2013 LIMS User Survey Results
A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) serves as the interface to a laboratory’s data, instruments, analyses and reports. For many analytical laboratories, a LIMS is an important investment that assists management in evaluating the efficiency of the laboratory’s operations and reducing costs.
A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) serves as the interface to a laboratory’s data, instruments, analyses and reports. For many analytical laboratories, a LIMS is an important investment that assists management in evaluating the efficiency of the laboratory’s operations and reducing costs.
Types of LIMS installation configurations used by survey respondents:
| Client Server | 45% |
| Web based | 28% |
| Stand alone | 14% |
| Thin client / server | 10% |
LIMS usage as reported by survey respondents:
| Sample management | 20% |
| User reporting | 17% |
| QA/QC | 16% |
| Instrument connection | 13% |
| Workflow automation | 11% |
| Regulatory management | 8% |
| Invoicing | 7% |
| Chemical inventory | 6% |
| Other | 1% |
Nearly 17% of respondents plan on purchasing a LIMS in the next year. The primary reasons for these purchases are:
 | Upgrading existing LIMS |
 | Workflow automation |
 | Sample management |
 | Addition to existing systems, increase capacity |
 | Other reasons |
| QA/QC |
 | Setting up a new lab |
 | Regulatory management |
 | User reporting |
 | Web-based access |
5 Questions to Ask When Buying a LIMS
1. Why does your organization need a LIMS? You and your staff should come up with a cost-benefit list to help you decide if a LIMS is worth investing in.
2. What are your current user requirements and how do you expect those to change five to ten years down the road? Make a list. If you expect your needs to change, a flexible LIMS is likely a good choice. Requirements can include labeling, sample registration, etc.
3. Do you need a consultant to help you decide whether a LIMS is a good fit for you or not? Examine the pros and cons and make sure you properly research potential consultants.
4. How does the company’s LIMS differ from other products out there? Make sure you do your homework and phone each company you’re interested in. If they can’t answer your questions, they probably aren’t a good fit for you.
5. Ask for fact sheets, features lists and case studies from the company. This literature is a starting point for picking the best LIMS for you. A product demonstration is essential.
Top 10 features /factors respondents look for when purchasing a LIMS:
Completed Surveys: 268
For more information on LIMS, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/lims