Decentralized automation systems

Decentralized systems usually result incrementally as gadgetry which is introduced on a piece-meal basis to automate simple laboratory manipulations. At a later stage, this may come to include automated machines discharging more complex functions (such as pipetting sequences). Typical systems of this kind are laboratories featuring such equipment as the following  

The state of play described above under decentralized systems is what we encounter in many laboratories today. Not least among the stresses imposed on such laboratories by a high sample volume, however, are organizational bottlenecks, from which result systemic inefficiencies in terms of information flow and employment of technical resources to capacity. Many of these problems can be solved by deploying computer software and automation techniques. Here, data world and sample world move in parallel over broad stretches, and in their interactions beyond the point of divergence lie fertile potentials for overcoming these systemic inefficiencies (Fig. 19.2). 

---

However, automation systems that can handle the product and process diversity specially required by research laboratories on the basis of sample-oriented automation concepts (Fig. 19.1) - and with high productivity to boot - have recently begun to appear on the market. Equipment pertaining to laboratory automation may therefore, from the perspective of organization, break down into three kinds of systems decentralized, function-oriented, and sample-oriented. 

Centralization There wiU be fewer large centralized warehouses in the future to replace the more numerous, smaUer, decentralized warehouses of the past. There will be fewer managers and administrative people involved with distribution as integrated distribution is pursued and distribution staffs are centralized. Along with the centralization of warehouses and staffs wUl come the centralization of order entry, customer service, and data processing. The increased responsiveness of transportation at lower costs, the focus on the total cost of distribution, the reahties of customer satisfaction, pace, variety, and adaptability—aU are pointed toward the centralization theme. The trend toward centralized distribution wUl result in higher inventory turnover, which wUl in turn lead to new opportunities for automation and sophisticated information systems. 

In particular, the DCF systems are suitable for the chemical process that involves toxic and explosive chemicals to reduce the possibility of chemical accidents. The DCF system modularized by the potable components can be also deployed in the extraordinary circumstances or special market. For example, the DCF system is a useful system to produce drinkable water and emergent medicines in the disaster area or war zone or nutritional supplements in the starvation area. The total automation will make this easier to operate and distribute products over the areas. Also, the small size of DCF systems can contribute to the decentralization of industry. The storage and transportation cost would be reduced and local residents would produce their own chemicals on their own demand near their home. Moreover, the compact and versatile DCF systems that can be readily carried to spaceship may contribute for accelerating new pursuit on research and development in the fields of space science and technology. 

---