Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are an essential addition to modern laboratories, owing to their ability to automate numerous systems and processes.
In this article, we’re going to discuss 10 key lab automation features of LIMS software, and why they’re important.
1. Automated Data Capture
An effective LIMS software will directly integrate with laboratory instruments, such as microscopes or spectrometers, facilitating raw data capture and input into the system.
This automated process reduces the risk of human error whilst improving data accuracy within the lab; both of which impact result replicability and integrity.
2. Task Scheduling
Through allocating tasks, to personnel and equipment, and managing resources, LIMS software keeps lab operations efficient and streamlined through automated task scheduling.
This lab automation feature supports labs in balancing workloads, and ensuring equipment is being efficiently utilized.
3. Optimized Workflows
LIMS automates, standardizes and coordinates complex workflows within the lab; from providing step-by-step guidance on each process to notifying lab personnel of their upcoming responsibilities.
The automation of time-consuming logistical processes frees up the time of lab personnel to work on other high-leverage tasks.
4. Automated Compliance
Compliance is a top priority for most labs, particularly those in competitive fields such as pharmaceuticals. Effective LIMS software automatically keeps all records compliant with ever-changing regulations, through features such as automated time-stamping.
Automated compliance protects intellectual property whilst preventing labs from facing time-consuming penalties.
5. Remote Access & Collaboration
A crucial lab automation feature of the LIMS is its ability to be accessed remotely. Most LIMS software are cloud-based, meaning researchers can access from anywhere in the world on any device.
This remote access improves external collaboration, which in turn can speed up and optimize decision-making.
6. Automated Calculations
Lab personnel can use LIMS software to calculate results and interpret complex data, which would otherwise be a time-consuming manual task.
This LIMS automation feature reduces the risk of human error that comes with complex calculations, whilst improving data accuracy.
7. Reporting & Documentation
A key lab automation feature of LIMS is the generation, delivery and standardization of documentation; including certificates, labels and reports.
Manual reporting and documentation is an inefficient bottleneck in lab operations; by automating this process, lab personnel are free to do more science and less administration.
8. Inventory Management
Labs manage vast amounts of materials, equipment, reagents and consumables, therefore an organized inventory is a crucial element of an effective lab. Key features of a LIMS include sending low-level alerts to lab personnel and generating a searchable database of all inventory.
This lab automation feature saves time and keeps operations efficient, as lab personnel can easily keep on top of ordering.
9. Automated Training
From a compliance perspective, it’s imperative that labs stay up to date with staff training. LIMS software can be used to automatically coordinate and manage training schedules, notifying lab personnel of upcoming training.
Managing the training schedules of lab personnel can be logistically challenging, so automating this process enables management to focus on higher priority tasks.
10. Sample Tracking & Storage
From the moment it’s inducted into the lab until the end of its lifecycle, samples are tracked and managed by LIMS software. The samples are stored in a centralized database, and are automatically assigned a unique barcode for seamless tracking and management.
Automated tracking makes searching for and locating data much simpler for lab personnel, whilst reducing the risk of mislabeling or misplacing samples.
LIMS software is an essential lab automation tool, used to automate numerous manual tasks, reduce the risk of human error and increase data accuracy and integrity. By implementing an effective LIMS software, labs will benefit from faster processing, increased efficiency, and greater replicability of results.
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