ARCON™ Store Controller Software

Manage precious biosamples and compounds with the highest levels of security and confidence by using Azenta Life Sciences ARCON software (formerly known as Strata), the high-performance engine that drives the sample management process in our SampleArc™ and BioArc™ automated storage systems.

Ensures efficient processing of samples
Protects sample security
Reliable and flexible

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Product Details

Using the SampleArc and BioArc range becomes completely intuitive with ARCON Store Controller Software (formerly known as Strata). The simplified user interface is easily configured for day-to-day operations, plus greater detail is available for “super users” via drill-down and advanced screens. ARCON software is accessible from a workstation next to the store, remotely from a user’s office, or from home on a smartphone or tablet.

The software simplifies integration with corporate IT systems and LIMS that support Web services and other technologies. It ensures reliable performance via intelligent diagnostics and error recovery. With ARCON, your staff can focus on the science rather than contending with disparate sample collection management systems.

Key Features

Sample Security

Conducts lifetime inventory and environmental tracking while compiling sample chain of custody and audit trail reports

High Performance & Reliability

Provides full order control including drag-and-drop order prioritization
Optimizes throughput through more efficient batch workflows and order decomposition
System data logging and performance tracking assure reliability plus enable remote diagnostics and troubleshooting

Easy to Use Interface

Intuitive, information-rich display with modern graphics permits operations with no special training
Customizable screens allow application-specific workflow presentation

Remote Access

Data is accessible from any location using a laptop, tablet, or web-enabled device

Seamless IT Integration

Flexible deployment options include active directory integration and encrypted system access passwords
LIMS options include Web services API, database, and file-based integration
Accessibility is highly configurable with definable user roles

Automation Interface

Enables easy integration with work cell applications

Enhancement Packages

ARCON Store Controller Software Enhancement Packages are designed as optional additions to improve workflows, provide access to advanced features, and improve sample management. These options are available to both new and existing customers as an enhancement to core ARCON features. Packages include:

Package 1: Throughput & Workflow Enhancement
Single order throughput predictor	Planning tool to calculate completion time of simple orders.	Version 6.5+
Array picking optimization	Efficiently arranges requested samples on destination trays to maximize space utilization, minimize tray count, reduce picker travel, and boost throughput.	Version 6.5+
Store load vs. remove bias switch	Simplifies store management for users who want to quickly change the priority between loading (input and delivering (output) samples.	Version 6.6+
Picker allocation	For multi-picker systems, orders can be assigned to a specific picker.	Version 6.5+
Direct load (loading tray without imager)	For mass migration of loading of samples, the focus is sample temperature stabilization (no imaging step).	Version 6.3+
Load & go	Samples that have been loaded in the store are immediately available for retrieval.	Version 6.5+
Combining LIMS orders selected by user	Small LIMS orders (typically <96 tubes each) can be selected together by the user resulting in fewer tray exchanges leading to higher throughput.	Version 6.11+
LIMS labware trash	Any retrieved samples that are flagged by the LIMS as unwanted or expired samples, but are then reloaded back into the store, will be marked as an error.	Version 6.6+

Package 2: Advanced Job Management
Advanced time scheduling	Simple and efficient task and order scheduling (minute, hour, day, week, month).	Version 6.6+
Advanced physical area selection	More targeted and flexible options for labware audit / housekeeping.	Version 6.6+

Package 3: Storage Optimization
Physical tenancy – advanced	Specific sample sets are organized on trays and physical locations within the system. Only sample sets allocated to specific users can be visible or accessed.	Version 6.5+
Use/order partitioning	Multiple groups of sample sets/owners only have access to view their own orders, ensuring sample security and auditing.	Version 6.5+

Package 4: BioArc Sample Management
Staged storage loader to prevent warm tray impacting a tray stored above	Samples are placed in the Input Area to temperature stabilize without affecting local innocent cold samples.	Version 6.3+
Sample stabilization during reformatting/output	Operations outside storage are time-limited to avoid warming samples; if there are delays, a timeout tells the store to put the order back into storage (now a core ARCON feature for BioArc stores).	Version 6.3+

Package 5: Compliance
Electronic reports and comprehensive audit trail	Provides a report of user access, orders, inventory, errors, and more.	Version 6.8+
Authenticated access	Requires authentication before loading or retrieving samples, providing CFR21 Part 11 compliance.	Version 6.8+
Temperature and humidity reports	Provides temperature and humidity graphs.	Version 6.8+
Tri-state escalation alarming for temperature and humidity	Multiple levels of alarming (for example OK / Warning / Fault) can be enabled for specific temperature and humidity sensors, and for each escalation level.	Version 6.8+
User notes when responding to interventions	Users can add notes, which are visible in the audit trail, to clarify interventions and their impact on compliant processes.	Version 6.8+
Integration with Active Directory for groups and roles	ARCON can integrate with Active Directory, letting users manage their accounts using their existing Microsoft Windows passwords, without needing separate passwords in ARCON.	Version 6.8+

Ordering Information

Contact us to discuss how the ARCON Store Controller Software can meet your unique sample storage needs. Request a quote or an expert consultation today!

Support Plans

Safeguard your invaluable samples and your storage system investment with comprehensive Automated Storage Support Plans from Azenta.

Automated Storage Support Plans

Integrations

Integrating FreezerPro scalable web-based sample inventory management system with ARCON Software can offer customers a unique offering.

FreezerPro Integrates with ARCON

Resources

Application & Tech Notes