Case studies: Food & Beverage

Matrix Gemini LIMS Implemented in Just 6 Months to Provide Essential Metrics For Flour and Grain Milling Business Decisions

Solution: LIMS

Ardent Mills

Ardent Mills Logo

Ardent Mills has implemented the Matrix Gemini Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) across the three laboratories in its Denver-based Innovation Center. In an implementation taking just 6 months the LIMS has not only improved the efficiency of sample management and tracking within the laboratories, but is feeding information into the company's data warehouse to facilitate key business decisions.

Ardent Mills was established as a joint venture between ConAgra Foods, Cargill and CHS in 2014. With more than 35 community flour mills and blending facilities throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, the company offers the broadest range of premium multi-use flours, whole grains, mixes, and custom multigrain blends.

CHALLENGES

  • To improve sample tracking
  • Monitor and improve efficiency

SOLUTION

matrix-lims

RESULTS

  • Improved laboratory efficiency
  • Improved turnround times
  • Improved sample tracking
  • Better service to mills

“Within 25 minutes of talking to the Autoscribe specialists at Pittcon it was clear that they were super knowledgeable and understood what we were trying to achieve.”

Ardent Mills

In 2016, it opened its Innovation Center in Denver, Colorado, USA to drive product development, grain quality and culinary creativity. This features lab-size test mills, a wheat quality laboratory, and a product evaluation bakery. The Analytical Lab conducts wet chemistry and dough rheology testing to ensure that customers are getting consistent flour on a day-to-day basis. The Bake Lab is also dedicated to assessing quality and consistency, as well as to experimenting with the baking process. The R&D Applications Lab provides the setting, resources, and expertise for working side-by-side with customers to innovate for commercial product development.