Process Flow Of LIMS Integration With SAP

We have a lims system called sapphire and it has to be integrated with SAP QM ECC 6. 
What are procedural steps that need to be performed when we do that?

By: Ram

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are software-based systems that automate the work processes and tedious administrative functions of a laboratory in R&D and manufacturing. LIMS manages the complete test routine including sample log-in, testing, re-testing and final reports. LIMS also includes functions such as stability studies; sample management; inspection plan and test equipment calibration. Enterprise LIMS extends that functionality through the integration to company-wide resource planning systems to include lab management, work scheduling, and product release as well as trending and analytics.

Business Goals & Objectives

  • Improving Customer Service
  • Improve product quality
  • Improving Regulatory Compliance
  • Improve patient safety
  • Improving Service Delivery
  • Improved quality and accuracy
  • Reducing Operating Costs & Increasing Efficiency
  • Integrate processes across divisions and functions
  • Reduce cost of services
  • Reduce order processing costs
This is the process flow of LIMS integration with SAP. SAP has provided standard FM's for this.

LIMS integration with SAP:

The SAP QM-IDI (Inspection Data Interface in Quality Management) interface is an open interface designed for exchanging inspection processing data between the QM application component and external systems. Inspection specifications defined in the QM component are transferred to the external system. The external system independently carries out the inspection and transfers the results back to QM.

Process Flow:

  • The external system (LIMS) initiates the action by requesting a work list of inspection lots from SAP that are waiting to be processed in a work center. 
  • The SAP system transmits the current work list. 
  • The external system can select the inspection lots from the work list received from SAP. 
  • The SAP system waits until the results are confirmed by the external system. The operation can not be processed in SAP system during this time. 
  • The external system can confirm characteristic results for an operation/inspection point and usage decision (if required) for inspection lots. 
  • The result data will be re transferred to SAP.
The path:
SPRO-QM-Quality Inspection - Subsystems - Process Quality Inspections using QM-IDI interface.

The re-requisites are the material should be inspected with Inspection Plans and the Subsytem should be maintained in the Work Center.

Relevant Topics:

Have a SAP QM Problems?
SAP QM Forum - Do you have a SAP QM Question?

SAP QM Books
SAP Quality Management Certification, Interview Questions and Configuration Reference Books

SAP QM Tips
SAP QM Tips and Quality Management Discussion Forum

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