Managing paper binders for your maintenance and QC logs is a huge hassle. They do not get filled out everyday, corrective actions go missing or do not exist, and the paper gets misplaced.

What you might need is a system where:

A. Your existing QC/maintenance log forms are digitized.

B. The forms are configured so you get alerts if the forms are not filled out on time.

C. Technicians can fill out the digital forms on tablets. The tablets check all of the technicians data in real time and prompt a corrective action if anything is out of range.

D. The technicians sign on the tablet and the signed-completed form gets sent directly to all of your devices.

E. You can do a monthly sign-out from your phone or a website.

There are tons of options for digitizing your labs maintenance logs. While some are built for the lab and some are not, there are great options that can fill the needs of most lab supervisors. The first option we can look at is LabLogs

Lab Logs

This company has quality control tracking is purpose built for the lab, hence the name Lab Logs. Lab Logs is a software platform for laboratory instrument management, designed to replace paper-based tracking systems. It centralizes maintenance schedules, quality control tasks, and reagent lot information for various lab instruments. The system offers real-time monitoring of device status, customizable reporting tools, and compliance tracking features. Users can set up alerts for task deadlines, instrument failures, and status changes. The platform aims to streamline workflow by providing quick access to maintenance histories, QC results, and compliance data. It allows labs to generate reports filtered by date, department, or site, which can be useful for audits and performance analysis. While the system is adaptable to different lab settings, its effectiveness may vary depending on specific laboratory needs and existing workflows.

You can check them out here.

The second option we can look at is LabQCpro. This is another option that is purpose built for the lab, but leans more towards helping clinical laboratories and pathology practices beef up their quality control processes.

LabQCpro

LabQCpro is a digital platform designed for clinical laboratories and pathology practices to track equipment quality control tasks such as reagent lot changes or freezer temperatures. It replaces paper-based systems with electronic forms that can be customized to match your specific lab workflow. LabQCpro allows for real-time data entry on tablets, comparing input against predefined reference ranges. It automatically flags out-of-range results and mandates corrective action documentation. The system ensures form completion and requires electronic signatures, aiding in compliance with CAP and Joint Commission standards. LabQCpro offers analytics tools for trend analysis and decision-making based on collected QC data. While it provides built-in analysis features, users can also export data to Excel for more detailed examination. The platform aims to reduce human error in data collection and help labs anticipate potential issues through comprehensive data insights.

You can learn more here.

The third option is GoCanvas. While not purpose built for the lab, it can be configured to export answers to PDF and as a bonus can be set to check inputted data across a set range and will prompt a corrective action if anything is out of range. The one downside is the signatures are one sided, so after a technician signs off on a form for the day, you would need a separate PDF signature app to put a supervisor signature on it.

GoCanvas

GoCanvas is a versatile digital platform designed to replace paper-based systems with customizable electronic forms and workflows. While not specifically tailored for laboratories, it can be adapted for various business operations, including some lab management tasks. The platform offers a form builder with 30,000+ pre-built templates, which users can modify to suit their needs. It includes features like GPS tracking, e-signatures, image capture, and barcode scanning. GoCanvas allows offline data collection, real-time updates when online, and integrates with various business systems. The platform provides analytics tools for data-driven decision making and includes security measures for data protection. While GoCanvas offers flexibility for many business types, laboratories may find that more specialized solutions like LabLogs.co or LabQCpro.com provide features more directly aligned with specific lab quality control and compliance requirements.

You can check them out here

In conclusion, digitizing your lab’s maintenance and quality control logs can significantly streamline operations and improve compliance. Whether you choose a specialized platform like LabLogs.co or LabQCpro, or a more versatile solution like GoCanvas, each offers unique features to meet your lab's specific needs. Evaluate these options based on your workflow requirements to ensure the best fit for your lab.