Understanding Different Types of Lab Management Software

Lab management software is an application which is programmed to automate all the administration and tracking tasks in a laboratory. The software is specifically programmed to handle all tasks performed in a laboratory, such as entering information about samples, scheduling tests, analyzing results, preparing reports, calibrating scientific instruments, and storing data in the digital format.

Companies using lab management software in their laboratories generally opt for customized LIMS as the lab staff finds it difficult to integrate other information systems in laboratory with generic LIMS. There are two main types of lab management software - web-enabled or web-based. Let’s take a closer look at both types of LIMS.

Web-enabled LIMS has some features that can run on a web browser. These systems have a web-based front end that acts as a user interface of the system to run limited functions through a web browser. For example, users can view sample status, pre-log testing requests, and results through a web browser. The functions that are web-enabled are simple and less sophisticated with limited functionality. The web-enabled function is not standard, but created on user demand. The functionality is specifically developed for an application when the user needs it.  

Web-enabled LIMS is connected to the database through Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) which makes remote access to databases possible. The database can be accessed from multiple sites online that have a similar user interface. Web-enabled LIMS can be only accessed through PCs that have the client software installed.

Enterprises today look for lab management software that can run within a web environment, and LIMS makes this possible. LIMS suppliers offer different types of web-based LIMS, which adds to the confusion. Potential customers often get confused with the characteristics (of LIMS) defined by the LIMS supplier. The main confusion centers on choosing between web-based and web-enabled software.

Web-based systems are specifically designed to work within a web environment.  The web browser is the client side in a web-based LIMS. The web browser only acts as a user interface. In web-based systems, none of the applications run on the client side, and no processing is done on the client side either.

Modern web-based LIMS uses XML programming language and SOAP based services to implement complex functionality and a rich user interface. Today, web-based LIMS can create interfaces with physical devices and local enterprise level systems that can be created and managed within a web environment. The web browser in a web-based LIMS uses HTTP for online communication. However, the system can also communicate using HTTPS for a secure connection between client and server.

The web-based LIMS uses .NET framework to create an interface with different systems used in the laboratory such as Mass Spec Data Systems or Chromatography Data Systems (CDS). A true web-based system should allow the enterprise to access all functionalities of LIMS from the browser.

There are several differences between web-enabled and web-based lab management software.  Enterprises need to understand the differences in these two types of lab management software at the functional and technological levels before adopting any of these types of LIMS.