LIMS System: An Overview

The LIMS system is software specifically used to manage and track data and materials in a laboratory. Besides managing data and instruments, it also manages work flow, reporting, invoicing and several other functions performed in a laboratory.

LIMS can be customized to handle a narrow range of capabilities or can be designed as a versatile system that can handle the management of any or almost all tasks performed in the laboratory. These systems are specifically used by industries that manufacture goods. LIMS is of critical importance to such industries where the storage and retrieval of huge volumes of data is important. LIMS can be found in almost all big laboratories where there is a high volume of sample testing.  These systems are also used in an environment that involves large scale production processes.

Every commercially available LIMS has different features. The LIMS are generally customized to suit the client’s requirements. LIMS are widely used in different types of laboratories that include quality assurance (QA) labs, in-process testing labs, research and development (R&D) labs and several other types of labs.

LIMS is used to connect analytical instruments in the laboratory to one or multiple personal computers or workstations. Analytical instruments such as chromatographs collect the data and the integrator (the instrument’s interface) and then forward the data collected by the chromatograph to a personal computer where the data is structured into meaningful information and stored systematically.

This stored information can be then sorted into different report formats depending on the type of format required. Full feature LIMS systems can handle all tasks that start from sample logging-in of samples to preparing reports.

·  Enter the data only once: With LIMS, the laboratory staff does not have to feed in the data manually into the system multiple times.  Once the data is entered into the LIMS system, it is instantly available for tests, queries and reports. The data can also be exported to other systems.

·  No more lost data: LIMS eliminates the need to maintain paper records as all data is stored in the digital format. This characteristic eliminates the occurrences of lost data, files and worksheets which are common if the records are maintained on paper.  It also saves time which would be otherwise spent on searching or retrieving lost data.

·  Easy and quick retrieval of data: LIMS systems enable the user to search for specific data quickly by defining search criteria and extensive queries. The systems present the user with a wide list of possibilities in form of query selection criteria. LIMS allow users to access any data stored across the entire system.

·  Increased efficiency: LIMS increase the overall throughput of laboratory and decrease the workload of staff by automating all procedures such as calibration of instrumentation, logging in samples, and preparing reports. This characteristic of LIMS allows laboratory staff to focus on core activities such as analyzing and testing samples.

A majority of the enterprises have already made a transition from legacy laboratory management systems which involved huge amounts of paper work. Companies adopting LIMS system provide LIMS vendors with their requirements, and LIMS providers then provide a customized LIMS system that suits the laboratory requirements of enterprises.