What is a LIMS?
A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a software-based solution which is an integral component of a lab’s digital transformation strategy as it enhances lab productivity and efficiency by effectively managing data related to samples, experiments, workflows, and instruments. The modern LIMS has transformed from a sample-based tracking system to become the digital backbone of the lab. Acting as an additional member of the team, a LIMS automates workflows and tracks important lab information such as samples, data, workflows, and results. However, a LIMS offers more than just information management – it enables active management of entire lab processes, including instrument maintenance, sample and data tracking, and resource management. By standardizing workflows, improving data accessibility, and reducing human errors, a LIMS is a valuable tool that enhances efficiency and reduces costs in the lab.
Why You Need A LIMS?
In this blog, we will dive into the top 7 workflow benefits of a LIMS:
- Sample location and tracking– An efficient Laboratory Information Management System will allow users to easily log samples, record their precise location within the lab, and track their progress throughout the workflow. Samples are often divided into aliquots and the LIMS not only tracks the sample and result at each aliquot, but also provides a consolidated view at the sample, patient, project, or batch level, depending on your workflow. This helps ensure sample integrity, data quality, and proper chain of custody.
- Inventory management – A LIMS will allow users to track and record all reagents and consumables that enter your lab. It will record expiration dates and restrict use of expired goods, track recipes including these reagents, record who made them, deprecate volumes as reagents are used, and assign automatic reorder alerts when it is time to restock. The LIMS not only learns and knows your inventory, but it also helps reduce over-ordering, which in turn minimizes waste and reduces costs. Additionally, it eliminates unexpected reagent depletion which can cause work delays and project overruns. In the event of a problem with a specific lot of reagents, the LIMS will provide immediate identification of the impacted samples that require retesting. This traceability feature ensures prompt resolution of any issues, preventing further delays or errors in the lab.
- Instrument integration– Laboratory workflows often include several types of instruments that generate various result files in potentially different formats. To manage this, an efficient LIMS solution should be able to integrate all the instruments and their results, ultimately tying the results back to the sample records. In addition, a LIMS should enable the analysis of QC results to identify samples that meet the expected criteria, directing them to the appropriate next step in the workflow, and returning failed samples to the previous workflow step based on the business rules. Moreover, users can record instrument calibration results and receive prompts for scheduled preventative maintenance. During calibration or maintenance, the instruments can be temporarily removed as selectable options within the LIMS to prevent technicians from using instruments that are out of specifications. This ensures the lab is always operating at optimal efficiency and accuracy.
- Development, optimization, and expansion of workflows – Laboratories often utilize a diverse range of instruments from various manufacturers, each with their own specific protocols, methods, and workflows. As this is challenging to manage on your own, a reliable LIMS can support multiple workflows that can be deployed as needed for specific samples or projects. In addition, if users plan to expand their laboratory by adopting new instruments, equipment, or robotics, the LIMS should allow for easy and efficient configuration of these additional workflows. This flexibility provided by the LIMS allows labs to evolve with their changing needs.
- Configurability – The industry leading LIMS solutions offer intuitive methods for users to configure their unique workflows and business processes within the system. In the past, custom coding was required, making it challenging to adopt new instruments and expand methods/workflows. However, modern LIMS platforms provide greater flexibility and agility in the lab, allowing users to create or modify workflows quickly and easily, without the need for external support from the LIMS provider. This enhanced configurability empowers laboratories to adapt to evolving needs and optimize their operations more efficiently.
- Report and dashboard generation – While many laboratories are striving to become more paperless, it is crucial to have the ability to visualize laboratory data and metrics in a meaningful way. A LIMS provides real-time data visualization capabilities to monitor the status of samples and projects, as well as generate valuable quality control information. A LIMS will identify underperforming instruments before they become a larger problem, highlight process bottlenecks, and generate reports and dashboards to track turnaround time (TAT) of samples, which helps to identify areas for process improvement and ensure users are meeting their TAT goals.
- Compliance – In order to meet regulatory requirements, many laboratories must comply with multiple regulations and laboratory practices to ensure proper data handling. An industry leading LIMS can be configured to facilitate compliance with standards such as 21 CFR Part 11, GMP and ISO 17025. For labs adhering to ALCOA+ guidelines can also rely on the LIMS security, electronic signatures, and complete audit trail to enable compliance.
These are just some of the capabilities that a LIMS will bring to your laboratory. From sample management and tracking to instrument integration, data visualization, and compliance with regulatory requirements, a LIMS serves as a powerful tool for enhancing efficiency, productivity, and data integrity in the lab. Learn more about LIMS solutions and how they can benefit your laboratory . Don’t forget to check out our LIMS ROI calculator to see the potential financial benefits of implementing a LIMS in your labs.
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