Selecting an LIMS software that suits all your current and future requirements is not about what looks good; rather it should be about finding something that will meet every aspect of your needs.
An effective laboratory information management system empowers your teams to get more work done more efficiently, with adaptable capabilities that unlock productivity droughts. At Dorays Lab Software Selection Process we use As-Is and To-Be documents for rigorous technical evaluation of lab software selection candidates.
Budget
Selecting an LIMS software solution is an important decision with long-term implications for your lab, so it is vital that you thoroughly consider all costs associated with implementing and operating it before making your choice. As well as factoring in upfront costs of the system itself, upgrades or additional services might need to be factored in for complete consideration of possible choices. Luckily, lab automation systems have proven themselves as investments with significant returns that will significantly boost operations within any business.
There are different kinds of LIMS vendors with products with various price points. One type is large providers bundled into larger instrument providers who typically offer robust and flexible systems at a higher cost; another kind are smaller providers typically priced less, though their flexibility might limit your lab’s growth as time progresses.
An effective LIMS implementation will reduce overall costs of solution. A laboratory should document workflows and assay requirements as well as any software systems to integrate with LIMS. Furthermore, prioritizing features essential to your laboratory during design can ensure you get maximum value from your purchase and avoid risks associated with adding functionalities afterward.
Functionality
When selecting the best LIMS software, it’s essential that it meets the functionality needs of your lab. A LIMS should mirror workflows, offer support for importing and exporting data, integrate with lab instruments and software for interoperability purposes, provide real-time information to teams for collaboration and communication, while remaining scalable enough to accommodate future growth of your lab.
Consider whether your LIMS will be externally hosted or SaaS (Software as a Service). Both options offer distinct advantages that should help determine which will meet the laboratory’s specific needs best. Typically, externally hosted LIMS tend to be more customizable and scalable while SaaS-based options require using secure network connections for accessing them.
Before choosing a LIMS, it is wise to carefully analyze your workflows and identify steps that add value and those that don’t. Doing this can help you select which lab processes should be automated with new technology – saving both time and money over time. Furthermore, finding an experienced provider who offers excellent customer support is vital – one who can demonstrate the product, seamlessly implement it for you, train staff on how best to use it, answer any queries or resolve issues swiftly.
Integrative Solutions
A successful LIMS system must integrate seamlessly with other critical systems within a laboratory environment. For instance, it must communicate with an Instrument Management System (IMS) or laboratory balances to ensure all data is up-to-date and accurate. In addition, the LIMS should be capable of connecting to corporate SAP or MRP systems as well as laboratory equipment or instruments via serial/network interfaces, application programming interfaces or middleware – these interfaces must all ensure seamless data collection processes.
Many LIMS solutions now provide hosted, thin-client options called “software as a service”, or SaaS. This approach offers minimal installation costs, reduced or no ongoing maintenance and upgrade expenses and an adaptable configuration that can easily meet changing laboratory needs. Staff can access this software from any computer connected securely to the internet – an ideal feature for professionals that work remotely or global organizations.
Modern LIMSs aim to enhance efficiency and manage information efficiently. A well-crafted system should help accomplish this by decreasing manual data entry time and automating processes previously completed manually, as well as providing real-time results over a secure internet connection for clients allowing them to make business decisions immediately on that data.
Security
LIMSs store confidential data, making it essential that they have maximum security features. Look for software with strong encryption capability and multi-layer security model to safeguard the safety of your information. In addition, the system should meet HIPPA compliance as well as other relevant compliances; lastly ensure your LIMS vendor offers continuous support and maintenance to guarantee long-term satisfaction with their software solution.
Before purchasing a LIMS, take time to consider your existing workflows and their desired evolution in the future. This can help guide which type of system and features are important to focus on; alternatively you could consult other scientific communities that share similar operations for their opinions on your options.
Before choosing how to host your LIMS, another factor to keep in mind is how it should be hosted. There are three common hosting solutions for LIMSs – on-premise, externally hosted and cloud-based. On-premise hosting requires purchasing software licenses from vendors before installing it on servers within your premises – an expensive method which also necessitates ongoing system maintenance costs. External and cloud hosting provide more flexible options.
This second option offers you access to SaaS solutions without incurring upfront expenses. SaaS solutions allow for minimal installation costs, reduced or no maintenance and upgrade expenses and reliable internet connections – ideal conditions for using software as a service solutions.