QBench LIMS FAQs

Features

Is QBench cloud based?

Yes, and to answer your next question, there are no computer requirements other than a modern browser.

What kind of export formats does QBench provide?

CSV and PDF exports are available out of the box. Less common formats (XML, JSON, Yaml) can be made available through a custom project scope.

What should I do if I want a custom API-based export for reporting?

The QBench API or our Microsoft Power BI interface allows you to connect to your environment with no additional customization. If you require engineering support, that can be made available as part of a custom scope.

What kind of import formats does QBench support?

CSV is the most common however less common formats and integrations can always be discussed via custom project scope. For labs that use our API connector, JSON-based web requests are the norm.

Can QBench track samples at both the customer and laboratory level?

Yes.

Does QBench provide barcode printing capabilities?

Yes at the order, sample, and test level.

Does QBench have the ability to invoice customers based on tests and orders in the system?

Yes, via the Billing module.

Does QBench have an inventory (lab supplies) management capability?

Yes, via the Inventory module.

Does QBench include an electronic laboratory notebook module or add-on?

QBench has the ability to store unstructured notes and responses with tests using a rich-text format. We also support a default template for that area so that your lab can pre-fill the section with prompts based on your business needs. While this does not count as a full-fledged Electronic Lab Notebook, a number of our customers find this to be sufficient.

What is the QBench data retention policy?

As long as customers maintain an active license, all platform data is stored indefinitely. If a customer terminates a license, the data is kept for six months as a courtesy. As part of the downgrade process, we work with customers who may wish to migrate the data for purposes of storage or re-use.

Does QBench audit users on the platform? What is the level of granularity?

QBench has a robust history tracking system to show an audit trail for all actions taken on orders, samples, tests and more. It shows who, when, and what was changed from and to.

QBench lacks a feature my lab needs. What’s a good course of action?

As a cloud platform with the attitude of continuous improvement, we try to move quickly and be responsive to customer feedback.

Custom scope is always an option for mission critical functionality. For everything else (and even for mission critical functionality), we encourage labs to add issues and vote for their favorites via Canny, which is our customer feedback engine.

How does QBench manage QC Data? Are there any limitations?

QC data is typically managed with batch worksheets in conjunction with our Controls and Control Groups Modules, which can create a Levy-Jennings Chart and help filter data by equipment, inventory stock, and batches.

Does QBench support On-Premise or local AWS server installs?

We would treat this as a custom scope of work and also a custom contract.

Can report templates be configured with no code? Are there any limitations?

Yes, our out of the box report templates editor is the best way to get your reports together in a quick, consistent, and self-service manner. We list one of the main limitations in the next question.

Do we have the ability to include charts and graphs on our final results report/CoA?

Yes! We can support many types of charts and graphs.

Integrations

Does QBench have a standard, documented API?

Yes. Our API is available via RESTful, HL7, ASTM, RS-232, and TCP/IP interfaces. Our documentation can currently be found here: API Developer Documentation.

What is the best way for my team to test and develop against the API?

We have a Postman collection that you can use against your sandbox instance. This will be distributed upon your subscription commencement.

What integrations does QBench support with no additional scope of work?

The most up-to-date list is available here on our integrations page. It includes Microsoft Power BI for business intelligence, Google for user management, and Quickbooks for accounting and finance.

What about integrations with lab equipment?

The lab equipment market is mature, wide, and diverse with many technologies in play. We have facilitated many methods of connection for equipment with our customers. If your piece of equipment is capable of exporting a results file, then you can leverage our File Parser engine to map information to a QBench worksheet. If your lab equipment does not support file export then we work with our customer to develop a custom scope of work to create a connection.

What about integrations with ERP systems, formulation software, or other platforms?

Much like lab equipment, there are many options in this market. We will keep an eye on Canny for obvious favorites from our customers. That may provide the launching point for an out-of-the-box integration.

Compliance & Standards

How can QBench help my lab stay compliant under ISO(17025:2005, 17025:2017, 9001) standards?

QBench’s consistent and predictable approach to tests and data flows are an on ramp to compliance for a number of labs that have fewer checks and controls in place prior to adopting a LIMS like QBench.

For the purposes of ISO 9001, QBench comes ready with a Quality Management System to be used in accordance with the core LIMS platform.

Is QBench HIPAA compliant?

Yes.

What about FDA compliance standards?

Yes, we have white papers on how we help labs comply with 21 CFR Part 11 as well as 40 CFR Part 160. These can be made available upon request from your account representative.

Security

Is QBench SOC 2 Type 2 compliant?

Yes.

Is any customer data stored outside of the United States?

No. Our AWS servers are located entirely in the US-EAST-1 region, which is primarily northern Virginia and some surrounding areas.

Does QBench support single-sign-on?

Yes. Specifically Google, Okta, and Azure (future options can be requested via Canny).

Does QBench support multi-factor authentication?

QBench supports multi-factor authentication for both LIMS users and logins by your customers through our Customer Portal.

Does QBench support active directory?

No (it can always be requested via Canny).

Does QBench provide role-based user administration?

Yes.

What kind of permissions granularity does QBench provide at the record level?

Records can be read-only or editable depending on the role of the logged in user.

Support

Does QBench have defined support hours for all customers?

QBench support for standard inquiries is available from 8-5 PST. Extended Support availability can be discussed as part of a custom agreement.

What kind of training can we expect upon platform adoption?

Our implementation managers work directly with your project team and train anyone within your lab that plans to train others. Additionally, we have a growing library of evergreen content that will allow you to learn more about the system at a pace that works for your organization.