales Manager Netherlands) and Marco Markus (sales manager) about their company and the latest developments in the field of lab automation.

 By: Dimitri Reijerman

Analis has had a strong bond with the lab world for more than 90 years. Year in year out, the company works to help numerous customers in the industry, says Markus: “We are originally a Belgian family business, founded in 1927 as a spin-off from the University of Namur. In those early days, we produced the tools scientists need to conduct research. We still produce tools ourselves, but that has become a very small part. We now represent almost a hundred suppliers across the full spectrum of laboratory technology. And in addition to basic products, we also supply specific lab products. Consider, for example, reactors and fermenters for the life science industry.”

Process optimization

The lab automation market is also served by Analis, says Markus: “Within the lab automation market we do not necessarily have all the hardware, but we do have a product that is very important in process optimization.” But you shouldn't just automate for the sake of automating, he says: “I think it's a rule that if you automate a bad process, it's better not to do that. You always have a triangle between speed, quality and costs. If you lose sight of one of those three, then there is no point in automating.”

Hans Sluimer adds: “The optimization factor in lab automation is often forgotten. With the right tools you can get started right away. But you also have to deal with regulations. Consider air sampling in clean rooms, for example, which is important in the development of vaccinations.”

Markus: “Our approach is therefore: try to listen to the customer. What exactly is needed? How can we improve processes based on our expertise? So we deliver tailor-made solutions from start to finish. We not only sell products, but also provide advice and, if necessary, training.”

Developments in the field of lab automation are moving rapidly. Analis always tries to respond to this in order to help various types of labs, says Sluimer: “When I look at the life science market, for example, you see that IT is increasingly important. This is also because new regulations require you to continuously record all your research. Companies such as Artel have developed software for this so that everyone can do this. But more flexibility is needed in the software in the life science market. We can help with that.”

Markus thinks that some labs are further along in this area than other laboratories: “Clinical chemical laboratories are the furthest along in automation. It is important that you can guarantee the process from start to finish. This is preferably done by linking systems together. And IT is of course good for accurately recording data. You also want to convert visual information into data. That's where you now see the combination of good cameras and artificial intelligence emerging.”

Analis participates in the online LabAutomation event. On Tuesday, June 15 at 3 p.m., Nathaniel Hentz from Artel will give a presentation on behalf of Analis entitled “Evaluating Disposable Pipette Tip Performance: Guided by Science”.