For our final blog post of 2019 we thought to give some information for those either investigating whether to buy a LIMS or perhaps who have one, but feel they aren't maximising their return on investment (ROI) some food for thought.
LIMS should generate solid ROI and below are key areas:
With constant advances in technology the needs of a laboratory are frequently changing, but what remains constant is the need for end-to-end traceability of samples, data processing capabilities and report generation. This is where a LIMS comes in, it assists laboratories in monitoring workflows, managing data and inventory, assigning tasks, storing data and automating the reporting process.
LIMS should generate solid ROI and below are key areas:
With constant advances in technology the needs of a laboratory are frequently changing, but what remains constant is the need for end-to-end traceability of samples, data processing capabilities and report generation. This is where a LIMS comes in, it assists laboratories in monitoring workflows, managing data and inventory, assigning tasks, storing data and automating the reporting process.
Whether
clinical, analytical or research, all laboratories operate under a time
constraint of having to provide information to a customer, client or management
as business decisions are then made based on that information. To make such
information available instantly is nearly impossible without a LIMS,
traditional methods of record-keeping using excel or paper-based files makes it
impossible to source the required data.
A LIMS provides a whole array of advantages, as
summarised in the infographic below:
- Flexible enough to ensure compatibility with customer requirements and the ability to scale up based on evolving lab needs
- Seamless tracking of samples across the entire sample life cycle, from sample accessioning, testing, result entry, report generation, storage and/or disposal
- Ensures repeatability by enforcing standard operating procedures
- Efficiently managing the calibration and maintenance of instruments
- Flexible integration facility for easy exchange of data between instruments and other systems
- Managing staff training, qualifications and competency
Therefore, any good LIMS would have the following capabilities:
A LIMS therefore provides a central platform for all laboratory activities, improving overall operational efficiency by driving a paperless laboratory approach. The main advantage
lies in reducing human error through its ability to interface with
chromatographs, mass spectrometers, analysers and other instruments resulting
in the direct transfer of test results into the LIMS. Moreover, all this data
is stored in a secure central database as opposed to notebooks and
spreadsheets, therefore retrieving information is fast and easy.
Whether you are looking to conduct a batch analysis, re-print 3-year old COA's or view trends in sample throughput over a 10-year period, the data can be extracted and visualised with the simple click of a button!
Wish everyone a safe and happy holiday period from the OnQ Software team and we look forward to re-engaging in 2020!
