Mobile Analytik

• Forschungsstelle: METAS
• Projektnummer: F-5240.30112

Schlüsselwörter (Englisch)

Mobile analytics, physical inspection, on-site inspection, handheld devices, Raman, FTIR, MS

Kurzbeschreibung (Englisch)

Analysis outside of a stationary laboratory infrastructure is in many cases a very useful measure: it provides answers without wasting time, circumvents the complicated and quality-reducing sample handling (sampling, packaging, shipping, unpacking, etc.), makes applications more flexible and speeds up the process. It can be assumed that, due to these advantages, there is generally a great interest in such applications and a correspondingly designed service is in demand. The technology for the mobile use of analyzers is developing rapidly, so that increasingly complex issues can be dealt with in a reliable manner. However, the development of such an analysis is not trivial: instruments must maintain a high reliability even under rough conditions (vibrations, temperature changes etc.) and operated and maintained under favorable conditions and by sufficiently trained professionals. With the intention to build competencies in the field of mobile analytics and to offer interested customers a high-value service, METAS will record the current state of mobile measurement technologies and evaluate the market potential in mobile analytics for the administration and third parties. To get an overview of the current state of the art, visits of special events and talks with manufacturers and users are planned. The following public and private institutions in Switzerland and abroad are considered as study objects: swissmedic, Labor Spiez, SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance SA); abroad, the Hungarian and Dutch customs administration. The market potential is evaluated with potential clients of the administration (Federal Customs Administration, FOEN, BLV, BAG, cantonal laboratories) and third parties (alcosuisse, chemical industry and environmental laboratories).

Projektziele (Englisch)

• The state of the art and applicability of mobile analytical technologies is evaluated and reported.
• The market potential for mobile analytics services is evaluated and reported. 

Abstract (Englisch)

AP Technology: the investigation revealed a variety of technologies used. The focus is on spectroscopic methods (Ra-man, FTIR, XRF), but also gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (MS, IMS). The devices are robust and in some cases specifically optimized for certain applications. Their operation is designed for personnel with little scientific knowledge, which means that the quality of the results is not always optimal. There are also "rolling" laboratories in use, i.e. vehicles that are equipped (air conditioning, thermostatization, suspension, etc.) in such a way that normal laboratory equipment can be used. With technical progress, more and more measuring principles are becoming applicable in more and more areas of application for mobile use (NMR, bio-chemical processes, etc.).

AP Market analysis: Mobile analytics has great potential because it allows rapid statements and decisions to be made on site on the basis of objective measurements. Due to the many technologies already available (see AP Technology), applications are conceivable in many areas and it can be assumed that the potential customer base is large. In many cases, however, there is strong competition from proven and inexpensive "classic" laboratory analyses. In addition to the technical feasibility and the requirements for the quality of the results, the added value compared to laboratory analysis must therefore also be demonstrated in order for mobile analysis to be considered. The offer consists of many small, specialized providers, large analytical service providers are hardly represented. Larger companies often also implement in-house solutions.

An analysis of the market potential has shown that smaller companies in particular could be interested in mobile analytics offerings, as they lack the resources and expertise to set up and operate their own structures. However, the investigation of such industries with smaller company sizes has shown that there is currently little interest in offering mobile analytics. It is therefore not currently worthwhile for METAS to develop such services. However, the rapid technological development should continue to be monitored and opportunities, particularly with existing customers, should be exploited

Umsetzung und Anwendungen (Englisch)

The project does not trigger any immediate follow-up actions in the form of applications. It has become apparent that METAS's entry into mobile analytics is not promising enough at the present time. There are no concrete starting points on which an offer could be built. However, due to the very dynamic development in this field, it is important to keep an eye on mobile analytics. This means that the technical possibilities should be clarified periodically and the topic should be addressed with existing and new customers in order to take advantage of any opportunities that arise.