SoftLinx™ Lab Automation Software

• Develop Complete Assay Protocols – Define the timing and detailed parameters of each dispense, wash, shake, plate movement, incubation, etc.
• Develop and insert user-defined functions, giving any SoftLinx protocol access to  any function available to the user’s computer.
• Multitasking executable program.
• Connectivity to >200 lab automation devices with Hudson-supplied interfaces.
• Icon-based drag-and-drop configuration and method editing.
• Individual icons for each connected laboratory instrument.
• Capable of simultaneously executing multiple method threads and multiple methods.
• Simple “Recorder” style buttons for starting and stopping methods.
• Real-time display of all workcell actions during operation of the system.
• Supports full recovery from unscheduled shutdowns or interruptions
• Superior context-sensitive help system.
• Encrypted password entry and password change feature for all users.
• Multi-level user access and permissions.
• Data Audit trail to log all user-permitted actions.
• Allows operators to add plates to a run already in progress.
• Supports parallel assays, resulting in higher throughput.
• Facilitates accurate event timing, such as incubation periods.
• Complex methods can be built using loops, if-then statements, math, and string functions, and timers for incubations.

SoftLinx Lab Automation Software includes:

Protocol Editor

Protocol Editor allows the user to generate a flow diagram, including all the process steps desired for this workcell. The user simply drags an icon depicting the desired process step into the flow diagram and enters all parameters associated with the operation identified by that instrument’s device driver, called a “plug-in.” When the protocol design is complete, the user can save the protocol, assign labware input, and then save or start the protocol using the Run Module.

Scheduler

SoftLinx supports dynamic scheduling, allowing the workflow to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining the timing of critical steps such as incubations.

Plug-In Manager

The Plug-In Manager loads, develops, matures, or modifies instrument interface drivers (called “plug-ins”) for use in the automated workcell.  While executing, the user can also monitor the exact lines of program code that make up the plug-in.  Each plug-in controls a specific instrument, either a Hudson instrument or a third-party device.  Plug-ins are written in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).

Player

The SoftLinx Player controls the execution of every step in a SoftLinx protocol and dynamically schedules each instrument’s operation.  It allows the user to start and stop multiple protocols that can be run in parallel, and provides the user interface, error reporting, and real-time control of the entire workcell.

Data Tracking and Handling

SoftLinx allows the user to set up links to any in-house LIMS system and to read/write to Oracle, SQLServer, Access, or any common relational database table.  SoftLinx automatically records and stores every step executed by the workcell in its own event log SQL Server database as well.

Instrument Device Drivers (Plug-Ins)

SoftLinx has nearly 200 pre-tested instrument interfaces that simply “plug-in” for your application.  Hudson’s software team routinely develops plug-in drivers for new instruments, which usually takes only a few days.