Introduction
Growing from two part-time employees in one building in Grove City, Ohio in 1975 to the global leader in the production of high purity metals and alloys it is today, Tosoh serves the semiconductor industry from several locations around the world. Among the many products it produces, are semiconductor targets and powdered metals. Laboratory testing of these extremely high purity materials is pivotal to meeting the demanding requirements of these applications. Tosoh must manage large amounts of data, ensuring sample and test traceability and completeness of requirements, as well as process information to ensure that all finished products can be certified with confidence.
This, along with maintaining the demands of supporting the highvolume production workflow requires that the laboratory have the best LIMS (laboratory information management system) supporting them.
Tosoh SMD, Inc. – At a Glance
- Employees: 200+
- Location: Grove City, OH
- Primary Industry: Semiconductor
- Primary Services: Production of high purity metals and alloys for semiconductor targets; Powdered metals
The Journey to Wavefront
Like so many similar companies, Tosoh initially set up a home-grown system to manage its laboratory needs. This first system tracked the samples as they progressed through the lab. Shortly afterward, it added a second system to create metrics. A third system was used to collect the measurement data, and a fourth system was used to search the measurement data and generate reports. This process worked very well for many years. However, as time went on, complexities grew, and technology changed.
Tosoh found itself in a situation where the components of its systems were no longer compatible with those system upgrades. It realized it needed to look for a system that could handle the needs of all of its current systems and move away from the home-grown situation. Upon research into the options available for LIMS solutions, it found Wavefront Software.
Since the need for a replacement LIMS was very high due to the system issues with upgrades, the implementation was done on a very tight timeline. Both teams (Tosoh and Wavefront) worked closely together to implement a new LIMS under a short schedule.
Benefits
Implementing Wavefront LIMS into the first laboratory of Tosoh proved an improvement in its overall process. No longer having to manage multiple systems, Tosoh has streamlined its workflow. It also can take advantage of improved reporting capabilities.
Some of the most notable improvements are accessibility in searching the system and extracting data. This is something that was not as easily completed with its prior systems and now is found to be pivotal to the day-to-day of the laboratory.
Also, the configurability in making changes to the system is extremely valuable. In the past, any changes had to be requested from the IT department, and they might get implemented some time later, once it had time to set up the code. Now, with Wavefront LIMS’s extremely configurable system, most changes, such as new tests or new fields, can be done by people in the laboratory themselves.
Summary
Tosoh’s transition from a homegrown laboratory management system to Wavefront LIMS demonstrates the power of adopting a modern, comprehensive solution. By implementing Wavefront LIMS, Tosoh has streamlined its workflow, improved data accessibility, and gained the ability to make swift system changes without relying on IT intervention. These improvements have enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of Tosoh’s laboratory operations, supporting its position as a global leader in high-purity metals and alloys for the semiconductor industry.
The success of this implementation showcases how the right LIMS can address complex laboratory needs while providing flexibility for future growth. Tosoh’s experience highlights the importance of choosing a LIMS that not only meets current requirements but also adapts to evolving industry demands.
Are you facing similar challenges in managing your laboratory information? Would you like to explore how Wavefront Software’s LIMS can transform your laboratory operations? Schedule a demo today to see firsthand how our solution can streamline your processes and elevate your laboratory’s performance.
To learn more about Wavefront LIMS and our features for Advanced Materials Laboratories, visit the advanced materials page on our website: LIMS for Advanced Materials Labs
