How using a LIMS Improves Business Profitability and Efficiency

Quality management is at the basis of every successful business or organisation and, especially for biobank facilities and research and development centres, being able to keep a complete track record for each sample stored is crucial.  Thanks to data management systems like LIMS, biobank facilities can now keep a meticulous records of each sample, allowing users to easily manage and access that data.

So what is a LIMS and how can it be employed to improve a business’ profitability and efficiency?

 

LIMS Explained

A LIMS, or Laboratory Information Management System, is now widely used by laboratories and biobank facilities to collect and store large amounts of data. Such systems are now used to allow laboratories and other testing or researching facilities to collect, store and manage their samples, keeping a track record of any relevant data and sample history.

Without the use of an industry-specific system, such as a LIMS, the process of recording and analysing samples would be tedious and time-consuming. That’s where Laboratory Information Management Systems come in, allowing laboratories to track data, ultimately reducing the amount of time it takes to record it and minimising the chance for human error.

To its very core, a LIMS allows scientists, researchers, or lab technicians to store detailed information on the samples they’re working with, including:

  • Inspection number
  • Batch material
  • Time and date the sample was collected
  • Where the test was conducted

With the implementation of advanced security systems, Laboratory Information Management Systems can follow the entire journey a sample makes, holding relevant information and a track record safely and securely in one easy-to-access place.

Designed to offer an enhanced user experience and streamline laboratory processes, LIMS users can generate a barcode when the sample is collected, making it easier to record data as more information is obtained during the testing process.

 

What are the key features of a LIMS?

The obvious advantage of using a LIMS is eliminating the human error factor, as the system will automatically capture and store data, thus lowering the chances of inaccuracy.

Laboratory Information Management Systems can have the following positive effects for laboratories and research facilities:

  • Efficient data management

While manually keeping records might still be possible for smaller laboratories, having to manually collect and record data would pose a huge challenge for bigger laboratories and biobanking facilities. Over time, in fact, historical data can build up, making it almost impossible to find and analyse it in a timely manner.

The time savings associated with the effective and efficient data management would not only justify investing in the purchase of a LIMS, but also improve the profitability of a business or organisation.

  • Reducing the chance of human error

Quality control issues can arise with manually collected data, as this leaves room for human error. Such instances can often lead to costly product recalls and, potentially, lead to a FDA ban on drugs or other medical products. Using a LIMS allows laboratories and biobanking facilities to follow the best practices and regulations outlined in the ISBER Best Practices: Recommendations for Repositories Fourth Edition. A Laboratory Information Management System provides a quality-control framework for laboratories to follow to standardise procedures and ensure repeatable quality.

  • Improving efficiency and managing risks

Regardless of the type of testing that is being performed in a laboratory. Or biobanking facility, a LIMS can help manage and reduce risk, ultimately improving efficiency and lowering costs. The key efficiency gains that are directly related to the use of LIMS are: removing typographical errors, linking islands of data, reducing lab turnaround time, improving data accessibility and recall, and ensuring adherence to standards (ISO17025, GxP, 21 CFR part 11).

Laboratory Information Management Systems have advanced research and development processes by lowering the risk of delivering poor quality products and having to re-test samples. A LIMS can allow you to increase your business’ profitability and efficiency with a set of “configuration tools designed to efficiently create optimized, yet highly adaptable, workflows” (source: Autoscribe Informatics).