CA2963682A1 - Storage and monitoring system with smart holders - Google Patents

Abstract

Device, method and system for inventorying, tracking, monitoring and storing items placed in Smart Holders fitted with RFID tags, whereby such Smart Holders are stored securely within a controlled access Smart Cabinet. The Smart Cabinet is fitted inside with at least an RF antenna or a plurality of RF antennas connected to an RFID reader, such antenna(s) being capable of scanning the RFID tags inside the Smart Cabinet; the results of such scanning being interpreted through a software in a computer system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/320419 filed April 8, 2016, entitled "STORAGE AND MONITORING SYSTEM WITH
SMART HOLDERS", incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a Radio Frequency Identification (REID) method, system and apparatus for storing items, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for managing inventory, monitoring performance parameters, data recording, secure storage, and convenient and controlled access to the stored items and the associated data. In other aspects, the present invention relates to REID systems and methods for tracking and organizing samples submitted for tests and analyses, as well as task assignment, workflow and management of the workers and equipment assigned to perform such tests and analyses. In yet other aspects, the present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for management and organization of individual workbenches and transitory storage of samples and related preparations in a flexible arrangement, multi-user workplace such as an analytical laboratory.
BACKGROUND

[0003] In an industrial setting, analytical laboratories are often required to analyze samples submitted either by outside customers or from their own manufacturing departments.
Submission, tracking and management of such samples is currently done in a manual fashion in most companies: typically, a paper form ("Request for Analysis) is filled in, then entered into a logbook, then the form and the vial with the sample are left on a shelf for pickup, or submitted to ( the laboratory through a window. Currently, most laboratories are not equipped with RHD
system to electronically track and organize such submitted samples and the accompanying requests for analyses and tests to be performed. Without a system to electronically track and organize samples and analysis requests and actual tests, a number of significant inefficiencies ensue.

[0004] There is an unmet need for a better way of managing all various steps of dealing with a sample for analysis at the analyst/operator level (e.g. customer submitting the sample, the analyst receiving the sample, record keeping, releasing the analysis results once the test has been completed, etc.). At the management/supervisory level, there is an unmet need for a better way for managers/supervisors to assign work tasks and to track the sample testing task, to monitor its progress, and to manage such workflow.

[0005] On a related note, most analytical laboratories, in particular those in the pharmaceutical industry, generally maintain a sizeable inventory of analytical chromatography columns for their high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC) machines. In a typical laboratory, analytical chromatography requires the use of many different types of analytical columns, depending on the required type of analysis and on the nature of the product analyzed.

[0006] Analytical columns (HPLC or GC columns) are expensive and are, generally, not disposable after a single use; at the end of each analytical run, HPLG or GC
columns are typically rinsed and regenerated and their analytical performance parameters are measured again.
As long as a regenerated analytical column meets a set of minimum acceptable analytical performance parameters (critical parameters), the column is still useable and can be stored for future runs, when needed.

[0007] A
multipurpose analytical laboratory performing analyses on a wide range of products can typically accumulate a large inventory (hundreds and thousands) of new and previously used analytical HPLC or GC columns. Such columns are used, sometimes daily, by laboratory personnel, who must sign them out, use them, and sign them back into the storage and inventory.

[0008] Furthermore, according to various regulations, the laboratory must be able to show to auditors, at any time, a log of usage for each individual HPLC or GC column, and a data set showing a column's critical parameters before and after each use, demonstrating that a particular column was, at any point in its history, in suitable conditions to perform as required.

[0009] In addition, the requests to review and audit a column's critical parameters at a certain point in time arise, not infrequently, a long time (years) after the actual time the column was used, requiring a robust archiving and retrieval system to be implemented, which are an added challenge.

[0010] Currently, various methods for item inventory and/or asset and/or data tracking are in place for analytical columns, such as printed tags (with serial numbers) attached directly to the item, manual check out systems with paper logbooks, item counting, or computerized systems with barcodes and optical readers. All these methods require extensive manual operator intervention, which is susceptible to human errors and is time consuming.

[0011] There is also the added difficulty of retrieving the physical items (the columns) which are frequently stored in bulk in drawers, bins, cabinets, boxes or on shelves, while the associated logbooks and printouts of performance data sets are often stored separately.

[0012] There is an unmet need for a better way of managing an inventory of HPLC columns and similar items, monitoring every item's critical parameters after each use, data recording, secure storage, tracking, and convenient and controlled access to the stored items and the associated data.

[0013] Especially with analytical HPLC columns (a common yet expensive inventory item present in most analytical laboratories in the world), the current management methods are cumbersome and time consuming and can lead to costly delays in testing and releasing test results. For example, HPLC columns are often stored in cabinets or drawers, with printed labels attached to each column; upon being retrieved from their drawer, their operational and status often cannot be determined until a search is performed (often manually) in various log-books and associated inventory and current performance data sheets.

[0014] On a related note, most multiple-purpose laboratories have, aside from the analytical equipment, several large multi-purpose (non-dedicated) workbenches available, on a flexible basis, to various workers taking turns according to the certain workflow at any particular time. In such laboratories, there is also multi-purpose transitory storage, as well as various related preparations which are similarly used, on a flexible basis, by various workers taking turns according to the certain workflow at any particular time. Scheduling, organizing, planning and managing such resources and their workflow is currently done by users and managers mostly in a manual fashion. There is an unmet need for a better way, preferably electronic and computerized, to optimally schedule, organize plan and manage the use of such assets in a busy laboratory.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention responds to these unmet needs by introducing devices, methods and apparatuses forming a system, fitted with RFID tags and communication modules, working in connection with a database (DB) and networked computers and terminals, to improve efficiency and productivity of managing such various activities specific to analytical laboratories.

[0016] The goal of a system equipped with RFID in connection with a database (DB), according to this invention, is to improve efficiency and productivity.

[0017] Firstly, RFID technology ensures virtually 100% real time tracking and connection with the database and dedicated software. Also, the RFID technology allows for easy navigation through the history of a product or sample so tagged; instead of pulling a paper trail, the result is accessed electronically. Importantly, product information is accessible to multiple users in multiple locations; with an electronic system, results can also be received much more rapidly.

[0018] Secondly, the RFID method allows managers/supervisors to accurately track the efficiency of their department and their subordinates. In addition, various reports are easier to generate with an electronic system compared to a paper chart.

[0019] Thirdly, paper records are standalone, lacking the ability to be integrate with other paper forms of information. The ability to integrate information is critical to the future and to additional value added uses. Digital information collected, processed and stored according to this invention, unlike paper records, can be easily integrated with internal and external applications.

[0020] A preferred embodiment of this invention comprises a minimum of one module, and preferably three modules, namely Module 1, Module 2 and Module 3. According to the inventor herein, Module 1 is the Sample Hand-Off Tracking System (SHOTS) and Job Tracking System (JTS); Module 2 is (Items) Storage and Monitoring System with Smart Holders (SMS-SH); and Module 3 is the e-Workstation Organizer.

[0021] Module 1 facilitates the sample hand-off transfer between departments with real-time sample tracking. Also, Module 1 allows the personnel to track the analytical laboratory's tasks status and the task assignment process. Module 2 is designed for managing inventory, monitoring performance parameters, data recording, secure storage, and convenient and controlled access to the stored items and the associated data. Module 3 consists of a workbench organizer and transitory organizer and storage of sample and related preparations equipped with e-labels. All three modules preferably share information stored in a common database and are preferably using the same Data Process and Reporting system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 is a high level diagram which illustrates the architecture of a system consisting of the three modules according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the Module I (Sample Hand-Off Tracking System (SHOTS) and Job Tracking System (JTS)) workflow, illustrating the steps taken by the various users involved (Submitter, Manager and Receiver) when submitting, receiving, tracking and releasing samples and analysis results.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a depiction of Module 2 System Overview Diagram;

[0025] FIG. 4 is block diagram depicting the main components of Module 2.

[0026] FIG. 5 depicts various embodiments of SMART Holders according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a wiring diagram of Module 2 according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view (photo) of an exemplary Smart Cabinet of Module 2 according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a rear view (photo) of SMART Holders stored on a shelf in an exemplary Smart Cabinet of Module 2 according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a view from below (photo) of an antenna array placed inside a Smart Cabinet of Module 2 according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

[0031] FIG. 10 depicts an e-Bench Workstation (of Module 3 according to a preferred embodiment of this invention), consisting of a work-pad and an electronic label (e-label) physically attached to the work-pad and wired/wirelessly connected to a communication block.

[0032] FIG. 11 depicts an e-Storage Rack (of Module 3 according to a preferred embodiment of this invention); within Fig. 11, there is also an exploded view of Unit A, which is an e-Storage block consisting of three individual e-storage units, each labelled as Unit B.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] A preferred embodiment of this invention comprises a minimum of one module, and preferably three modules. Depicted in Fig. 1 is the conceptual diagram of an embodiment with three modules. Module 1 is the Sample Hand-Off Tracking System (SHOTS) and Job Tracking System (JTS); Module 2 is (Items) Storage and Monitoring System with Smart Holders (SMS-SH); and Module 3 is the e-Workstation Organizer.

[0034] Module 1 facilitates the sample hand-off transfer between departments with real-time sample tracking. Also, Module 1 allows the personnel to track the analytical laboratory's tasks status and the task assignment process. Module 2 is designed for managing inventory, monitoring performance parameters, data recording, secure storage, and convenient and controlled access to the stored items and the associated data. Module 3 consists of a workbench organizer and transitory organizer and storage of sample and related preparations equipped with e-labels. All three modules preferably share information stored in a common database and are preferably using the same Data Process and Reporting system.

[0035] MODULE 1: SAMPLE HAND-OFF TRACKING SYSTEM (SHOTS) & JOB
TRACKING SYSTEM (JTS)

[0036] Module 1 of the present invention is a system that serves as the interface for the sample testing requests between different departments, e.g. between the manufacturing department (the Submitter) and the laboratory testing department (the Receiver), as depicted in Figure 2, which is a diagram of a typical Module I workflow, illustrating the steps taken by the Submitter, Manager and Receiver when submitting, receiving, processing, tracking and releasing the samples for which analysis is needed.

[0037] The Module 1 according to a preferred embodiment of this invention comprises the following typical components: a) a set of re-useable, RFID tagged folders/binders (physical); b) two or more computer station terminals equipped with RFID readers; c) a Job Tracking and Assignment System (computer system and software). The system facilitates tracking of sample testing requests and assignment/tracking of testing progress. At the analyst level, the job tracking and assignment system software allows the analysts to electronically enter, submit review and manage various aspects of the requests (e.g. submitting, receiving or releasing) during and after the test has been completed. At the management/supervisory level, the software additionally allows managers/supervisors to assign and track the sample testing progress.

[0038] Each RFID tagged folder is designed to fit one or more samples (vials, specimens, etc.) and the accompanying testing request paper form(s). In use, the operator typically places the sample testing request form (paper) into the RFID tagged folder and enters (logs) such sample into the system by scanning the folder's RFID tag to one of the RFID readers which connects to a server. The Submit and Receive/Release features provides a machine user interface for Submitter and Receiver to Submit, Receive and Release sample testing requests.
The server web application is preferably available on a computer local area network LAN and provides access to all the information from any computer on the local LAN. The server also provides web services for the terminals to access and update data.

[0039] In a typical embodiment, the Job Tracking and Assignment System software prompts operators to input their unique user name/password identifier credentials, which are entered into a log, as depicted in Fig. 2. Typically, as part of each step, the user scans the RFID tagged folder, causing the RFID reader to automatically transmit the folder's unique RFID tag ID to the software system. The software system automatically records the time for each step completed by the sample (e.g. submit, received, released, etc.).

[0040] A dedicated software module with a machine-user interface (preferably monitor, keyboard, mouse, or tablet, smart device or touch screen, etc.), allows the operator to enter into the database all of the relevant information elicited on the analysis request form; such information includes fields such as: a) form type; b) serial number; c) project; d) batch/lot 14; e) test type, etc.

[0041] Preferably, the system presents the information in the form of display tables and charts.
Dashboard views with search history function display the status of samples and corresponding release history. The system is preferably equipped to provide operators with e-mail notification when analyses are completed and samples/products/batches are released.

[0042] Module 2 is designed for managing inventory, monitoring performance parameters, data recording, secure storage, and convenient and controlled access to the stored items and the associated data.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Module 2 introduces a system, method and apparatus wherein each item (which needs to be inventoried, tracked, monitored and stored, such as HPLC or GC analytical columns and other expensive spare parts) is associated with (or placed inside) a Smart Holder device stored in a precise location inside a Smart storage Cabinet. Each Smart Holder is identified with an incorporated RFID tag. Smart Holders can have an open or a closed configuration, and can be in the form of trays, baskets, boxes, cylindrical containers,,envelopes, jars, or any similar devices (some preferred examples of which are depicted in Fig 5), suitable for holding a particular item and suitable for allowing subsequent removal or detaching of the item from such Smart Holder by a human user.

[0044] The use of an RFID-tagged Smart Holder to hold an item for tracking is more advantageous compared to attaching an RFID tag directly to a tracked item, since, in normal use, the tracked item may be exposed to extreme conditions of operation (high temperature, very low temperature, chemical environments, etc.) where common RFID tags would not normally survive.

[0045] Furthermore, an RFID tag permanently attached to a tracked item is generally lost when the tracked item is discarded at the end of the item's operational life; by contrast, a Smart Holder (and the RFID attached to it), as envisioned by Module 2 of the present invention, can be reused by simply being reassigned (via software) to another tracked item after the disposal of the old item.
KEY PARTS/COMPONENTS LIST OF MODULE 2 AS DEPICTED IN FIGS. 3-9

[0046] Smart Cabinet - Modified by inventor for current application. May be based upon, for example, a commercially available metal network cabinet or similar;

[0047] RFID reader and array of antennas. May be, for example, a Fieg MR 101 RFID Reader or similar;

[0048] Access panel/networked microcomputer. May be, for example a RCM-3700 micro-computer

[0049] Electronic interface board; custom built by inventor;

[0050] RFID reader; may be, for example a MR100- FIEG 13.56 MHz RFID reader, or similar;

[0051] Custom built Array of Antennas connected to an electronic interface /multiplexor board;

[0052] Smart Holder; may be, for example a bottom-sealed cylindrical polyethylene tube with a RFID tag attached.

[0053] Access controlled lock; may be, for example, an electromagnetic EC-C2000 lock;

[0054] Door sensor: may be, for example, a Reed Relay/permanent magnet assembly;

[0055] Custom built electronic interface board.
MODULE 2 DESCRIPTION (continued)

[0056] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, each unique RFID
attached to a Smart Holder is linked to a unique entry into a computerized database containing a record of the customizable data and information associated with the tracked item (such as:
identity of all past users, usage parameters, item's performance parameters before and after each use, available stock of similar or equivalent items, graphical information, etc.).

[0057] While the embodiments described herein teach mainly a method and apparatus for inventory, tracking, monitoring and storage of analytical HPLC columns, the present invention encompasses a much larger scope, being applicable to any situation requiring inventory management, tracking, monitoring and storage of unique items, with or without an associated electronic record of customizable performance data and information associated with each tracked item.

[0058] One preferred embodiment of Module 2 of the present invention is an apparatus comprising one or more Smart Cabinets, each Smart Cabinet being fitted with a microcomputer connected to a local computer network (via LAN or WAN), each Smart Cabinet therefore being identified by a certain IP address.

[0059] Each Smart Cabinet has one or more locking doors (front or/and back doors) and optional one or more internal shelves, and can accept inside a number of Smart Holders placed in predetermined positions inside the Smart Cabinet or on its shelves. Each Smart Holder is fitted with an RFID tag corresponding to a unique RFID.

[0060] Each Smart Cabinet is equipped with one or more RFID antenna(s) fitted inside the Smart Cabinet, operationally connected to least one RFID reader.

[0061] RFID Antenna(s) are configured so that they may read (scan) multiple RFID tags bidirectional, front and back relative to the plane on which RFID tags are placed. For a large Smart Cabinet with several shelves, each of the multiple antennas may be preferably positioned to cover (scan) a certain spatial region within the Smart Cabinet, so as to ensure full scanning coverage of the inside of the Smart Cabinet with several properly placed antennas,

[0062] A microcomputer commands the RFID reader to scan the RFID antennas and track (detect the presence or absence) of the Smart Holders placed within the Smart Cabinet sequentially, following a scanning algorithm when requested or when a door sensor detects the closing of the cabinet's door.

[0063] The same microcomputer that controls the scanning algorithm also controls a locking mechanism for opening and closing the door(s) and is configured with a separate interface for performing the identification of any users through a typed user name/password sequence or through a separate RFID reader and unique RFID user access cards issued to individual users.

[0064] Management of tracked items is performed by a variety of sequences of procedures that may include the following:

[0065] Procedure to Add New Item to Inventory: the new item's proprieties (name, serial number, performance data from the manufacturer, special instructions for use, restrictions, etc.) are entered by an operator into a computer data base, followed by the assignment of a chosen Smart Cabinet/shelf location, selected from the vacant locations offered by the system. The operator then physically attaches the item to a Smart Holder equipped with an RFID tag (e.g. if Smart Holder is a cylindrical container, the item is placed inside the container) and then places the Smart Holder (with the associated item in it) in the assigned location inside the Smart Cabinet. Upon the closing of the cabinet's door, the door sensor triggers a full inventory scan of all RFID tags inside the Smart Cabinet, for the purpose of confirming the addition of the new Smart Holder inside the cabinet and into the inventory.

[0066] Procedure for searching by different criteria, such as object name, allocated project, allocated internal code, other properties (length, diameter, etc.).

[0067] Procedure for comparing the critical performance parameters for two or more items of the same type, and for the making a reservation for the item of interest (software only). The reserved item cannot subsequently be signed out by anyone else except the user who made the reservation in the system.

[0068] Procedure for signing out an item: the user books the item of interest through the reservation system associated with the database, then the user accesses the Smart Cabinet (opening the door using his/her user name and password, or his/her RFID access card) and removes the reserved item from the Smart Cabinet. Once the selected item is removed from the Smart Cabinet and the door is closed, a full inventory scan is performed inside the Smart Cabinet in order to verify that the correct Smart Holder (corresponding to the software-checked out item) was indeed removed. If a user removes from the Smart Cabinet (intentionally or by error) a Smart Holder corresponding to an item other than the software-reserved item, the system detects the mismatch, displays a warning message and proceeds to allocate the actual removed item (s) as checked out by the logged user.

[0069] Procedure to return item: after each use of an item, the system will not allow a user to return a signed out item to the Smart Cabinet until the user first enters into the system a set of measurement values reflecting the performance parameters of the item at that particular time.
Only when this requirement is met, the system allows the return of the item to the Smart Cabinet and then confirms the return by performing a full inventory scan after detecting the closing of the door of the Smart Cabinet.

[0070] Procedure for analyzing stock and alert if the stock of certain items drops below a predetermined limit (software only).

[0071] Procedure to perform Inventory using custom design algorithm, scanning for non-present tag ID to prevent anti-collisions. Inventory is preferably performed in 2 steps: fast scan and full scan.
¨ fast scan predicts the spatial location within the Smart Cabinet (and, in the case of multiple antennas within the Smart Cabinet, predicts the nearest antenna which can scan that location) and only scans in that antenna;
- full scan involves a second pass scanning for all missing tags on each antenna to find missing or misplaced tags.
MODULE 3: E-WORKSTATION ORGANIZER

[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Module 3 comprises at least one of the following: one or more e-Bench Workstation(s), one or more e-Storage component(s) and one or more Communication Block(s).

[0073] As depicted in Figure 10, a typical e-Bench Workstation comprises a work Pad and an electronic label (e-Label) physically attached to the Pad and connected wirelessly (or wired) to a communication block. Multiple working Pads (with their e-Labels) may be placed on a larger, shared, laboratory bench to create multiple individual working stations.

[0074] The work Pad, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is a generally flat, thin pad, made of a chemically resistant material, laid on top of a larger, shared laboratory workbench, to provide and define a non-shared work area for an individual workstation.

[0075] The electronic label (e-Label), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is a device which combines the functionality of an RFID tag with an electronic display and communication device. An e-Label may display (e.g., dynamically/automatically changing) any job related information (as sent from the computer station (e-label server)), such as the analyst name, the particular task assigned to that e-Pad, etc. For bi-directional communication, e-Labels are fitted with one or more communication modules using WiFi or Ethernet cable, or any other wired or wireless protocol such as RF and Infrared (IR).

[0076] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the e-Labels also play (electronically and logically) the role of unique IDs for each workstation in the Module 3 system, and are recognized as such by the server software (client server and e-label server). In alternative embodiments, the e-Labels may also display (show) various messages and instructions for the operator.
e-Storage Components

[0077] A preferred embodiment of Module 3 of the present invention comprises the following e-Storage Components: one or more e-Storage Rack, several e-storage blocks, and several e-storage units. As seen in Fig. 11, an e-Storage Rack is typically a rack custom-design by the inventor herein (or it may be based upon, for example, a commercially available storage rack modified by inventor for current application) which accommodates multiple e-storage blocks. Each e-storage block has a unique location, monitored by dedicated software application.
Typically, an e-storage block is built of a chemical resistant material, and it consists of multiple e-storage units and an e-Label. Each e-storage block is able to accommodate a number of same type of e-storage units or a combination of types of e-storage units. Typically, an e-storage unit is a holding enclosure, custom designed by the inventor herein, functionally designed for the purpose of accommodating multiple items of different shape and size, i.e. laboratory glassware (analytical flasks, beakers etc.). In a preferred embodiment, each e-storage block is fitted with an e-Label as described above.
The Communication Block

[0078] Within Module 3 of the present invention, the Communication Block preferably consists of a computer station (client server and e-label server) and a wired or wireless communication station(s), which is a base station capable of 2-way encrypted data communication.

[0079] The computer station is equipped with a dedicated software program that manages multiple e-labels and displays requested data fields such as but not limited to location, date, user name, project name, batch name, test name.

[0080] The wired/wireless communication station has one or more Access Processors and transmits information from the server to each e-label via WiFi or Ethernet cable, or any other wired or wireless protocol such as RF and Infrared (IR). The communication station preferably uses RF or Infrared (IR) technology to wirelessly transmit/receive the aforementioned data to/from various locations of interest within the same Module 3, such as the e-Bench Workstation or to/from the e-Labels placed on each e-Storage Rack and/or e-Storage Block.
The data information is preferably transmitted to all locations simultaneously.

[0081] Through the software program, each analyst selects the e-Bench Workstation of interest and the associated e-Storage Rack(s) and e-Storage Block(s) required. To select an e-Bench Workstation, the analyst logS in into the software program using a unique username/password combination. The computer will display to the analyst a set of available e-Bench Workstations and locations on the e-storage rack. After the analyst has entered into the program the aforementioned data fields, an e-storage block location is selected by the analyst or is assigned by the software program to the analyst. Once the active work on the workstation is completed, the analyst is prompted to empty the allocated e-storage blocks and to confirm that the action was completed. The data from the e-storage blocks e-labels will be cleared, and the e-storage blocks will then be marked as available. Once the product (for which testing/analysis was commissioned) has been released, all the objects (solutions/glassware) associated with the now-completed task will be transferred/moved from the e-Bench workstation pad to the e-storage blocks and will be confirmed that the action was completed. At this point, the software will clear the e-Bench workstation and mark it as available for other tasks/assignments.

[0082] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious that such embodiments are provided by way of example only.
Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will occur to those of skill in the art without departing from the invention herein. For example, the Module 2 described herein can be used for managing inventory, monitoring performance parameters, data recording, secure storage, and convenient and controlled access to a large variety of other items placed in Smart Holders according to this invention, such as (the following list is not exhaustive):
- controlled substances;
- articles of jewellery;
- tools, consumable parts and spare-parts;
- documents and printed materials;
- sports equipment;
- cellphones and emergency items and items for self-defense and protection - CDs and DVDs and other storage media;
- rental items and items frequently borrowed;
- keys;
- any expensive items, etc.

Claims (6)

I claim:

1. An apparatus for inventorying, tracking, monitoring and storing items, said apparatus comprising:
- a controlled-access cabinet comprising at least one locking front door;
- one or more Smart Holder devices fitted with RFID tags and placed inside the controlled-access cabinet;
- an RFID reader;
- at least one antenna interfaced with the RFID reader and configured to communicate Radio Frequency (RF) signals with the one or more Smart Holder deVices inside the controlled-access cabinet, the at least one antenna disposed so as to identify the data embedded on the RFID tag located on at least some of the one or more Smart Holder devices placed within the controlled-access cabinet;
- a computer interfaced with the RFID reader, wherein the computer controls opening and closing of the locking front door, wherein the computer is configured to receive an input that identifies a user, and wherein the computer is configured to periodically record data read from the RFID tags by the RFID
reader.

2. A system and method.of inventorying, tracking, monitoring and storing items, using the apparatus of claim 1.

3. A system for tracking of sample testing requests, task assignment and task tracking, said system comprising:
- At least one hand-off folder fitted with an RFID tag;
- At least two computer station terminals equipped with RFID readers;
- Computer software for sample tracking, task assignment and task tracking.

4. A method for managing sample tracking, task assignment and task tracking, said method using the system of the previous claim.

5. A workstation organizer comprising:
- a work pad defining a work area for a job to be performed at a workstation;
- an e-label attached to the work pad, said e-label fitted with an electronic display screen and with means of bi-directional data communication with a control unit;
- an e-Storage Rack comprising at least one e-storage block, said e-storage block comprising at least one e-storage unit adapted to hold at least one item related to the job to be performed at the workstation.

6. A system and method for managing work to be performed at a plurality of workstations, said system and method using the workstation organizer of the previous claim.