How Terraform on AWS Streamlined Data Pipelines and Enhanced Research Validation
Operating in the high-stakes field of biotechnology, this life sciences client focuses on breakthrough research and innovation. For early-stage startups in this space, efficient data management and transparency are paramount, as research validation and securing funding are critical to success.
In 2023, escalating scrutiny and growing pressure to deliver results pushed the client to prioritize building reliable, automated, and transparent data pipelines.
The Challenge
The biotechnology industry faces unique challenges, including:
Data Authenticity
Ensuring the integrity of research data to withstand scrutiny.
Operational Efficiency
Creating automated workflows to save time and reduce human error.
Cost Optimization
Managing cloud costs while scaling operations effectively.
The client sought a solution to streamline and automate mission-critical data pipelines while enhancing research validation. Achieving these goals required integrating advanced scientific workflow systems with a robust cloud infrastructure.
The Solution
PTP, leveraging Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Terraform, collaborated with the client to design a cutting-edge solution:
AWS Well-Architected Review
Conducted a thorough review to understand the client’s existing pipelines and workflows.
Nextflow Integration
Used Nextflow to programmatically link multiple scientific software tools (e.g., Cell Ranger, Seurat, Picard, Star Aligner) with AWS resources, including EC2, ELB, Auto Scaling, Lambda, and Fargate.
Service Catalog Implementation
Created controlled, repeatable compute environments using EC2 Image Builder and AWS Service Catalog. This enabled research teams to independently launch pipelines securely and efficiently.
Terraform Templates
Automated infrastructure deployment using Terraform templates, ensuring version control through AWS CodeCommit. Updates to components (e.g., software upgrades) triggered automatic redeployments.
Cost Optimization
Integrated AWS CloudWatch, SQS, and Lambda to monitor and terminate idle resources, reducing unnecessary expenses.
This comprehensive approach transformed the client’s research process into an automated, repeatable, and adjustable workflow.
Fig 1. Terraform and Service Catalog Automation for Life Sciences Data Pipelines on AWS.
The Outcome
Research Validation
Streamlined pipelines improved the transparency and reliability of research data.
Operational Efficiency
Automated workflows reduced human error and accelerated research timelines.
Cost Savings
Dynamic resource management cut unnecessary cloud costs through automation.
Scalability
The infrastructure now supports future growth with minimal manual intervention.
Enhanced Security
Governance policies and AWS Managed AD ensured compliance and protected sensitive data.
Fig 2. Terraform and AWS Service Catalog Deployment for Automated Life Sciences Workflows.
Ready to Automate and Optimize Your Workflows?
PTP’s expertise in AWS CloudOps and DevOps can help your organization build efficient, scalable, and cost-effective workflows. Learn More about PTP’s CloudOps Service for Accelerating Science on AWS.
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