Digital transformation in laboratories is not just about the integration of informatics software and instrumentation, but also the adoption of automation technology to improve processes and increase efficiency. Scitara’s connectivity strategy plays an essential role in facilitating this integration, as they provide a reliable and efficient means of communication between different devices and software systems. By seamlessly connecting these systems, Scitara enables laboratories to take full advantage of automation and streamline their processes, improving their productivity and competitiveness.
- Branded Connectors are specialized connectors designed to seamlessly integrate Informatics Software and Instrumentation from industry-leading providers. These connectors are often developed in collaboration with the partner company to ensure compatibility with their specific solution, APIs, or SDK. They are essential in enabling communication with the software or device, which may have unique or proprietary protocols that require specialized handling. These connectors work out of the box to connect to their endpoints.
- Base connectors are designed using widely adopted industry standards, such as Webservices, OPC, and Serial Communication. These universal connectors can be employed whenever a standard connection mechanism can be applied to communicate with instruments or software. By leveraging a base connector, users can interface with multiple endpoints that share the same standard, providing greater flexibility and ease of use.
Configurable by the user, base connectors can be tailored to meet specific interface requirements. They offer a reliable and efficient means of communication, enabling seamless integration between different devices and software systems. - Derivative connectors are configured versions of existing connectors in the library, usually based on a base connector such as the “Serial Device Connector.” By creating a derivative of a base connector, such as “Mettler Toledo MS105,” administrators can configure its settings and save it in the connector library under a more descriptive name and custom icon for its configuration.
While the name of the base connector is retained, derivative connectors allow for more specific configuration settings tailored to the unique requirements of the device or software being connected. This provides a user-friendly and easy-to-identify interface for the end-users, allowing for greater efficiency and ease of use in managing the different connectors in the library. - If a customer or partner has created a derivative connector that they believe would be useful for others in the industry, they may wish to share it with the wider community. In this case, the connector can be submitted to Scitara for review, after which it may be added to the available library of connectors, thereby expanding the connectivity capabilities for all users.
The DLX Connector Community serves as a platform for sharing and collaboration, promoting innovation and standardization in the field of connectivity. By contributing to the community, users can gain recognition and support for their work, while also helping to advance the state of the art in connector technology. As the community grows, the potential for new and exciting connector applications continues to expand, benefiting all those who depend on reliable and efficient connectivity solutions.
In conclusion, the adoption of automation technology has become increasingly important for laboratories as they undergo digital transformation. Scitara’s branded, base, and derivative connectors provide a critical link in this process, enabling communication between different devices and software systems to facilitate the adoption of automation technology. By contributing to Scitara’s connector community, users can continue to innovate and advance the state of the art in connector technology, improving the potential for new and exciting automation applications in the laboratory setting. As digital transformation and automation technology continue to transform laboratory operations, Scitara is poised to remain a key player in providing reliable and efficient connectivity solutions.