Brooks Automation, now primarily operating as Azenta Life Sciences for its life science division, provides the core software to drive its automated cold-chain sample management systems, such as the SampleStore™ and BioStore™ platforms. This software, formerly known as Brooks Strata™ Store Controller Software and now rebranded as ARCON™ Store Controller Software under Azenta, is the high-performance engine for sample management processes.
Product Overview and Key Benefits
The software ensures efficient processing, secure protection, and reliable performance of high-value biosamples and compounds. It is designed to make automated storage intuitive and convenient, requiring no special engineering expertise for day-to-day operation. It simplifies integration with corporate IT systems and LIMS, supporting web services and other technologies.
Main Features and Capabilities
- Sample Security & Traceability: Conducts lifetime inventory and environmental tracking, compiling a comprehensive sample chain of custody and audit trail reports.
- Order Control: Provides full order control, including drag-and-drop order prioritization and optimization of throughput through efficient batch workflows.
- Remote Access: Accessible from a workstation, remotely from an office, or from home on a smartphone or tablet.
- LIMS Integration: Simplifies integration with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and other corporate IT systems via web services.
- Diagnostics & Reliability: System data logging and performance tracking assure reliability and enable remote diagnostics and troubleshooting.
- User Interface: Intuitive, information-rich display with modern graphics and customizable screens for application-specific workflow presentation.
Target Users and Use Cases
The software is targeted at pharmaceutical, biotech, academic, and healthcare institutions globally.
Primary Use Cases:
- Automated cold-chain sample storage and retrieval (e.g., at -20°C to -190°C).
- Biobanking and Biorepositories.
- Drug Discovery and Clinical Research sample management.
- Automating sample handling and inventory control.
