APATA is a Java based intranet solution, which allows access to all experimental data gathered at the Degussa High Performance Polymer R&D Deptartment. APATA offers easy navigation through the different steps of the material development process. The system is designed to support the use of standardized test conditions. If needed however, any process or test parameter can be modified and will be stored in the database. APATA also includes different kinds of reporting tools integrated with MS Office.

Another feature of APATA is its lab order management system with order management and online order tracking. This allows engineers and researchers to define internal orders for material development and tests and follow their development online. After being released by the relevant process owner the test results and reports are made available in the central database.

Before building the APATA database, M-Base database designers carried out a large-scale pre-study in close cooperation with the potential users of the system to evaluate all necessary data structures and functionalities. This extensive process is a vital step for ensuring maximum efficiency of the material information system and in achieving the approval of future users.