SoftLinx

SoftLinx™ Lab Automation Software is a robust and adaptable program designed to manage laboratory instrumentation within automated workcells. It provides a dynamic environment for planning and executing automated laboratory tasks, making it accessible for lab personnel while offering customization options for programmers.

The software supports integration with over 200 instruments from various manufacturers, allowing automation from single instruments to complex systems with multiple devices and robots. The intuitive user interface features a drag-and-drop, flow chart-like design, enabling users to easily construct protocols that optimize their instrument configurations. Users can add, customize, or remove individual steps, define independent or interdependent methods, and introduce conditions using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) scripting.

SoftLinx is highly flexible, transforming complex systems into simplified virtual workcells by incorporating only the necessary instruments. It includes a comprehensive library of software interfaces for third-party instruments, written in VBA, and allows users to create custom interfaces. The software supports multitasking, enabling the execution of additional methods concurrently, even with shared instruments.

Its opportunistic scheduling capabilities ensure efficient protocol execution by running different process stages simultaneously and adapting to the current system state. Instruments can operate independently for one-off experiments, while the software optimizes method execution and uses integrated robotics to move plates to available instruments within the workcell.

Key Features

• Develop complete assay protocols with detailed timing and parameters for various lab processes.
• Multitasking capabilities with connectivity to over 200 lab automation devices.
• Icon-based drag-and-drop configuration and method editing.
• Real-time display of workcell actions and support for recovery from interruptions.
• Data audit trail and multi-level user access with encrypted password protection.
• Supports parallel assays for increased throughput and accurate event timing.

The software includes several components:

• Protocol Editor: Allows users to create flow diagrams of process steps, assign labware input, and manage protocol execution.
• Scheduler: Facilitates dynamic scheduling to adapt workflows to changing conditions while maintaining critical step timing.
• Plug-In Manager: Manages instrument interface drivers, enabling users to monitor and modify plug-ins.
• Player: Controls protocol execution, allowing parallel runs and providing real-time control and error reporting.
• Data Tracking and Handling: Integrates with in-house LIMS systems and relational databases, recording every workcell step in an event log.

SoftLinx offers nearly 200 pre-tested instrument interfaces, with new plug-in drivers developed swiftly by Hudson’s software team.