Testream®/CS: An Overview
Testream/CS is a PC-based lab automation system designed for the Microsoft desktop environment. It consists of a number of software components, available separately or as a fully integrated system. The following is a brief overview of the main components:
Testream/CS Lab Server Software
The heart of Testream/CS is its Lab Server program. Its job is to control the flow of information into and out of the laboratory. For example, the Lab Server receives sample IDs entered directly into Testream/CS or imported from other information systems and broadcasts them to all PCs linked to lab instruments. A tester only has to select a sample from the lists displayed— there is no need to re-identify samples at each PC or create and scan bar code labels.
In QA/QC labs, the Lab Server also receives and broadcasts quality limits for color coding and analyzing test results. These limits can be maintained by the Testream/CS Product Specification Entry and Management program or by some other software package outside of Testream/CS—the choice is yours.
The Lab Server can be sent other types of quality data as well, data not generated in the lab (on-line quality information for example). This information can appear alongside lab data on all Testream/CS reports and displays.
Lab Server’s final job is to instantaneously deliver lab data to the database targeted for receipt: to the Testream/CS database, other production information or MES systems, LIMS systems, business systems, etc.
Testream/CS Interface Applications
Over the last 20 years, AcquiData has developed an extensive library of software driver programs for virtually every test instrument in use today. Balances, spectrophotometers, tensile testers, moisture meters, chromatographs, micrometers, compression testers…you name it! Any test instrument offering an RS232 serial output, BCD output, PC file output…even printer outputs... can be connected to Testream/CS via one of our Interface Application programs.
Interface Application programs are ActiveX components downloaded from the Lab Server PC. Running in a PC’s Internet Explorer environment they not only acquire test data but also provide a wealth of tools to edit, analyze, graph and display the data.
Different Interface Application programs can run concurrently on one PC, allowing multiple instruments to be connected to the same PC, and different samples to be tested simultaneously and independently.
For more information on the capabilities of the Interface Application program please click on the link above.
Testream/CS Database
A database’s design is the source of its speed, response time and flexibility. The Testream/CS database has been designed specifically for the unique data model that lab test results represent. Based on Microsoft’s SQL Server, a robust enterprise- wide database engine, the Testream/CS database can be configured to hold all of your test data for a long period of time or can be set up as a front-end, “snap shot” database held to a constant size with the full detail of only your most current lab results.
Testream/CS offers a powerful suite of data analysis and reporting programs that run off of the Testream/CS database. For more information on these capabilities please click on the links above.
Product Specification Entry and Management
To properly support testing activities in QA/QC labs it is imperative that the quality targets set by the customer are known and available to the lab automation system. For this reason Testream/CS’ Product Specification Entry and Management program is an important component for production support lab installations. Genealogy-based, this program tracks and stores the quality limits set for each product made/manufactured by the customer. These product quality limits may be entered directly into Testream/CS or automatically imported from another system charged with the responsibility of maintaining specifications. Testream/CS fully supports the rule that specifications should only be maintained in one place!
All Testream/CS programs have access to the quality limits: Interface Application programs for real time validation of the acquired data, Real time Data Displays for immediate operator alarming, and to ReportWriter for integration into all reports.
For more information on this program please click on the link above.
Project Entry and Management
Designed to help laboratories manage their project-driven work flow, the Project Entry and Management program offers a set of tools for project submitters and lab managers alike. Via network connectivity submitters can define their work requirements and post their projects to the appropriate lab. Lab managers immediately see newly submitted projects and can easily prioritize and assign resources. This program can be set up to automatically issue e-mail notifications of a project’s completion, too.
For more information on this program please click on the link above.
Configuration Maintenance Utility program
Provided to customers under the terms of the Testream/CS Support Services agreement the Configuration Maintenance Utility program puts the customer firmly in control of Testream/CS. On their own, customers can easily add new tests, re-define the ‘look’ of the data acquisition screens, add or modify calculations, manage all export definitions to third party systems, etc. With this tool Testream/CS frees customers from having to rely on programmers to make changes to their system.
For more information on this program please click on the link above.
AcquiData's Technical Support Services
With many organizations hit hard by downsizing, it’s good to know that AcquiData’s technical support staff is ready to help, whether your automation plans call for the interfacing of one instrument—or one hundred.
AcquiData uses the Internet for virtually all of our customer support activities. When you place a purchase order for Testream/CS software for example, the ordered programs are immediately delivered to our web site. You simply click on the Customer Resource Center page and, by entering the appropriate purchase order information, you can quickly take delivery. The ordered programs can auto install themselves, be written to a file for later installation, or you can request a CD be sent to you.
System troubleshooting via the Internet means one of our field engineers is virtually ‘on site’ to work with you and remedy any problem that may arise. One-on-one training sessions may be conveniently and cost effectively accomplished via the Internet to help keep user skills sharp.
Help Desk
One call (or email!) to the AcquiData Help Desk puts you in touch with an experienced, knowledgeable Field Engineer. All calls are entered into AcquiData’s Work Order Tracking system. This database is arranged by customer location: one query brings up a complete record of all support activity for your system. Our knowledge base and extensive notations mean any AcquiData staff member is instantly informed to better assist you. No longer do you have to hunt for “your programmer”!
System Training
AcquiData offers a wide variety of ‘train the trainer’ instructional programs, from hands-on on site training, to regularly scheduled training classes at our facility, to Internet-based sessions highlighting specific programs. The choice is yours! A complete on line Testream/CS User’s Guide is also provided with each new system installation.
Customization Services
Sometimes a lab will have a proprietary test method or a required customer-specific calculation they want built into their Interface Application programs. AcquiData offers customization services to meet almost any such requirement.
Maintenance/Troubleshooting Services
AcquiData offers a complete Support Services program. All Testream/CS troubleshooting is performed via Internet connectivity so updates, fixes, and new software are all delivered quickly and directly. Off Hours Emergency support is also available to extend that assistance to 24x7.
Installation Services
Depending on project requirements, Testream/CS may be installed remotely via Internet connectivity, or on site. Pre-installation planning support is also available for complex system installations: where multiple systems need to be carefully integrated among multiple vendors with many different system and user requirements. AcquiData will professionally partner with and coordinate all technical issues with other suppliers identified by the customer.
