Modern laboratories are filled with various instruments that are essential for running vital experiments and studies. These instruments generate vast amounts of data, which is challenging for lab workers to store and manage manually. A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a robust informatics system that makes managing and organizing information more efficient.
A LIMS plays a crucial role in addressing all the data management challenges faced by modern labs. It provides a centralized platform for storing and accessing data, sample tracking and workflow automation. The results are improved accuracy and reliability of results, as well as enhanced productivity through the automation of manual processes.
What does a LIMS system do?
A LIMS serves as a centralized database for organizing, tracking and analyzing data generated in a laboratory. This can include samples, experiment results and even quality control guidelines. A LIMS is designed to automate and streamline lab management and operations, making it easier for lab workers to efficiently manage the lifecycle of samples from collection to disposal, without relying on spreadsheets or paper-based methods.
LIMS typically feature tools to make data entry, storage, retrieval and analysis easier. For example, data from various lab instruments and devices can be fed into the LIMS. In addition, laboratory personnel and researchers often have templates to fill out when entering data. This ensures consistency and accuracy compared to each individual recording their findings in individual lab notebooks.
Ultimately, a LIMS contributes to improved collaboration among laboratory workers and staff, which enhances productivity and efficiency, and improves turnaround times, in lab operations. Learn more about the benefits of a LIMS system.
Core features of a modern LIMS
A modern LIMS includes many core functions that define these systems and ensure solutions to today’s laboratory problems.
Sample management and tracking
Sample tracking helps laboratories monitor the status of samples throughout their lifecycle, beginning from the moment they arrive in the lab through to the testing process and storage. All information about a sample is stored with precision and accuracy, including its ID, collection date, source and chain of custody. This is achieved through methods like RFID tagging, sample registration and real-time monitoring.
Sample tracking helps prevent data loss as the samples move between different teams. It also ensures traceability and reduces the risk of human error.
Storage organization
This specific feature helps lab personnel keep track of where a sample is stored during its journey through the laboratory. The LIMS typically saves storage information in a specific hierarchy.
This makes locating samples easier in busy, high-throughput laboratories. A lab worker can simply log into the system to find where a sample is stored rather than asking multiple co-workers.
Protocol execution
Each lab has a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that every employee should adhere to in order to achieve workflow standardization. A LIMS digitizes these steps and ensures that lab personnel, regardless of their specific role, carry out various laboratory processes in the correct order, as per the protocols.
Two important features that are used in a LIMS to ensure protocol execution include built-in templates and automated workflows. The former ensures accurate data entry, and the latter assigns samples to the right personnel according to who is authorized to run the protocol.
This ensures reproducible test results and data integrity, while also following regulatory compliance.
Good-to-have features of a modern LIMS system
A LIMS system includes additional features that aid in the system’s usability and improve lab efficiency.
Barcode labeling
For optimal organization of workflows, every item in a laboratory should be labeled and tracked. A LIMS assigns a unique barcode to every sample, tracks it throughout its lifecycle through the laboratory, and stores information about its history, teams, storage and the previous processes it has been through.
This reduces the risk of errors associated with manual data entry and makes it easier for lab personnel to track samples and retrieve information, increasing productivity.
External user portals
An external user portal in a LIMS is a great feature for laboratories processing samples provided by clients. They help facilitate collaboration and communication between lab personnel and external stakeholders by storing all the data on the same platform. Users can submit samples, track their progress, view results and reports and communicate with lab staff electronically. This all contributes to enhanced transparency and improved client satisfaction.
Staff training management
Training your laboratory personnel is essential to ensuring they’re prepared to perform their tasks safely and effectively.
A LIMS makes training management easier by enabling laboratory managers to identify training needs and plan and schedule training sessions. It also records training and competency reports and monitors staff performance for quality assurance.
The main benefits of a modern LIMS system
Data centralization
A LIMS stores all laboratory data in a single, accessible platform. Researchers, analysts and other personnel can quickly access all necessary information without having to spend time searching for data on various systems.
A centralized data repository within a LIMS improves team collaboration, allowing them to share data and collaborate on projects in real time, even if they aren’t present in the same lab. This ensures consistency across experiments and reduces the risk of errors associated with manual data handling.
Inventory management
A LIMS holds information about samples, reagents, consumables and equipment. It allows personnel to track inventory levels and receive automated alerts for low-stock or expiring materials. This enables them to streamline the ordering and procurement process to maintain optimal inventory levels while reducing downtime and minimizing waste.
Study management
A LIMS makes it easier to streamline clinical research data from all channels within a unified system. The system links clinical research samples with relevant studies, helps organize study protocols and assigns tasks to team members. Encryption also ensures data is secure, which aids in regulatory compliance.
With LIMS, labs can streamline sample collection, chain of custody and result collection through automated workflows and electronic data exchange, improving efficiency and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Instrumentation tracking
It is important to track and maintain instruments on a regular basis to avoid downtime and remain compliant.
A LIMS allows laboratories to monitor instrument usage, maintenance schedules, calibration records and service history. They also alert and notify lab personnel when preventive maintenance tasks are pending or overdue, helping ensure instruments are always operating optimally and can generate reliable results.
Key differences between traditional LIMS and modern LIMS system
A modern LIMS has evolved significantly over the years. Here’s how the modern LIMS software solution compares to its traditional counterpart.
Instead of being installed on-premises with data stored on a laboratory’s local servers, modern LIMS use cloud-based servers that allow easier scalability and accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection (sometimes known as SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) LIMS). This also reduces IT infrastructure costs.
Whilst older types of LIMS system had less user-friendly interfaces that required extensive training, modern systems prioritize user experience with intuitive interfaces with features such as drag-and-drop functionality, customizable dashboards and mobile compatibility. This promotes user adoption and productivity.
Modern LIMS also offer pre-built integrations with an array of laboratory instruments and systems that reduce implementation time and costs. Previous systems required complex processes that required time-consuming custom development efforts.
With an older LIMS system, they only offer basic data management and accessibility with data stored in silos and access restricted to users within the premises. However, newer systems feature advanced capabilities, including centralized data storage, version control, audit trails and role-based access control. All this enables real-time access from anywhere, which facilitates greater collaboration among global teams.
Regarding scalability and flexibility, an older LIMS system requires significant time and resources to upscale or adapt to a laboratory’s new processes. Modern laboratory information management systems have simplified this, allowing laboratories to adjust capacity, add new functionalities and adapt workflows to suit your specific needs through configuration rather than custom development. Automatic updates and feature enhancements are also available without disrupting operations.
How a LIMS differs from an Electronic Lab Notebook
Though they appear to have similar functions, a LIMS and an Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) serve different purposes.
A LIMS system streamlines laboratory operations by making data, sample and workflow management easier. It is typically designed to improve efficiency, traceability and compliance in the laboratory through functions like sample registration, tracking and storage, inventory management, instrument integration and quality control.
On the other hand, an ELN documents experimental data and procedures and can be implemented alongside a LIMS system. It serves as a digital counterpart to paper lab notebooks and allows researchers to record, organize and share experimental data, observations and procedures.
When to consider LIMS implementation
A LIMS serves as an ideal data management solution for a lab of any size. If you’re contemplating whether to invest in and implement a LIMS, here are a few factors to consider:
- Does your laboratory deal with large volumes of samples, diverse data types and complex workflows? If so, then a LIMS can streamline data management, improve accuracy and enhance overall efficiency.
- Do you operate in an industry (pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, healthcare) that is subject to stringent regulatory standards related to data integrity, traceability and auditability? If you do, then a LIMS can help ensure compliance with respective regulations through data tracking, audit trails and security features.
- Is your laboratory experiencing growth or does it have plans to expand its services? If yes, then implementing a LIMS early on can provide a scalable platform to accommodate increasing data volumes and complexity, as well as evolving workflow requirements.
In addition to these benefits, a Laboratory Information Management System fosters collaboration among laboratory staff, facilitates data sharing and enables integration with other systems or instruments, further enhancing productivity and innovation.
What is the best modern LIMS system on the market?
Offering greater efficiency, productivity and compliance benefits, it is clear why laboratories these days rely on a LIMS to achieve operational success. However, choosing the ideal LIMS for your lab will depend on your unique needs and goals.
Sapio’s highly-rated LIMS is designed to meet your lab’s specific requirements and includes features such as advanced sharing and permission functionality, continuous updates, customer support, external user portals, storage management and customizable dashboards. Contact us to learn how our LIMS can be integrated into your lab environment.
