Biotechnology laboratory monitors environmental parameters with testo Saveris 1
The biotechnology laboratory at Freiburg-based Diarect GmbH produces recombinant antigens for immunological diagnostics on a daily basis. Stable storage conditions are essential for such valuable biomolecules: Even minimal temperature fluctuations can ruin months of production and research work.
As the Equipment Manager, Tobias Heitzler works with the technical experts to monitor all critical parameters in the multi-storey laboratory building – from ultra-low temperature freezers and freezers to CO₂ incubators. Testo spoke to him about his experiences with the wireless-based monitoring system testo Saveris 1.
The challenge
Wireless monitoring of complex infrastructure
Biotechnology companies work with highly sensitive products that require precise storage conditions. The Freiburg laboratory mainly produces recombinant antigens for immunological diagnostics – proteins that are cultivated there in cell-based systems and then purified. For quality assurance, all critical storage appliances must be monitored seamlessly: Ultra-low temperature freezers at -80 °C, freezers at -20 °C, refrigerators, cold rooms and CO₂ incubators with humidity control.
Freiburg-based Diarect GmbH also faces spatial challenges: The rooms to be monitored extend over five floors. "Installing the sensors was a challenge – we didn't want to have cables hanging around everywhere. Therefore, an important reason for the decision was that the testo Saveris system works wirelessly," explains Tobias Heitzler, who is responsible for equipment management at the site.
The service from Testo is great. If I have a problem, I call or write a ticket and I get a response within 24 hours.
Tobias Heitzler
Equipment Manager and Safety Officer
The solution
Wireless-based monitoring with expert access
With the wireless-based monitoring system testo Saveris 1, Diarect has replaced an outdated, wired monitoring system. A decisive advantage is the extended access structure: "Only I had access to our previous monitoring system as the person responsible for the system. Now the technical experts can also acknowledge alarm messages," says Heitzler.
This multi-access is helpful, as the responsible experts can now work directly with the system without having to go through a central office. The wireless sensors automatically transmit all relevant data to a stationary server. In addition to the wireless solution, Diarect GmbH particularly appreciates the fact that the data does not necessarily have to be uploaded to a cloud: "I know Testo also offers a cloud solution, but not every company wants to upload its data to the cloud. The combination of wireless plus stationary server is the ideal solution for us," emphasises Heitzler
Emergency chain for critical situations
If a limit value for temperature or humidity is exceeded, the system automatically alerts those responsible. In Freiburg, the on-call chain comprises four people in the company. They are alerted by text message to an emergency mobile phone. The system also notifies the security service, which calls the on-call team. Following an internally defined procedure, the team can secure the affected samples in the event of an alarm and rescue them in good time.
In the event of a customer complaint, we can use the system to check whether a problem has occurred in this area. The data is of course very useful for this.
Tobias Heitzler
Equipment Manager and Safety Officer
Pro Testo
From Diarect GmbH's point of view, the fact that the system works reliably without cabling and that the data can be stored locally spoke in favour of the Testo solution. The proximity to Freiburg is also a plus point. Tobias Heitzler particularly appreciates the fast support: "The service from Testo is great. We also have a service contract. If I have a problem, I call or write a ticket and I get a response within 24 hours."
Communication and teething troubles
"Communication with Testo has been consistently positive right from the start", says Heitzler about the installation and commissioning. "We got an appointment early on and the collaboration went very well, firstly with Testo Saveris GmbH, which supplied and installed the components, and secondly with Testo Industrial Services, which validated the instruments on site. I didn't really have to worry about it, as Testo's field service took care of the coordination."
When asked about any problems, Tobias Heitzler recalls an initial software bug in the temperature sensors: "The bug was fixed immediately as a gesture of goodwill with an update from Testo and the system has been working very well ever since."
Outlook
Further monitoring components required
The biotechnology company is already planning to acquire further CO₂ incubators and wants to expand the monitoring infrastructure for them. Mobile loggers for temperature and humidity from Testo will also simplify laboratory work in the future. "It's always good to have similar instrumentation from one manufacturer that you can rely on," says Heitzler.
The combination of wireless plus stationary server is the ideal solution for us. I would recommend the testo Saveris 1 system.
Tobias Heitzler
Equipment Manager and Safety Officer
