How QLIMS is Revolutionizing Your Laboratory: Interview with Jonathan Gannoulis from OnQ Software
The laboratory informatics space has been challenged to create a functionally competent and technically advanced LIMS. R&D and QA/QC laboratories are trying to solve this complex problem. At this point, the AI-based model disrupts the old approach to LIMS and enables a configuration that is driven by the user and operates independently.
OnQ Software has a special interview with Jonathan Gannoulis that focuses on the journey to releasing the QLIMS platform.
I saw applications that couldn’t even scale for new requirements. Basically, companies continue paying vast sums of money for legacy systems.
Initial Idea
Focus: I want to start by talking with you about how you came up with the idea to create the new Version 9. What was the driving motivation behind creating the new Version 9?
Jonathan: Make the most functionally competent and technically advanced LIMS with the best user experience. The first thing that struck me with LIMS and laboratory informatics was how old and unusable the systems seemed. Basically, companies continue paying vast sums of money for legacy systems. Scientists are among the most brilliant people in your organization. You want them to be empowered. Digitisation in the lab eventually spreads into all areas of the organisation. This positive change enables the organisation to make more confident data-driven decisions.
We promote values in our company that align with our customers. The office whiteboard has written on it, “Quality is not an act, it is a habit”, Aristotle. We work in quality control at the end of the day.
The Journey
Focus: What did the journey look like to re-invent the concept of LIMS?
Jonathan: It’s been a long journey with our team, customers, and prospects. In workshops, we’ve been going back to our customers and asking questions all the time. This method is the only effective way to find out the true user experience of each person. We don’t want to be in a situation where our customers need AI, or voice recognition, for example, and our platform can’t support them. We want to be there offering it first.
Focus: That sounds like you have been applying Lean Management principles to your business consistently. How has that influenced your philosophy behind developing products? And how do you ensure you are continually applying lean management principles such as the five whys at your company?
Jonathan: It is a great strategy to ask the five why’s to get down to the core of a problem. We use this approach to help us clear out a lot of the background noise. Once we find that root cause, we move forward with confidence.
We promote values in our company that align with our customers. The office whiteboard has written on it, “Quality is not an act, it is a habit”, Aristotle. We work in quality control at the end of the day.
Translating Principles Into a Product
Focus: I think we now understand why you are doing this. Now please tell us more about your product and the solution itself. How are you translating this into the new product?
Jonathan: We offer LIMS as a Platform, not just an app. Laboratories are moving towards a suite or platform of informatics, not just LIMS.
LIMS, data management and automation is the starting point. We base our entire application on our API technology. QLIMS is a containerized application that allows us to safely put things in little containers, pull apart and add elements or swap out and bring in other elements. The flexibility turns our application into a solution you can now lay over a platform to address complex scientific challenges as our customers’ needs evolve.
Focus: Just to clarify for our audience, an API is typically an application programming interface. Is your API what this is, and could you please explain what your API is?
Jonathan: It stands for an application programming interface. It is fundamentally a safe and secure toolkit that lets QLIMS talk to other applications. Our difference is that we built the whole application on this API, so there’s no real restriction to what you can do with QLIMS. Users can access it themselves and build web extensions, for example, mobile tools and integration. People are genuinely empowered to take the LIMS where they want them to be.
Importance Of Independent Configuration
Focus: When scientists approach you with complex problems, they know they can solve them with your API-based architecture. They know they have a flexible toolbox to solve these problems. Whereas with other more rigid applications, it would be more challenging, right?
Jonathan: Yes. Even small changes are classified as customisation, so you need to change the code of the core application, which in turn creates more overheads. Not only does our solution have the API described, but we’ve also brought into our solution powerful configuration tools. This ability alone reduces the level of customization effort required close to zero depending on your specific needs. People working in the lab configure the system to suit what they want to do and then manage the system independently on an ongoing basis. Without hiring extra staff for LIMS admin. Without needing a coding degree.
We have the platform to empower every scientist. Less admin work and focus on the science, the important work.
Focus: I think I’m starting to see a better picture of the situation you are describing. It seems that the customization piece itself has also been part of why the industry has not evolved into offering more self-enabling systems. Suppose billable consultant hours are part of the business model. In that case, vendors have very little incentive to design a system that allows customers to customize independently.
Jonathan: Pretty much, we are a technology company, not a professional services company. This focus makes a difference to the end solution. We have the platform to empower every scientist. Less admin work and focus on the science, the important work.
A Bold Vision For a Significant Mission
Focus: You’ve shared a lot about your philosophy and core values behind developing and evolving your QLIMS into Version 9. If you were to summarize this vision in one sentence, what would be your mission statement?
Jonathan: Our mission is to bring innovation to the scientific community that empowers every scientist to improve outcomes for humanity for a better life.
Focus: How can scientists embark on this journey with you, and what would be your advice to take that first step?
Jonathan: Pick up the phone and give us a call. That way, we can start looking at what your lab is doing now, its goals and your pain points. If I can figure that out on the call with you, we have taken that first step together and started that journey towards making your lab a better place to work for you.
Technology is one of three critical factors for a successful lab. The second is the processes, and the third is people. Only when all three align can you start the journey to a successful lab.
A Final Piece Of Advice
Focus: Brilliant, that’s very good. Then my last question. Is there anything I did not ask during our interview that you would like to share with us before the end?
Jonathan: Yes, if I can leave readers with one last piece of advice: technology is one of three critical factors for a successful lab. The second is the processes, and the third is the people. Only when all three align can you start the journey to a successful lab.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how QLIMS can help you achieve your goals.
