NW3213 - RFID scanning for Scientific Services

Northumbrian Water Limited (NWL) is seeking market engagement with suppliers capable of delivering an RFID-based sample tracking solution for use within its laboratory operations.

The initial requirement is for a Proof of Concept (PoC) at one NWL laboratory site to assess the feasibility of replacing elements of the current barcode-based sample tracking process with RFID technology. The PoC will evaluate operational benefits, integration requirements and overall suitability before any decision is made regarding wider deployment across NWL's laboratory network.

The anticipated scope includes

• Assessment of infrastructure and technology requirements to support RFID-based sample tracking.
• Provision of RFID tags, RFID-enabled printing capability, fixed and handheld scanning devices, and supporting software.
• Installation and configuration of PoC equipment at one laboratory.
• Definition of integration requirements with NWL's Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Thermo SampleManager.
• Support for test scenarios covering sample receipt, transfer, tracking and traceability processes.
• Production of recommendations for future implementation should the PoC demonstrate a viable business case.

NWL currently envisages a future solution being capable of

• Printing RFID labels across multiple operational sites.
• Integrating with Thermo SampleManager to maintain sample information and status updates.
• Simultaneously scanning large volumes of sample bottles (target capability of at least 500 bottles at fixed scanning points).
• Supporting handheld scanning throughout laboratory facilities and sampling operations.
• Providing robust operation within laboratory environments, including cold storage areas and conditions involving moisture and chemical exposure.
• Supporting future expansion opportunities, including chain-of-custody tracking, storage monitoring, inventory management and asset tracking.

The PoC will be assessed against a range of success criteria, including

• Improved sample traceability and reduced risk of lost or misplaced samples.
• Reduction in unreadable labels and manual data entry.
• Improved efficiency of sample receipt and processing activities.
• Reliable integration with existing systems.
• High levels of data security, availability and performance.
• Scalability to support future deployment across multiple laboratory sites.

Suppliers with relevant experience and capability are invited to submit expressions of interest together with product literature, service overviews, case studies, technical specifications and any other supporting collateral that may assist NWL in understanding available market solutions.

Submissions and clarification questions should be sent to danielle.ruddick@nwl.co.uk. NWL may contact suppliers to request further information, clarification or follow-up discussions where appropriate. Following completion of this preliminary market engagement exercise, NWL intends to undertake a competitive procurement process informed by the findings of the engagement and associated PoC activities.