A Laboratory information management system (LIMS) is a powerful addition to your lab operations, but in such a saturated market, choosing the right one is just as important.
Your choice might depend on a number of variables; including budget, the needs of your lab, architectural preferences, support requirements and more.
Before we take a look at how to choose a LIMS, it’s important to understand what they do.
LIMS is a sample-centric software used to manage laboratory samples and workflows, organizing all data, tests and processes into one organized system. They are most commonly used by research facilities in fields such as biotech researching, pharmaceutical and environmental sciences.
As the demands on scientific R&D grow, so does the need for intelligent technology to cope with workload.
LIMS software supports labs in streamlining operations and workflows, facilitating the automation of mundane or time-consuming tasks, reducing the risk of human error with manual data entry, and integrating with other lab software or equipment.
In essence, LIMS software effortlessly completes the work of multiple people and can be instrumental in scaling your lab.
1. Understand your lab requirements
Before you begin research, identify the key requirements and logistical aspects of your lab; this will help in narrowing down the overwhelming choice.
Some initial considerations include how many personnel would require access to the LIMS, or whether your lab has international sites that require coordination and support with multiple languages.
Understanding the types of samples you process in your lab is essential in selecting the most appropriate LIMS software.
For example, bioinformatics labs would benefit from LIMS software that integrates with bioinformatics software for genomic data analysis. Equally, a pharmaceutical lab would probably be more interested in robust security features and automated regulatory compliance.
2. Architecture
Cloud-based LIMS software offers greater flexibility and scalability for your lab; users can easily access the software from any of their devices anywhere in the world.
Equally, LIMS software that requires an on-site server provides more robust security than its cloud-based counterpart.
When comparing the architectural options of a LIMS software, it’s important to establish which benefits are more relevant to your specific operation.
3. Easy Integration with Existing Systems
Integration between other software or equipment is a crucial consideration for your LIMS provider. By automating time-consuming tasks, such as manual data entry, LIMS software can also reduce the risk of human error.
For example, for bioinformatic labs that require integration with specialized software for protein analysis or genomic sequencing, a LIMS software that facilitates a smooth data sync between the two programs would be the best choice.
4. Customization
Implementing a LIMS with intuitive customization options is important if you have plans to scale and grow your operation. Your software should be able to handle increased data, agile workflows and general expansion.
When choosing an optimum LIMS software, it’s essential to identify the core requirements of your lab, including customization options, architectural preferences, and other logistical features that will impact your operation.
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