January 14, 2021. Exploring modern technologies, BAFS developed an online laboratory profiling system, dubbed as “BLOPS”, and deployed it to DA laboratories in September 2020 in order to support the needs of our farmers in locating which laboratories offer specific services.
This new working tool system provides information on general laboratory profile, such as its locations, laboratory services offered, type of samples analyzed, equipment inventory and status of laboratory compliances of DA Laboratories at national and regional levels. When accessing the information through the online system, the user may opt to narrow the selection based on selected information only. The computerized system offers some definite advantages over paper-based systems in terms of increased efficiency in data collection, organization, storage, reporting, and transmission.
As of November 2020, a total of 188 laboratories have been profiled. The information gathered will be used by BAFS and DA laboratories in planning future strategies and identifying developmental activities. This year, the system will undergo further expansion towards providing quick and readily accessible laboratory information to stakeholders, not only DA agencies, but most especially farmers and fisherfolk.
The profiling system is a milestone for BAFS in its efforts to support the goal of the Department in strengthening its National and Regional Laboratory services. It was a collaborative effort of the Laboratory Services Division, BAFS IT personnel, and DA Laboratory personnel addressing the technical, administrative management and programming aspects of a laboratory tool. ###