Every aspect of science and research is based on data, and across the globe, labs are producing more data than the average person can even comprehend.

With the increasing digitalisation of research, facilities are experiencing steady growth in data volumes, bringing with it a need for scalable storage solutions.

A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is software used by laboratories to create a central repository for storing, managing and accessing data.

As well as storing all essential data relating to samples and results, a LIMS can automate digital processes. This helps labs to optimise workflows, minimise human error, and efficiently analyse large amounts of complex data.

The result? Faster diagnosis times and development of new drugs.

Managing research and clinical data

Data is one of the most prized and valuable assets of a pharma, biotech, research or clinical laboratory. Therefore, the system used to collect, manage and analyse that data needs to be extremely robust, offering secure storage and flexible reporting capabilities. It’s also important to be able to accurately analyse and manage samples, enabling the lab to carry out its core functions.

Historically, laboratories used spreadsheets to manage data and reporting.

This is simply no longer sufficient to meet the demands of modern laboratories; as well as being complicated, it’s time-consuming and prone to error. When labs are dealing with the personal data of hundreds of thousands of patients, it’s vital these standards are met.

Whilst data management systems exist in all industries, implementing one that is specifically designed for use by labs helps to ensure the immediate availability of all necessary data and security functions.

LIMS solutions can handle the large volumes of data created by labs while being reliable and scalable to cope with changing output requirements. They also offer versatile tools with automation capabilities for data monitoring, analysis and reporting.

Benefits of a LIMS

The main purpose of a LIMS is to improve data efficiency and accuracy by reducing manual operations.

It does this by managing large volumes of data quickly and efficiently whilst maintaining strict industry standards for laboratory data management.

Not only that, LIMS enables the automation of complex data analysis, reducing the need for repetitive lab data tasks, freeing up the time of skilled scientists for more skilled tasks.

An efficient LIMS can integrate seamlessly with other essential systems, which is vital for a lab to run smoothly. The best piece of equipment is useless to clinicians if it cannot be  used in conjunction with other necessary technology.

Critically, a LIMS creates a single point of access to ensure data consistency, improving overall data quality and security across an organisation.

What is LIMS used for?

Some of the most common tasks supported by LIMS are:

Sample management: Modern labs often deal with huge numbers of samples that need to be analysed, and manual processes are susceptible to errors and delays. LIMS solutions help to track and trace individual samples by generating a barcode that technicians, at various stages of testing and analysis, can scan to retrieve existing details or record additional information.

Workflow management: High-quality, traceable results are essential to the success of any lab. By combining all your data in a single location that integrates with a wider network of collaborators, a LIMS empowers laboratories to better manage workflows, improve communication and increase outputs.

Materials management: Lab processing relies heavily on tracking materials used, typically reagents. A LIMS enables detailed monitoring of inventoried reagents, how much is on hand, lot numbers, expiration dates and reorder levels. Traditional stock management systems are designed for simple warehousing and distribution applications but aren’t able to keep up with the complex laboratory environment. A LIMS allows for complete visibility of the entire lab, including fridges, multiple lab locations and disposal bins, as well as recording where a particular reagent lot was used and with what samples it was combined.

Inventory management: Laboratories are consistently under pressure to reduce their running costs while also maximising productivity. One of the most effective ways to do this is by improving inventory management, helping your lab to not only track resources but also to use them as efficiently as possible. The LIMS system supports the management of lab consumables, alerting you to low stock, preventing duplicate orders and managing shopping lists to minimise downtime and reduce costs.

Request management portal: A LIMS supports wider collaboration by making it easy to request, send, and receive samples through the integrated request portal. Authorised researchers and physicians can then securely track and access samples to improve and extend your research team.

Keeping up with an evolving landscape

Just like the fast-paced industries that use them, laboratory information management systems are continually evolving.

Digitalisation is having a major impact on biotech and pharma businesses managing research and clinical labs, especially when combining LIMS to manage lab operations, ELNs (Electronic Lab Notebooks) to document experimental processes, and SDMS (Scientific Data Management Systems) to handle data resulting from experiments.