Time-to-market is critical to the success of many businesses. High throughput technologies are laboratory methods that streamline the process of taking a new product from discovery through to production.

They are used in the life sciences, chemical and manufacturing sectors, where they enable business to screen, and experiment with, compounds and formulations for use in healthcare products, household cleaning products, agrochemicals, paints etc. The key components of high throughput technology are miniaturization, automation and parallelization.

High Throughput Screening (HTS) solves the problem of how to screen thousands of compounds for desirable pharmaceutical behaviour against a given target by automating the assaying process. The success of high throughput screening is built on advances in the batch handling capability of laboratory instruments, and also in the development of software to automate laboratory processes. HTS arose in the life sciences sector, but is now also used the chemicals industry.

High Throughput Experimentation (HTE) solves problems such as how to find the best combination of dozens of smoothing agents, fillers, thickeners, emollients and perfumes to make a good shampoo. HTE gives scientists a more intelligent way of designing multiple experiments. It both replaces and complements traditional research practices by incorporating advances in data modelling, experimental design, automation and data management into a single cohesive system.

Support Infrastructure
High throughout techniques require integration of IT infrastructure and automated laboratory equipment, and demand the support of scientists, engineers, statisticians and modellers. There is a wide range of solutions, from spreadsheet macros to full-blown LIMS/SCADA systems that are scaleable and reliable but require commitment and capital.