Precision and efficiency in BASF | Nunhems’ lab automation journey

Breda, 23 January 2025

At BASF | Nunhems, innovation and customer-centric solutions are key to delivering value across the vegetable supply chain. Operating under the Nunhems brand, BASF goes beyond providing vegetable seeds, offering tailored partnerships and solutions that address the evolving needs of growers, processors, plant raisers, dealers, traders, retailers, and the food service industry. The High Throughput (HTP) Molecular Biology Laboratory exemplifies this approach by delivering specialized genotyping services for internal breeding, molecular genetics, and quality assurance teams.

“The complexity of our workflows required a system that could handle high throughput while ensuring precision at every step.” – Marijn Munnecom, Project Manager

Marijn Munnecom, Project Manager of Lab Automation at BASF, shares that the lab faced a critical need for accurate and efficient tracking of samples and plates. Hundreds of 96-well and 384-well plates are utilized daily for DNA extractions, genotyping, and DNA storage. Each step requires robust monitoring and tracking with unique identifiers to maintain data integrity across various processes. To address this challenge, the lab sought a solution to streamline plate labeling, minimize errors, and improve process efficiency.

The introduction of the Heron platform marked a pivotal transformation. By automating the labeling process, the platform eliminated the need for manual plate labeling, which had previously been time-consuming and prone to inconsistencies. The seamless integration of barcode reading into robotic and workflow management systems significantly enhanced the lab’s operations. This automation not only saved valuable time but also standardized the labeling process, reducing errors and improving overall reliability.

One of its standout features is its robust and reproducible labeling capability, a critical component in maintaining consistency across high-throughput operations. Before implementing the system, hand-labeling led to variations in barcode placement, which affected scanning accuracy. Now, labeling tasks can run in parallel with other activities, or even during non-business hours, maximizing productivity.

“The Heron platform has become an integral part of our lab’s success,
helping us achieve a level of consistency and reliability that manual labeling simply could not provide.” – Marijn Munnecom, Project Manager

The platform has consistently met expectations by handling the lab’s demanding throughput while delivering quality improvements. The stability and reliability of the Heron platform have proven invaluable, with the only errors occurring due to plate quality rather than the labeling system itself. Colleagues at the HTP Lab describe it as an indispensable tool for daily genotyping tasks.

Collaboration with LAB Services played a critical role in the successful deployment of this solution. From the initial inquiry through implementation, the experience was marked by open and transparent communication. LAB Services carefully analyzed BASF’s User Requirement Specification (URS), engaging in detailed discussions to ensure that every need was met. This thoughtful and structured approach fostered a partnership that both parties view as long-term and mutually beneficial.

Looking ahead, there are opportunities to further adapt and expand the platform. Since its installation in 2018, the system has been enhanced with a dedicated database and barcode generator tailored to specific workflows. As future process changes may reduce labeling activities, the platform’s flexibility allows for adaptation to new needs, supporting new assays, devices, and evolving workflows, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of current operations. BASF | Nunhems appreciates LAB Services’ willingness to embrace challenges and partner closely on the journey of lab automation.

The Heron platform’s impact and the partnership with LAB Services highlight how tailored automation solutions can transform complex lab processes, driving efficiency, accuracy, and scientific advancement.