What Is The Value Of LIMS Software In The Laboratory

The primary uses to which these data management systems are put include the tracking of samples, instruments, consumables and inventory management, process tracking and auditing and invoicing and reporting applications. A well configured system using LIMS software can be set up to integrate with instruments in the laboratory which are capable of PC-compatible output and with other common laboratory software including database applications and spreadsheet software for the storage, retrieval and management of the data generated in the course of laboratory work.

This software is especially useful in performing auditing functions to ensure efficient operations and regulatory compliance, saving significant amounts of time and effort for laboratory personnel and compliance officers as well as laboratory administrative staff. These systems allow for far greater efficiency, always a concern; but something which is an increasingly important factor given the ever higher throughputs demanded of laboratories in general and laboratory personnel in particular.

LIMS software increases efficiency by allowing for a smoother integration of existing laboratory software with laboratory automation solutions including automatic sample handling equipment and other time and labor saving devices as well as doing something else which is incredibly important: reducing the possibility of human error.

Facilities which use older types of data management systems face a substantially higher risk of transcription errors and other operator errors causing serious problems and delays in laboratory workflow – a well configured LIMS system can reduce the possibility of these types of error to nearly none.

Since these software systems are for the most part highly configurable and scalable, they provide an excellent solution to data management, storage and retrieval across organization whose needs range from only a handful of workstations (or even a single workstation) all the way up to laboratory software suitable for operations which require hundreds or even thousands of different users to be able to access a LIMS software system from anywhere in the world using a terminal or a web based interface.

Anyone who has made their career in the scientific or clinical research sector likely already knows how powerful of a tool it can provide for laboratory personnel or for that matter, any facility which needs to handle large volumes of data or materials, especially where accurate and reliable tracking of these materials and/or processes is crucial.

LIMS software offers the kind of versatility and functionality which few (if any) other types of laboratory software has to make every step of workflow smoother and more efficient. These software systems have applications far beyond the laboratory as well and are now in use in many manufacturing processes in industries including the production of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, among other sectors which have a need to carefully and accurately track inventories, processes and regulatory compliance.

Andrew Long writes for scientific websites and a main area for content covers lab products and services like LIMS Software and LIMS system products.