CTEC North America 2024 Agenda
This event has come to an end. We’re excited to welcome you back in 2025!
Check out the agenda for CTEC 2024.
Sunday, April 14
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Registration Open
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Registration Open
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Welcome Reception
Meet LabVantage staff and other attendees. Delicious assortment of desserts, hor d’oeuvres and drinks will be served at the NoMad Pool with beautiful views of Las Vegas.
Monday, April 15
7:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Registration Open
7:30 AM – 8:45 AM | Breakfast
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM | Welcome and Opening Remarks
Denise Bell, Product Management, LabVantage
9:00 AM – 9:40 AM | Where Will Your Data Take You?
Mikael Hagstroem, CEO of LabVantage and Executive Chairman of TCG Digital
As laboratories transition from isolated entities to integral components of the data ecosystem, it becomes evident that managing data flows alongside workflows is paramount. Are you finding it challenging to gain visibility into the vast data assets you’ve generated? Are you concerned about how generative AI will support your requirements? Ensuring readiness of both you and your LIMS environment is crucial. Join us as we embark on a shared journey towards the future of scientific data management, where we aim to address these challenges collectively and envision a more integrated approach.
9:40 AM – 10:00 AM | LabVantage – State of the Business
Matt Grulke, VP of R&D; Denise Bell, Product Management, LabVantage
An overview of LabVantage’s recent achievements and strategic initiatives, coupled with insights into ongoing changes and expansions within the organization, underscores our steadfast commitment to providing unparalleled support for our customers. This glimpse into our evolving landscape aims to ensure sustained excellence in meeting the needs of our customers.
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM |Integrating LabVantage into a Research Ecosystem
Ned Haubein, Sr. Director Research Information Systems, Penn Medicine
One of the distinguishing features of a large research institution is the heterogeneity of the environment in which a LIMS system is implemented. At an institution like Penn Medicine, research takes place across the continuum from basic research using cell suspensions to clinical trials involving human fluid and tissue specimens. The adage about the only constant being change rings very true. The LabVantage implementation at Penn Medicine has integrated with a variety of groups to help them either move data into the system or extract data from the system, and these integrations span a wide range of approaches. This presentation will share some of the ways we have implemented system integrations from simple file-based approaches to a complex API-driven iPhone application that talks to LabVantage.
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Break
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | LabVantage Product Roadmap & Strategic Focus Areas
Matt Grulke, VP of R&D; Denise Bell, Product Management, LabVantage
LabVantage Product Management and R&D departments monitor the laboratory informatics space, listen to customers, employees, and even regulatory agencies and social media, in order to anticipate the future demands of laboratories globally, in order to build compelling and effective solutions. This presentation will provide an overview of the areas we’re exploring, new products that we’re considering, and the strategic focus areas we’re prioritizing.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | It’s a SaaS World After All
Jeff Policastro, SaaS Business Development, LabVantage
In the ever-evolving world of laboratory management, the advent of Software as a Service (SaaS) has ushered in a new era of efficiency and adaptability. LabVantage’s SaaS-based LIMS solution offers our customers unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and accessibility. Our customers can now leverage cutting-edge functionalities without the burden of complex installations or infrastructure maintenance. This streamlined approach empowers your organization to allocate resources more efficiently, focusing on core competencies rather than IT overhead. LabVantage SaaS LIMS empowers our customers to stay at the forefront of scientific discovery & manufacturing. In this SaaS world, the future of LIMS is brighter than ever before.
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Strategy in Action: What’s coming in LabVantage 8.9
Mark Hill, Gary Stimson, & Arjan Flierman, R&D, LabVantage
Get a sneak peek at some of the new functionality coming in LabVantage 8.9, which will be released later this year. We’ll provide a review of the improvements we’re making to the Stability module, ELN, data retention, dashboards for Portal, and some of the customer-requested enhancements we’ve received through Vantage Care.
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM |Cloning an Enterprise Global LIMS System
Jenna Sander, Business Analyst, 3M Health Care
With 3M spinning-off its Health Care areas into a new, standalone company, it is critical that all infrastructure and support systems be up and functioning by the time the two companies split. The Enterprise Global LIMS team decided to use a Clone-and-Go approach to standing up a new LabVantage LIMS instance in the new company complete with all the configurations and customizations built into the original 3M system. During the process, additional requirements were identified, new data connections were needed, and synchronized coordination between multiple systems proved challenging. This presentation will discuss the team’s overall strategy along with our outcome, key learnings, and future opportunities.
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Break
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM |The digital native eco system driving innovation by connecting the dots using semantic integration of data and tools
Klaus Heumann, General Manager, LabVantage-BioMax
The value of the digital native eco system is in orchestrating the interplay of complementary competencies and capabilities addressing key industry challenges to accelerate the translation of innovation into business value. In the presentation we will share case studies utilizing the AILANI technology.
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4:00 PM – 4:30 PM |LabVantage Mobile App IoT Platform
Renato Marino, General Director, LabVantage
The LabVantage Mobile App IoT Platform is an innovative solution designed to seamlessly integrate mobile devices with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) through the Internet of Things (IoT). This platform enables users to remotely access and manage laboratory data, perform tasks, and monitor equipment status in real-time, enhancing efficiency and flexibility in laboratory operations. This Platform is fully integrated with the Labvantage product or can be a Standalone offer.
Start Parallel Discussion Groups
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Discussion Group 1: Instrument Connectivity, SDMS, and more
Arjan Flierman & Lari Tuononen, R&D, LabVantage
Where have we evolved from in terms of our Instrument Integration and Data Storage solutions? What is our current state with LIMS CI, LV Connect, and SDMS? And where do we envision ourselves in the future, as we integrate all these components, including scientific data lakes?
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Discussion Group 2: Formulations, Stability, and ELN
Mark Hill & Gary Stimpson, R&D, Rob Paul, Technial Sales, LabVantage
Let’s engage in a discussion about formulations and ELN. What trends are you noticing in this area? What challenges are you currently facing, and what enhancements or configuration changes do you believe are necessary to optimize your formulation and ELN workflow?
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Discussion Group 3: Diagnostics Accelerator and Providers Portal App discussion
Radu Cristea, R&D & Stephanie Ratliff, Technical Sales, LabVantage
Join the LabVantage LIMS Diagnostics Accelerator Discussion as industry experts to delve into the latest trends and innovations in diagnostic technologies within laboratory information management. This collaborative forum fosters the exchange of ideas and insights, accelerating the development of robust diagnostic solutions to meet evolving healthcare needs.
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Discussion Group 4: SaaS Realization
Jeff Policastro & Dennis Brown, SaaS, LabVantage
The implementation of Software as a Service (SaaS) at LabVantage LIMS has sparked considerable discussion within the laboratory management community. Its transition to a cloud-based model has prompted conversations around its implications for accessibility, scalability, and overall efficiency in laboratory operations.
End Parallel Discussion Groups
5:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Dinner on Your Own
Monday night is dinner on your own. However, there are some fantastic restaurants in the area! Be sure to visit us at the registration desk or check out the CTEC mobile app for suggestions.
Tuesday, April 16
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Registration Open
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Exploring Transformation & Growth Opportunities in LIMS – How Should Companies Adapt?
Nitin Naik, Growth Expert & Vice President, Frost & Sullivan
While examining the future landscape of laboratory information management systems (LIMS), it is essential to remain adaptable to disruptive changes in pharmaceutical, diagnostics, and academia markets. The growing complexities of research and development, quality control workflows highlight the necessity for flexible strategies. Additionally, best practices in implementation will significantly impact on how LIMS will enable organizations to build a strong digital core. To navigate the ever-changing threat landscape effectively; embracing agility, data-driven growth, and holistic Software-as-a Service (SaaS) approaches become crucial. Join this engaging discussion to delve into challenges and growth opportunities shaping the LIMS industry’s trajectory.
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Evolve series – LIMS Deployment Strategy
Hasmik Mkrtchyan, Sr. Manager, IT Global Lab Automation, Catalent
We spoke last year about a Global enhancement process based on the Artificial Neural Network model – tactically meeting end user demands while embracing it as an opportunity to evolve. This year, as customers’ expectations have transitioned from a “need LIMS” to a “must have LIMS”, an accelerated yet compliant deployment strategy is paramount. Challenges can surpass those of project constraints, extending into risks associated with resources, knowledge, infrastructure, and of course, the unexpected! To support the business, a LIMS deployment strategy must be flexible, adaptable, and scalable, while being attainable regardless of company size and financial constraints. In this third session of the Evolve series, we will cover the key criteria of a successful LIMS deployment strategy.
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Panel Discussion: LIMS Deployment strategies
Hasmik Mkrtchyan, Sr. Manager, IT Global Lab Automation, Catalent
Join us for an engaging discussion on LIMS deployment strategies and technologies. Pose your questions to our panel of experts from Catalent, LabVantage, Accenture, and Frost & Sullivan as they share insights and best practices. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and insights from industry leaders!
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Break
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Strategy in Action: Stability in LabVantage 8.9
Mark Hill & Gary Stimson, R&D, LabVantage
Get a sneak peek at some of the new Stability functionality coming in LabVantage 8.9, which will be released later this year. Dive into a comprehensive review of the user interface enhancements, stability grid upgrades, and much more.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Diagnostics Portal using LabVantage APIs, SDMS, and LabVantage Analytics
Clint Ewing, Principal Enterprise Architect, Quanterix
Lucent Diagnostics Portal delivers an end-to-end digital experience for healthcare providers from registering, to ordering collection materials, submitting test requisitions, through receiving results. This was accomplished by integrating with LabVantage LIMS APIs, using the SDMS module to fully integrate with instruments, analyzing results using LVA, and providing results back via portal integration.
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Expansion of Professional Services and Introduction of New Services
Craig Bowie, Professional Services Organization, LabVantage
We’re expanding our professional services portfolio to better serve our clients’ evolving needs. Additionally, we’re excited to introduce a range of new services to further enhance our offerings.
Breakout Track 1
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | LEAPWork Automation Testing
Sai Vikram, Professional Services Organization, LabVantage
LabVantage team is excited to partner with LeapWork to create automation testing to improve Quality of PSO implementation deliverables. Leapwork is a no-code test automation platform that allows users to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks in the applications. Join us to discuss about areas to use automation testing and how it can be extended to testing/validation in your environment.
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Next Gen Training
Anand Manohar, Professional Services Organization, LabVantage
Unlocking the full potential of our LIMS application involves overcoming common hurdles in continuous learning and user onboarding. Join us as we unveil our innovative approach to tackling these challenges through interactive training. Discover how we plan to revolutionize the way organizations empower their teams to master our platform seamlessly.
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Testing and Validation Services
Sai Vikram, Professional Services Organization, LabVantage
Testing and validation services are crucial components in ensuring the quality, reliability, and compliance of LabVantage LIMS system. Come join us to lean about these services offered LabVantage PSO and our systematic approach to evaluating the functionality and performance, validating that your LabVantage LIMS system meets its intended purpose and is fit for its intended use by following GAMP standards.
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Master Data
Laura Hession, Professional Services Organization, LabVantage
Master Data forms the crucial foundation of every successful LIMS implementation. It’s the cornerstone upon which your entire system relies, and getting it right is paramount. Don’t miss out on our enlightening session where we delve into how we’re bolstering support for this pivotal task within your LIMS implementation. Gain insights into our strategies aimed at ensuring your master data sets the stage for success.
Breakout Track 2
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Red Hat OpenShift and Container update
Lari Tuononen, R&D, LabVantage
LabVantage 8.9 aims to bring support for deploying LabVantage in Containerized environment. Container platforms like OpenShift from Red Hat provide a portable, scalable and fault tolerant way to deploy applications. In this session we will demonstrate how LabVantage can be deployed as a container in Red Hat OpenShift environment by utilizing Red Hat JBoss EAP container images.
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | State of DevOps
Ed Anderson, Senior Architect, LabVantage
What is DevOps? – DevOps is a methodology in the software development and IT industry. Used as a set of practices and tools, DevOps integrates and automates the work of software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) as a means for improving and shortening the systems development life cycle (according to Wikipedia).
Where is the Sec in DevSecOps? It really is not needed anymore. Security is the whole company’s responsibility.
When is LabVantage going to stop using FTP to transfer files? – Huh, you aren’t a fan of 1970’s file transfer technology? Hang around for the presentation and find out! Why do I care? – Our group allows each developer, tester, manager and beyond to do more and do it with higher quality. How do I get that cool new shiny thing? – What thing, we got lots of things?… I’ve lived in New Jersey too long. A lot of what we do is internal, but we used our scripting skills to write Handsfree, and almost everyone seems to like that.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Strategies for large databases
Yossi Drori, Database Engineer, LabVantage
Gain insights into large databases within LabVantage, encompassing an overview of their structure and scope, along with the architecture pattern employed to manage them effectively. Additionally, discover best practices aimed at optimizing performance to ensure efficient operations.
Breakout Track 3
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Generic Patient Data Management, Medical Examiner and Pathology discussion
Radu Cristea, R&D & Stephanie Ratliff, Technical Sales, LabVantage
Engage in a collaborative discussion on how we can help you manage patient data within the LIMS, how this data can be managed within the medical examiner context and ideas on how to manage pathology records.
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM |LabVantage Analytics – powering Labs with AI solutions
Panchali Roychoud & Krish Ghosh, TCG Digital
Learn about unlocking the full potential of lab data with AI using LabVantage Analytics. See how our solutions have helped global customers improve operational efficiencies, gain productivity, reduce costs, and drive innovation
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM |LabVantage SPC Component with support for X- and R-Charts
Lari Tuononen, R&D, LabVantage
LabVantage Statistical Process Control (SPC) Component can help laboratories maintain quality with statistical Control Charts integrated to normal LabVantage sample lifecycle, QC Batches and data entry. Learn about the functionalities in the SPC component and how you can leverage statistics in your laboratory. The new component version coming with support for LabVantage 8.9 contains also new calculation methods X-Chart and R-Chart.
End Breakouts
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Break & Laboratory Fair
LabVantage & Customers
Have a snack, maybe a coffee, and walk around our Laboratory Fair featuring demo stations for NGS/OMICS Workflows, Configuration Management & Transfer (CMT), Forensics & Medical Examiner, Stability, Semantic Searching and LabVantage Analytics.
5:00 PM – 6:15 PM | Prepare for the Social Event
6:15 PM – 9:30 PM | Group depart – Social Event at BrewDog Las Vegas
Wednesday, April 17
7:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Registration Open
7:30 AM – 8:45 AM | Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Combining Generative AI with Traditional AI to Deliver Value
Debdas Sen, TCG Digital
Join us in exploring the fusion of generative AI and traditional AI methodologies to unlock unprecedented value. Our conversation delves into the synergies between these approaches and their potential to revolutionize diverse industries. Through improving search precision, eliminating data uncertainties, and reducing hallucinations, we uncover how seamlessly navigating your data realms will usher in a new era of productivity, efficiency, and innovation.
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | LabVantage Array Management at Illumina
Lauren Oesterle, Senior Software Systems Engineer, Illumina
Illumina has been utilizing Array Methods since 2021 to facilitate the data transfer and analysis of instrument data. This presentation will delve into master data configuration of Array Layouts and Array Methods. It will also discuss how loading plates, entering array data, and promoting results can be accessed within LES worksheets via out-of-the-box Tasks. Finally, this presentation will highlight the advantages of Array Management from the both the configuration and end-user perspective.
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Break
10:30 AM – 11:10 AM | Q&A With the LabVantage Leadership Team
LabVantage Leadership Team
This open-mic session is your chance to ask questions, hear answers, and give feedback directly to our LabVantage leaders. We look forward to hearing from you!
11:10 AM – 11:30 PM | Closing Remarks
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch at leisure
Boxes will be provided with lunch for participants that are heading to the airport.
