Water quality labs move closer to digital transformation
The Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) has moved to accelerate the implementation of a new digital laboratory management system following the signing of a partnership agreement with Nuvemite Technology.
Barely a month after formalising the partnership, KEWI has entered the next phase of the collaboration, with efforts now focused on preparing a detailed workplan to guide the rollout of the IMARA Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
A team from KEWI recently held a joint meeting with representatives of Nuvemite Technology at the Nuvemite/IMARA headquarters to establish the framework for implementing the system. The meeting marked an important step in translating the partnership agreement into practical activities and a structured implementation process.
Discussions during the meeting centred on identifying the activities required to introduce the technology and putting in place a clear roadmap for its operationalisation. The teams also looked at how the implementation process can be streamlined to enable the system to be deployed within the shortest possible time.
IMARA LIMS is designed to support the management of water quality laboratory operations through digital tools for sample management, workflow automation and compliance tracking. Once implemented, the system is expected to provide KEWI with a more organised approach to handling laboratory information and monitoring various processes.
The technology is also expected to make it easier for laboratory personnel to retrieve information when needed. Improved access to laboratory records could support more efficient operations while strengthening the way testing information is managed and reported.
KEWI also anticipates enhanced reporting capabilities from the system, together with greater visibility of activities taking place across its laboratory operations. This could help provide a clearer picture of laboratory workflows and improve the availability of information needed for operational and management purposes.
The preparation of the implementation workplan is expected to provide a structured pathway for moving the project forward. It will help identify priority activities and establish the actions required to transition from the partnership stage to actual deployment of the system.
For KEWI, the initiative goes beyond adopting a new technological platform. The institute views the rollout as an opportunity to strengthen the internal systems and processes that support laboratory services, particularly in areas such as testing, data management, reporting and compliance.
Reliable laboratory information plays an important role in water quality management, making efficient systems for collecting, processing, storing and retrieving data essential to laboratory operations.
By embracing a digital approach, KEWI seeks to strengthen the foundation upon which its water quality laboratory activities are managed while improving efficiency and information visibility.
The institution is now working towards expediting the remaining preparatory activities and progressing to implementation. The continued collaboration between KEWI and Nuvemite Technology is expected to support the transition from planning to operationalisation of IMARA LIMS.
The rollout will ultimately seek to deliver measurable improvements in laboratory information management, reporting and workflow efficiency while supporting KEWI’s broader efforts to strengthen reliable water quality testing and effective laboratory management.
