WebCitz started working with this client in 2022
- Client: Badger Labs
- Platform: WordPress
- Industry: Science / Technology, Government / Community
- Services: Web Development, Digital Marketing, Maintenance / Support, Web Hosting
The Challenge
Badger Labs, a premier environmental testing laboratory specializing in water and wastewater analysis, relied on a custom-built PHP Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to manage their entire operation. Unfortunately, the system had been poorly architected by a previous developer, resulting in frequent bugs and unstable reporting. Additionally, their infrastructure was hosted on a misconfigured Azure setup costing over $1,000 per month. Because Badger Labs works closely with the Wisconsin DNR, they required a partner who could stabilize their backend, reduce overhead, and ensure seamless reporting for their clients.
The WebCitz Solution
WebCitz stepped in as a technical rescue and long-term modernization partner:
- LIMS Logic & Bug Remediation: We performed a deep audit of the custom PHP framework to identify and fix critical bugs within the LIMS. This involved stabilizing the core systems responsible for water sample tracking, collection data, and project management.
- Infrastructure Migration & Cost Optimization: We successfully migrated the entire environment from Azure to our high-performance managed servers. This move reduced their monthly hosting costs by a significant margin while actually improving the speed and stability of the system.
- Advanced Document & Report Automation: We refined the system’s PDF generation engine, ensuring that lab results and technical reports are generated accurately and formatted professionally for submission to state agencies and private clients.
- Secure Client Portal & API Integration: We are currently redeveloping the WordPress frontend to improve the user experience. This includes an API bridge that allows Badger Labs’ customers to log in and securely pull specific data from the backend LIMS, providing them with real-time access to their own testing reports.
- Regulatory Reliability: Our ongoing maintenance ensures that the system meets the high standards required for DNR-related work, providing a smooth, functional interface for both lab technicians and the project managers overseeing environmental compliance.
The Result
By untangling the technical debt of the original LIMS and optimizing the hosting environment, WebCitz has provided Badger Labs with a stable, professional, and cost-effective digital infrastructure. The transition from a “haphazard” system to a reliable enterprise-grade platform has allowed Badger Labs to focus on their vital environmental work, confident that their data management and reporting systems are being handled by experts.
