Modernizing Laboratory Sample Management with Advanced Request Tracking Platform
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Advanced Request Tracking Platform
This company specializes in enhancing research informatics workflows to accelerate drug discovery. Through a combination of tailored software development and precise system configuration, they streamline complex processes. Their approach involves standardizing digital automation, integrating diverse applications, and delivering custom data management solutions, all aimed at improving efficiency and reliability in the research environment.
INDUSTRY
Informatics
COMPANY SIZE
Mid Enterprise
CHALLENGE SCOPE
Legacy system modernization and operational efficiency
Executive Summary
Dhuni Software transformed a legacy Pipeline Pilot-based request tracking and sample inventory system into a modern, scalable web application. By redesigning the platform using React and Django with a fully API-driven architecture, we created an efficient, user-friendly solution that seamlessly integrates with existing chemical registration and assay databases while providing automated workflows and comprehensive tracking capabilities.
Scientific and pharmaceutical laboratories faced critical limitations with legacy sample management systems:
Technology Stack Modernization Opportunity
Pipeline Pilot–based systems provided a foundation for research workflows but
had limited alignment with modern web application requirements. Updating the
technology stack offered the chance to adopt contemporary frameworks,
enhance support for web standards, and better meet evolving user expectations.
Modernization also enables easier implementation of new features, improved
maintainability, and a more flexible platform for future innovations.
Scalability Challenges and Modernization Opportunity
As laboratory operations and sample volumes grew, the existing system
architecture faced limitations in handling increased data loads and
concurrent users. Modernizing the architecture provides an opportunity to
build a more scalable platform that can support higher throughput,
accommodate expanding user bases, and maintain efficient workflows as
research demands continue to grow.
User Interface Considerations
The existing user interfaces were based on older design patterns, which
required significant familiarity to navigate. While functional, they did not
fully incorporate modern UX/UI principles, affecting workflow efficiency and
ease of use.
Our Solution:
Modern Request Tracking & Sample Inventory Platform
Complete Technology Stack Modernization
Integrated Sample Inventory Management
Request Lifecycle Management
Fully API-Driven Architecture
N-Tier System Architecture
React Frontend
Modern, responsive user interface optimized for laboratory workflows
Built using the latest React framework with component-based architecture enabling rapid development and consistent user experience.
Implemented responsive design principles to ensure optimal usability across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices for laboratory personnel.
Designed modular API structure with clear service boundaries that facilitate future decomposition into microservices architecture.
Implemented service discovery patterns and distributed caching strategies to support scalable microservices deployment.
Developer-Friendly
Comprehensive API documentation and development tools
Created interactive API documentation with code examples, testing interfaces, and comprehensive error handling guides.
Developed SDK libraries and integration templates to accelerate third-party development and reduce integration complexity.
Presentation Layer
Responsive React-based user interface with modern UX/UI design
Built component-based user interface using modern design principles with accessibility compliance and intuitive navigation.
Implemented adaptive layouts that automatically adjust to different screen sizes and user preferences for optimal usability.
Business Logic Layer
Django-based application layer with comprehensive business rules
Developed centralized business logic layer that enforces laboratory workflow rules and data validation consistently across all interfaces.
Implemented flexible rule engine that allows customization of business processes without requiring code changes or system downtime.
Data Access Layer
Optimized database interactions with caching and performance optimization
Created efficient data access patterns with connection pooling, query optimization, and intelligent caching strategies.
Implemented database abstraction layer that supports multiple database backends and facilitates future migration or scaling requirements.
Integration Layer
Dedicated services for external system connectivity
Built specialized integration services with retry logic, error handling, and monitoring capabilities for external system connections.
Implemented message queuing and asynchronous processing to ensure reliable data exchange even when external systems are temporarily unavailable.
Security Layer
Enterprise-grade security across all architectural tiers
Implemented comprehensive security measures including authentication, authorization, encryption, and audit logging at every system layer.
Created role-based access control with fine-grained permissions and multi-factor authentication to meet enterprise security requirements.
Key Features & Innovations
Modern Web Application Architecture
Single Page Application (SPA)
React-based frontend providing desktop-like user experience
Developed smooth, responsive user interface with client-side routing and state management for seamless navigation
Implemented lazy loading and code splitting to optimize initial load times and improve overall application performance
Responsive Design
Consistent user experience across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices
Implemented flexible grid systems and adaptive components that provide optimal usability regardless of device or screen size
Created touch-friendly interfaces with appropriate sizing and spacing for mobile laboratory environments and field work
Component-Based Architecture
Reusable UI components enabling rapid feature development
Comprehensive component library with standardized interfaces and consistent styling that accelerates new feature development
Implemented component testing and documentation systems that ensure reliability and facilitate team collaboration on interface development
Technical Architecture
Frontend Technology Stack
Backend Infrastructure
React 18
Latest React framework with hooks and concurrent features
Utilized the most current React version with advanced features like concurrent rendering for improved user experience.
Implemented modern development patterns including hooks, context, and suspense for efficient component development and state management.
TypeScript
Type-safe development ensuring code reliability and maintainability
Adopted TypeScript throughout the frontend codebase to catch errors during development and improve code documentation.
The type safety has reduced debugging time and improved team collaboration through better code understanding and IDE support.
React Query
Optimized data fetching and caching for improved performance
Integrated React Query for intelligent data fetching, caching, and synchronization with automatic background updates.
This optimization has reduced server load and improved user experience through faster data access and offline capabilities.
Django 4.x
Modern Python web framework with built-in security and scalability features
Utilized the latest Django version with enhanced security features, improved performance, and modern Python language support.
Leveraged Django’s mature ecosystem including ORM, admin interface, and extensive third-party packages for rapid development.
Django REST Framework
Comprehensive API development framework with authentication and permissions
Implemented robust API layer using Django REST Framework with built-in serialization, authentication, and permission systems.
The framework provided standardized API patterns and comprehensive testing tools that ensured reliable and secure API endpoints.
PostgreSQL
Enterprise-grade database with advanced indexing and performance optimization
Selected PostgreSQL for its reliability, performance, and advanced features including full-text search and JSON support.
Implemented proper indexing strategies and query optimization techniques to ensure excellent performance even with large sample datasets.
Client Impact
The transformation delivered measurable business value:
The platform modernization significantly reduced technical debt and streamlined backend operations. This upgraded architecture supports seamless integration with APIs and the n-tier system, while also enabling the easy adoption of additional libraries, including machine learning tools. In the longer run, this modernization can reduce ongoing technical debt and lower operational costs, driving measurable savings for the business.
The new React-based interface provides an intuitive, user-friendly experience that simplifies workflows and enhances productivity. Users now benefit from a responsive, easy-to-use platform that minimizes complexity, accelerates daily operations, and positions the system for future growth and innovation.
The Challenge