In the ever-evolving world of drinking water testing and compliance, a new app has emerged to streamline and enhance the efficiency of samples processed in-house by a public water supplier’s internal certified laboratory.  The Locus Bench Sheet app enables water companies to get a hold of in-house sample processing metrics, calibration records, temperature monitoring requirements, buffers, reagents and supply traceability, proficiency samples, control charts, and test method-specific QA/QC samples and their performance.  Our clients seamlessly evaluate this data in parallel with commercially contracted testing for organics, metals, radionuclides or other parameters that are not performed in-house. 

What are Bench Sheets? 

In-house testing allows water utilities to monitor water quality regularly and respond promptly to any contamination issues. It helps in maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and provides assurance to consumers about the safety of their drinking water. Most of the parameters tested in-house are dictated by short holding times, such as those associated with microbiological samples and pH. Conventionally, this type of data has been recorded on laboratory “Bench Sheets.” Wet chemistry parameters using simple instrumentation also lend themselves to the utilization of Bench Sheets, such as for free and total chlorine residuals, gravimetric parameters such as suspended solids, titrated analytes like alkalinity, turbidity, specific conductance and bacteriology. 

The Advantages of Digitized Bench Sheets 

Bench Sheets are essential tools in the testing process for all non-automated parameters. They provide a standardized format for recording test results, performing calculations, demonstrating method compliance, and providing an overview of the analytical quality control process.  Digitizing your in-house lab’s Bench Sheets supports legally defensible data, showing time stamped audit trails, auto flagging and distributing notifications regarding failures or outliers, and meeting system security requirements.   

The Locus Bench Sheet application allows numerous parties, established by your own security groups for read/write privileges, to have the latest data at their fingertips from the Locus Software-as-a-Service cloud platform.  In addition to Bench Sheets for each method that your lab is certified for, Locus keeps all documentation organized for passing on-site regulatory audits for each of your parameters, maintains instrument calibration logs, including manufacturer’s calibrations, multipoint initial calibrations, continuing calibrations, and includes all iterations of QA/QC samples such as blanks, spikes, duplicates, matrix spike duplicates, and method specific requirements such as glucose and glutamic acid checks for BOD5’s and the QC requirements for the various methods used for Coliform and Fecal Coliform bacteria. 

The Locus Bench Sheet app is a game-changer for water management software 

• User-Friendly Interface: The app boasts an intuitive interface that simplifies data entry and management. Laboratory technicians can easily input test results, track samples, and monitor progress without the hassle of cumbersome paperwork.
• Real-Time Data Access: One of the standout features of this app is its ability to provide real-time access to data. Whether you’re in the lab or out in the field, you can instantly view and analyze test results, ensuring timely decision-making and action.
• Enhanced Accuracy: Manual data entry often comes with the risk of human error. This app minimizes such risks by automating calculations and providing built-in checks for data accuracy. This ensures that the results are reliable and precise.
• Customizable Templates: Laboratories can customize bench sheet templates to suit their specific needs. Whether it’s adjusting the layout or adding specific fields, the app offers flexibility to cater to various testing protocols and standards.
• Secure Data Storage: Data security is paramount in any laboratory setting. The app employs robust encryption methods to ensure that all data is securely stored and protected from unauthorized access. This guarantees the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information. 

The Benefits for Drinking Water Labs 

• Improved Efficiency: By automating routine tasks and simplifying data management, the app significantly boosts the efficiency of laboratory operations. Technicians can focus more on critical analysis and less on administrative tasks.
• Enhanced Collaboration: The app facilitates better collaboration among team members. With shared access to data and results, lab personnel can work together more effectively, leading to improved outcomes and faster problem-solving.
• Compliance and Reporting: Drinking water labs must adhere to strict regulatory standards. The app helps ensure compliance by providing standardized templates and automated reporting features. This makes it easier to generate accurate reports for regulatory bodies. 
• Cost Savings: Reducing the reliance on spreadsheet and paper-based systems and minimizing errors can lead to significant cost savings. The app helps labs operate more economically by streamlining processes and reducing waste.