Agilent SLIMS - SLIMS 7.2 Version

Importance of the Topic

Modern laboratories generate vast volumes of data across multiple workflows, instruments, samples and locations. A robust informatics platform must deliver consistent data management, flexible configurations, streamlined user experiences and reliable integrations with external systems. Agilent SLIMS version 7.2 addresses these requirements by delivering cumulative enhancements to installation, customization, quality control, electronic lab notebook (ELN) and workflow modules, mobile execution and shared‐services integrations.

Objectives and Overview

Version 7.2 is a standard release that aggregates all updates introduced in the 7.0 and 7.1 bridge versions, plus a set of new features:

• Provide a simplified, wizard‐based installer for Windows and RPM package for Linux
• Migrate legacy Location and Instrument modules into unified Content Types
• Advance protocol design with paged simplified protocols, status workflows and conversion tools
• Enhance SLIMS Share and SLIMS Store for configuration packaging and deployment visibility
• Extend REST, Groovy API and plugin customization for modern Java 21, Spring Boot and Vaadin 24
• Deliver new add‐ons: Bench UI for tablets, Requester Portal, Sample Scheduler integration

Methodology and Instrumentation

Agilent SLIMS 7.2 was developed on a Spring Boot framework bundled with Apache Tomcat and Java 21 to simplify deployment. User interface components have been upgraded from Vaadin 8 to Vaadin 24. Data reporting continues on JasperReports 6.20. Integration pipelines use Camel 4. All legacy code has been migrated to JUnit 5 test suites. Installation employs a Windows setup wizard or Linux RPM, while mobile execution on fixed‐bench tablets uses a responsive web UI (“Bench UI”). Customization is managed through Groovy scripts, standardized APIs and SLIMS GATE plugins.

Key Findings and Discussion

The cumulative innovations in SLIMS 7.2 can be grouped into several domains:

• Unified Content Model: Legacy Location and Instrument modules have been deprecated. Both are now configured as Content Types with category flags (“Can be used as Location/Instrument”). A detailed migration path preserves existing fields, barcodes, status workflows, report templates and macros.
• Simplified Protocol Design: Protocols now support multiple pages and block types (Link Content, Link Location, Result, Attachment, Form, Action, grid templates and custom renderers). Default protocols can be converted into paged simplified protocols, retaining steps, attachments and macros. A new “Protocol Status Workflow” engine replaces single‐step sign-off with statuses for review, amendment and e-signature.
• Enhanced Customization: Groovy expressions now compile on save. The Fluent Groovy API supports record navigation, UID‐based lookups and delayed email triggers. REST endpoints maintain backward compatibility for content and order queries.
• Configuration Packaging: SLIMS Share has been refactored to distinguish “General” packages with dependency resolution and “Ad Hoc” packages for one‐off imports. SLIMS Store integration now displays package contents and import impacts, preventing version mismatches.
• Quality Control & Rules: Aggregated results calculations exclude rejected values. Conditional value expression rules can now modify field values on create/update events and be restricted by record type and timing.
• Mobile and Portal Add-Ons: Bench UI provides a touch-optimized interface for ELN and workflows on tablets. A Requester Portal add-on lets external users place orders, add samples and view Certificates of Analysis via an easy web interface. Integration with Microsoft Sample Scheduler and OpenLab CDS is available through custom block renderers.

Benefits and Practical Applications

By consolidating instrument and location management into the Content framework, SLIMS reduces module sprawl and simplifies migration projects. The paged simplified protocols and status workflows empower users to execute lengthy experiments or production runs with clear instructions, electronic review and amendment processes. Administrators benefit from streamlined installation, centralized packaging with SLIMS Share and agile customization using modern APIs. Mobile bench execution accelerates throughput and reduces transcription errors. The Requester Portal and Sample Scheduler integrations extend SLIMS beyond internal labs to external partners and shared services.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Looking ahead, SLIMS is positioned to leverage cloud-native deployment, container orchestration and AI-driven analytics. Future enhancements may include:

1. Automated data validation and anomaly detection through machine learning
2. Extended interoperability with laboratory automation platforms and IoT-enabled instruments
3. Self-service configuration portals for end-user workflow design
4. Advanced dashboarding with real-time operational metrics
5. Deeper integration with electronic health records and regulatory submissions

Conclusion

Agilent SLIMS 7.2 represents a major milestone in laboratory information management by unifying core modules, modernizing the technology stack and expanding usability across desktop, web and mobile environments. The new content model, simplified protocols, status workflows and packaging tools streamline validation and minimize upgrade efforts. Add-on modules for bench execution, order requests and sequence scheduling allow labs to optimize workflows and extend services to partners. With a roadmap towards cloud, AI and broader integrations, SLIMS 7.2 provides a flexible foundation for the evolving needs of scientific and regulated laboratories.

References

• No external references cited.