JSB
Unlocking Automation Excellence in the Pharmaceutical Industry

In the dynamic laboratory automation space, having a reliable partner with in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of existing and emerging technology innovations and process advancements is critical.

This is where JSB steps in as a powerful force.

With a rich legacy spanning two decades, it is an established trailblazer in customised automation solutions, particularly within highly regulated environments like the pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries.

JSB’s position as a trusted partner is driven by its ability to holistically guide every project, from inception to successful fruition, with a remarkable ability to adapt to the ever-evolving automation landscape.

Synonymous with innovation, precision, and reliability, its expertise spans various areas, including multidimensional chromatography and liquid chromatography/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. JSB is making significant strides in the field of automation, with its current strategic focus squarely on developing cutting-edge automation systems that prioritise efficiency and user-friendliness, setting new standards within the pharmaceutical industry.

“Building essential components in-house, we’ve reached a point where we can craft custom solutions for tasks traditionally considered hard to automate,” says Andrew Ward, senior technical specialist and service manager at JSB.

In the pharmaceutical industry, where precision and efficiency are not merely desirable but absolute imperatives, meeting the demand for customised automation solutions has been a persistent challenge. Previously, stringent regulations like 21 CFR Part 11 posed difficulties due to software recording requirements, but these obstacles are now largely overcome.

JSB is known to consistently navigate these intricacies through its tailor-made automation solutions. The CTC platform used by JSB stands out for its versatility. Another system that has garnered recognition in the pharmaceutical sector is its MFx fraction collector, the largest capacity product available in the market. It is purposefully designed to optimise fraction collection for the sharpest peaks, the maximum dependability, and the greatest ease of use.

Clients predominantly seek comprehensive automation solutions where a sample’s presentation triggers seamless processes, including preparation, analysis, and automatic result interpretation.

Addressing this, JSB has developed systems achieving complete automation, encompassing all steps from sample analysis to data interpretation while providing user alerts in case of sample failure.

One of the notable challenges it encounters is the widespread lack of awareness regarding the potential for automating certain manual tasks. Often, individuals attending conferences express interest but mistakenly believe that specific tasks, such as filtration, are insurmountable obstacles. JSB is mitigating this misconception by demonstrating the feasibility of automation. It invites businesses to send samples and highlights the value of automating processes, effectively showcasing the proficiencies of their systems.

JSB believes in guiding clients through the automation of their workflows, unlike many vendors that simply provide a system and leave them to navigate it on their own. This engagement strategy involves visiting clients, closely observing their manual processes, and implementing tailored automated solutions.

We’ve reached a point where we can enhance automation by crafting custom solutions for tasks that are traditionally resistant to it, building essential components in-house

In cases where geographical distances between its demo facilities and the client’s location pose challenges, JSB can display a robot performing a process on live streams and engage in real-time discussions, where users can ask their queries and get prompt responses regardless of location constraints.

In contrast to some of the larger chromatography suppliers entering the realm of basic automated sample preparation solutions, JSB leverages its expert team of engineers to deliver innovative and customized solutions that go beyond the basics. Unburdened by software constraints or sales limitations, they offer exceptional customisation and innovation.

A recent project involving a laboratory engaged in Kevlar production provides a compelling illustration of its competencies. They were seeking a fully automated solution, and JSB delivered. It observed their manual processes and crafted a tailored automation solution, which included a customised weighing station for precise measurements and sample type specification.

Following this step, the samples are transferred to a robot’s tray, where the RFID-tagged bottles are scanned to determine the necessary preparation methods, configure parameters like GC settings, execute sample preparation and injection, and finally categorise them based on predefined criteria.

JSB’s boundless creativity and expertise are rewriting the automation playbook, ushering in a transformative new era in automation.