ICBS Limited (ICBT)

[Rhinegold]

Great DD from Energy_Wave! AGAT Laboratories Provides Service Beyond Analysis

Elizabeth Warren

AGAT Laboratories' skilled staff, innovative technology, and customer-centric focus provide accuracy and innovation to its clients

Canadian-based AGAT Laboratories provides over 30 years of experience to the laboratory services industry and is the most geographically and technically diversified laboratory company in Canada. The company’s areas of expertise include chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, geology, engineering, and specialty analysis. AGAT’s 12 scientific divisions offer full-service solutions to the Environmental, Energy, Mining, Industrial, Transportation, Agri-Food, and Life Science industries.

Besides providing excellent laboratory services, AGAT prides itself on providing its clients with comprehensive customer service and care. This customer-focus is expressed through the company’s motto of “service beyond analysis.” This motto ensures that AGAT has a client-focused approach that provides accurate and innovation results.

Uniquely Canadian

AGAT Laboratories has a unique relationship with the communities it works in as it utilizes a locally-based ownership model. In the locally-based ownership model, the interests of AGAT are directly related to the interests of the Canadian community it is working in. AGAT recognizes the symbiotic relationship inherent in it business model and actively works to continually support and invest in its local communities. This attitude of local responsibility, which reflects the family values of development, diversification, and innovation, has made AGAT a leader in the laboratory services industry.


Continuous Quality and Improvement

AGAT continually strives for accurate quality results to ensure client satisfaction. Therefore, the company’s Quality Assurance Department is actively engaged in every aspect of the company’s operations. The Quality Assurance Department also researches and implements company-wide the latest best-documented practices. Also, analytical procedures are subject to blind and double-blind samples to secure validity and accuracy.

AGAT also institutes continuous improvement of systems, processes, and personnel through its Quality Assurance System. The Quality Assurance System works to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of AGAT’s services such as sample collecting, sample analysis, and data reporting.

Some of the aspects covered by the Quality Assurance System include documented procedures, preventative maintenance, non-conformance and corrective actions, and continuous improvement strategies. The Quality Assurance System also reviews client feedback from customer review forms to evaluate effectiveness and satisfaction. AGAT works to ensure industry compliance and client satisfaction.

Full Accreditation

AGAT Laboratories is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), the Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation (CALA), and the QMI-SAI Global. AGAT is also accredited by provinces throughout Canada. The company’s practices are consistent with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO/IEC 17025, Total Quality Management, and all methodologies published by the ASTM, GPA and UOP.

Technology

AGAT has its own Information Systems Department which researches and designs the most efficient and cost-effective technology for the company. The company’s Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) was designed by the IS department. It integrates information such as data capture, real-time statistical process control, and data integrity checking. AGAT also utilizes the Work Load Control System which enables a constant monitoring of samples throughout the laboratory process. This system promotes efficiency through a prioritizing tool and a reporting tool called “jobs in progress” which is viewable to lab managers and supervisors. The Work Load Control System also has an internal monitoring system that tracks staff saturation and instrument workflow.

AGAT also offers customers a full range of specialized online tools such as data trending and customizing reports. These tools include: WebEARTH, WebFLUIDS, WebAIR, WebOILSANDS, WebMINING, WebFOOD, and WebOasis.


Culture and Training of Employees

A major asset for AGAT is its highly skilled and knowledgeable staff and the company provides comprehensive training programs for its employees. Training is divided into two main categories of business leadership and industry competence. Programs include management and leadership, total quality management systems, quality assurance and quality control techniques.

No Stop in Expansion

AGAT Laboratories is constantly growing and expanding. The company has opened several new laboratories in Canada in the past few years such as the Terrace Laboratory which opened in August of 2011. AGAT has also been working on expanding existing facilities such as the Calgary Oilsands Science Centre which has added 3,000 square feet. The company plans to continue to offer its comprehensive laboratory services both to Canadian companies and to international companies.






source:
http://www.businessreviewcanada.ca/reports/AGAT-Laboratories