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.
Top 5 Questions You Should 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.
Applications our readers are using their LIMS for, based on our latest survey information:
Sample management | 48% |
User reporting | 15% |
Workflow automation | 9% |
Instrument connection | 8% |
QA/QC | 7% |
Regulatory management | 5% |
All of the above | 2% |
Other | 4% |
Respondents’ primary reasons for purchasing a LIMS for the lab:
Upgrading existing LIMS | 25% |
Sample management | 21% |
QA/QC | 11% |
Setting up a new lab | 9% |
Regulatory management | 7% |
User reporting | 7% |
Workflow automation | 7% |
Addition to existing systems; increase capacity | 4% |
Web-based access | 4% |
Other | 4% |
Top ten most important factors in our reader’s decision-making process to buy a LIMS:
Recently Released LIMS Matrix Gemini Autoscribe LABVANTAGE 6 LABVANTAGE Solutions Qualoupe 1.1 Two Fold Software BSI Information Management Services (IMS)
LIMS Manufacturers
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