Find out what are the advantages of lab management software - total automation, security in data storage and more.
Laboratories have grown in capacity and functionality over the years, resulting in the growing need for lab management software. LIMS is software that is created to handle the data flow and storage, lab cycles, and the samples in a lab. Let’s look at how LIMS can be advantageous to the running of the lab:
LIMS offers Total Automation:
Lab management software is able to integrate itself with laboratory equipment and applications. This means that experiments that stretch on for long periods of time can be systematically monitored, and the data can be processed accurately. This reduces the need for manual labor for long hours during the experiment. It also reduces the occurrence of human errors, which can be very common in experiments that stretch for a long time.
LIMS offers Automatic Data Acquisition:
Lab management software can not only help in recording experimental data, but also the data related to the samples used during the experiment. This kind of information is very critical when it comes to long experiments. It is imperative that the information related to the samples and experimental results be recorded and stored systematically. This allows the experiment to be evaluated in detail and reports on specific time frames to be created for a clear picture of the results of the experiment. Similarly, LIMS can also successfully manage experiments that require data to be recorded and processed really quickly.
LIMS offers Security and Efficiency in Data Storage:
The data that is recorded from the experiment is directly imported into the system by LIMS and stored there so that they can be evaluated or assessed by quality control. This means there is no need to manually read the data and then store it. It also means that since the data is digitally stored, the information is safe and secure. Thus, the time taken to process and save the data is reduced by a huge margin, and there is no fear that the data would be lost either. Moreover, the data would also be secure when LIMS is designed to allow access to information as per the hierarchy of lab personnel. In this way, only authorized lab technicians are able to access the information.
LIMS offers Data Tracking for Quality Control and Audits:
Lab management software doesn’t just have to be configured to meet the specific needs of a lab; it is also required to follow certain laws and regulations with respect to a lab. LIMS is able to continuously track the flow of data in the lab, as well as track the changes made in the data. This is an absolute necessity for complete audit tracking and for quality assurance purposes. The tracking of data also applies to sample management, wherein any change in the critical data of the sample is recorded and tracked. This helps in managing the overall flow of work in the lab. It also helps in monitoring if any unnecessary or unapproved changes were made on the sample, consequently reducing the risk of fraud or tampering of samples.
Thick and Thin Client LIMS
There are different forms of laboratory Information Systems or LIMS. The most traditional form of laboratory software has been the thick client LIMS, wherein the software is installed directly in the lab server.LIMS Software Options for the SMEs
LIMS software is not only useful to big corporations, but also for small and medium businesses. Many businesses have begun transitioning from legacy PMS to modern LIMS.LIMS System: An Overview
The LIMS system is software specifically used to manage and track data and materials in a laboratory.