FAQs on Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
1. What is LIMS?
Laboratory Information Management System is a software that allows you to manage your lab’s data in an efficient, automated, and sophisticated manner.
2. Where can LIMS be used?
LIMS is a system that can be used in multiple settings. Any type of a research lab, such as R&D labs, academic research labs, QA/QC (Quality Analysis/control) labs, etc. They can be used in manufacturing settings as well, such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, paints, and resins, and more.
3. Why does your organization need a LIMS system?
Numerous labs use spreadsheets to maintain their data. Test samples and results get lost, or inventory does not get updated in time, or the operator input the wrong data in the spreadsheet. All these errors are caused due to manual operations. LIMS helps tackle these problems at its core, by automating the lab workflow.
4. What are the must-have features in LIMS?
A completely automating the lab workflow, to optimize operations and boost efficiency.
- Sample management: The samples get registered, validated, and signed out in an efficient manner.
- Inventory management: Inventory tracking, and Minimum Stock Quantity alerts ensure that a healthy inventory Is maintained, and resources are not wasted.
- Quality control: Mandatory QC before the resources or instruments can be used for a test. Which are then verified and validated by the relevant authority.
- Preventive maintenance: Preventive maintenance calendars and schedules helps the lab operators and technicians in following the SOP and best practices.
- Accurate data capturing and analyses: automated data capturing, and analysis process becomes highly efficient and error-free.
5. What are the tangible outputs from LIMS?
From day-1 of implementation, LIMS can give you real tangible results that simplify daily lab operations.
- Analyze raw sample data to generate results and trends.
- Generate reports from raw data, based on pre-set formats.
- Automatically generate certificates, which are pre-defined and pre-designed.
- Automatically send reports and certificates to customers, or other stakeholders.
6. Can LIMS be integrated with other systems?
A good LIMS solution would seamlessly integrate with other existing systems the lab and the organization.
- ERP system- integration with the overall company stock and inventory, and PO/SO management system is helpful.
- HRMS- Maintaining the lab personnel records through the organization HRMS.
- CRM System- capturing the customer information from the CRM system.
- Cloud integration- making a cloud-enabled solution helps everyone access the data remotely with ease.
7. How does LIMS benefit each stakeholder in the organization?
As mentioned earlier, any good enterprise technology solution provides every stakeholder with benefits that are relevant and helpful for them.
- Lab technicians and operators- simplified sample and data management.
- Lab managers and supervisors- Manage the lab inventory and stock with ease, schedule tests and manage resources of manpower and machines more easily.
- Lab directors and research scientists- validate the data, and complete QC checks with ease.
- QA/QC Managers- Simplifying lab audits due to complete transparency of all activities.
- CXOs and Directors- LIMS Dashboard gives them a birds-eye view of all the operations.
8. What are the challenges faced in implementing the system?
Implementing any new system in an organization has challenges, but a good LIMS and a good LIMS provider helps the organization in limiting the hindrances.
- Customisable- one-size-fits-all approach often does not work in terms of enterprise technology software solutions. The software needs to be catered to fit your organization practices and structures.
- Training- adequate training is required to ensure that all the users acknowledge and understand the functionality and utility of the system.
- Integrations- 3rd party software integrations require time, effort, and transparent coordination from the LIMS providers, the organization IT team, and the 3rd party software providers, as well.
Therefore it is important to consider these challenges whilst choosing your LIMS solution, and the LIMS provider.
9. What are some good Lab management systems on the market?
Endel Digital Solutions has extensive experience in working with research and commercial testing labs, and from that experience, they have formulated a comprehensive LIMS solution, LabMAST. A completely customizable solution that fits your organization’s requirements. In addition to all the above-mentioned features and USPs, LabMAST gives you;
- Complete machine and instrument management,
- Direct machine integration with RS232 communication OR Bluetooth connectivity,
- Mobile app-based UI,
- Generate certificates as per NABL guidelines, or other local government guidelines.