Thermo Fisher Scientific Introduces Connect Edge: Evolution of Connectivity in Digitised Labs

Thermo Fisher Scientific Connect Edge is a laboratory connectivity solution that unifies multiple devices under a single gateway to allow for real-time management of data and better lab operations for effectiveness and productivity.

Built to work in parallel with the InstrumentConnect, the Connect Edge hardware solutions enables distributed lab devices to be easily connected to a centralized systems. Connect Edge controls many lab instruments via one gateway and is poised to unify the way labs operate: efficient, reduce wastage and improve quality of research and the outcome.

Connect Edge complies with the Open Protocol Communication Unified Architecture (OPC UA), enabling labs to share critical data with cloud or on-premise systems. This helps all laboratory equipment to integrate well with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Building Management Systems (BMS) so that laboratories keep evolving and remain agile. OPC UA should mean that Connect edge works with LIMS from other companies apart from Thermo Fisher if they enable it. The system helps monitor 10 or more devices via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, ensuring that lab technicians are armed with real-time data and researchers always up-to date on their experiment’s status.

Connect Edge and InstrumentConnect: Seamlessly Integrating Over 700 Models 

One of the strongest aspects of Connect Edge is its ease of integration with InstrumentConnect, which currently supports over 700 models of Thermo Scientific laboratory equipment. This helps laboratories scale up, manage resources and monitor the health of their equipment. “Connect Edge will also empower laboratories to make better decisions, increase productivity while optimising resources,” said Federico Dorati, Senior Director at Thermo Fisher.

Empowering Proactive Equipment Management

Connect Edge applications go far beyond just the monitoring of mere equipment. Telemetry and sensor tracking of systems enable proactive management of devices while samples are protected as it extends the equipment to use it for a long period. Tight integration with cloud-based systems has the added advantage of data access that can be readily adapted by the maximized workflow along with resource allocation by the lab directors without manual oversight.

It is filled with features designed to streamline laboratory operations. With the ability to connect more than 10 devices from a single gateway, laboratories can cut hardware costs and overhead while enhancing efficiency. It has the OPC UA server capability which ensures that important data flows seamlessly into the laboratory’s existing infrastructure whether it’s in the cloud or on-site. This ensures there is no need to monitor the established setup manually, which means that the staff in the laboratory can now have more time for core research tasks.

The Future of Semi-Autonomous Labs

Solutions like Connect Edge are crucial to digitise labs and transform them into labs of the future where research is managed together by humans, artificial intelligence and automation. Solutions like Connect Edge help integrate numerous disconnected equipment into streamlined lab operations, a step in the right direction to smarter and more efficient lab management.

Know more about Connect Edge here.