SiLA is currently finalizing Version 1.1 of  the SiLA Device Control and Data Interface Standard, a detailed 60 page technical specification of the new Ethernet based connectivity and communication protocol. The document will be published early May and can be ordered by email and soon through our website.

SiLA has developed a Common Command Dictionary containing more than 100 commands, each of them applicable to multiple device classes out of our device class library which contains more than 30 different device classes.

Device Class Interface Specifications for Incubators, Washers and Dispensers are currently being finalized and will be available soon as well. Device Class Interface Specifications for Pipetting Workstations, Microplate Readers, Robots and Storage Systems are currently under development in our technical workgroups.

Another SiLA workgroup is developing a specification standard for Labware products with the goal to provide XML based Labware specification parameter files for equipment vendors and end users. A reference implementation project has been started recently implementing labware from different vendors on different devices used at Novartis, Roche and Actelion in Switzerland. This project is still open for additional participants. Please contact us if you are interested to join.

SiLA’s data standardization efforts are organized in the SiLA data capture workgroup, in which more than 15 companies contribute with their technical expertise and knowledge at this time. The data capture workgroup currently focuses on developing a standardized glossary and data dictionary as well as a standard format for microplate reader result data.

In may we will start a new technical workgroup addressing standardization of Remote Access and Remote Service interfaces and another workgroup for standardization of LIMS interfaces.

Please contact us if you like to participate in one of our technical workgroups (open for corporate members only) or if you would like to be included in periodic public workgroup conferences (accessible for observing members and for non-members upon registration).

We are planning to start more pilot projects soon, we would be very happy to hear from you in case you are interested to use SiLA interface standards in one of your current or future integration projects.

SiLA’s ambitious program requires strong support of a constantly growing partner- and membership base including financial contributions through membership fees to help finance our projects.