HOW A LIMS CAN SAVE BUSINESS AND LIVES | CLEANROOM SUPPLIES LTD.

October 16, 2015 | Cleanroom Supplies Blogger

Total Recall: How a LIMS for your cleanroom can save people and business

Volkswagen and the infamous case of the grand diesel dupe has shaken the German car manufacturer to its very core, resulting in the recall of over half a million cars in the US alone, as well as a share slide of more than 30%. But this is just the latest in a rich history of big industry scandals and ensuing recalls.

For example, this most recent of VW troubles is a drop of oil in the ocean when compared to what Takata, the Japanese automotive parts supplier, has undergone this very year: the largest single recall in US history on account of its faulty airbags, resulting in almost 44 million cars being recalled. Six deaths and many more injuries came about because of their exploding inflator devices.

Elsewhere, and only this spring, Blue Bell, the popular US ice-cream brand, was required to recall its products on the back of three listeria-related deaths. In the scandal’s wake, anecdotal evidence abounded from within, citing dripping, dirty air vents, unclean equipment, re-used packaging and finger-cutting machinery.

But not to worry, Americans the length and breadth of the country were soon able to celebrate as by the end of the summer, freezers were fully stocked once more with Blue Bell’s deliciously creamy offerings – no matter the subsequent findings of plastics and machinery parts in the odd tub here and there; our cousins across the pond really do love a tasty ice-cream.

Perhaps if they care enough (they don’t), Blue Bell (such a lovely name) might wish to consider at least marginally more rigorous in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS). Well-planned and properly applied, a LIMS can prove a highly effective tool when combating potential hazards, maintaining quality and generally ensuring efficient and safe cleanrooms and supplies, manufacturing and production.

Even with the most highly-trained staff and best cleanroom supplies in the world, a shortfall in procedure and practice can drastically compromise product integrity – and, as we have seen, with potentially grave consequences. Furthermore, should a recall be necessary, such action and related responses are far more efficient and timely with a LIMS that tracks workflow and key controlled-environment data.

In the meantime, though, perhaps we could all do a bit of small-scale hazard mitigation and, if in that part of the world, be sure to steer clear of frozen yoghurts and cookies n’ creams, no matter how tasty they are.