The SiLA consortium for Standardisation in Lab Automation, managed by Toolpoint (a Swiss association of life science instrument suppliers), develops and introduces a new interface standard allowing rapid integration of lab automation systems. Leading system manufacturers, software suppliers, system integrators and pharma/biotec corporations have joined the SiLA consortium and contribute in different technical work groups with their highly skilled experts.

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Why a new Lab Automation Standard?

Pharma companies are under growing pressure to integrate automated systems for new applications in shorter time and to be able to adopt technological innovations provided by instrument suppliers more easily and rapidly. However, they are restricted in their flexibility of choosing specific instruments to make use of technological innovations provided by instrument suppliers in the extent they would like to. Furthermore, adaptation of hardware and software to new workflow requirements is too time consuming.

The new SiLA standard shall allow flexible and easy integration and replacement of instruments in automated lab systems. The SiLA standard is based on the concept of Common Command Sets for instrument control and data exchange. The standard shall define a Common Command Set for each Device Class used in an automated lab system and provide guidelines for Specific Commands provided by the instrument supplier for extended functionality.

The way we work

SiLA is a not-for-profit membership corporation with global footprint and open for companies and individuals active in the life science lab automation industry. The SiLA consortium continuously extends the scope of it’s standardisation activities and offers professional training, support and certification services to their members.