10 Key Features of Modern LIMS To Advance Data Handling

Key Features of modern LIMS to advance data handling Scientists today face heavy workloads, tight deadlines and increasingly complex workflows. Disconnected instruments and a lack of control over laboratory processes compound these challenges. Modern laboratory information management systems (LIMS) can help overcome these obstacles. What is a LIMS? A LIMS is a comprehensive tool for effectively tracking, standardizing, organizing and centralizing all data and processes within the lab. When used effectively, a LIMS can help labs actively manage and distill data, allowing researchers to deliver insights faster. Different types of LIMS deployment are available, each with unique features and capabilities: Open-source LIMS Cloud-based On-premise Open-source LIMS LIMS provide LIMS access to the Cloud-based software source The system is solutions are code, enabling installed on an hosted on Industry-specific anyone to freely organization’s remote servers, LIMS Web-based use, modify servers giving allowing them LIMS and distribute it complete to be accessed the code. These systems responsibility for anytime by For example, are designed the hardware anyone with A web-based LIMS researchers at to meet the and software. an internet is hosted on a web the National specific needs connection. server that can Institute of of an industry These solutions be accessed from Standards and or application. give even the multiple locations Technology For example, smallest labs while giving the have created LIMS have access to organization NexusLIMS been created powerful offsite control of its data. for shared specifically to servers and use electron help manage specialists in microscopy and interpret the ongoing facilities. The next-generation maintenance of core codebase sequencing data. these systems. for the software is publicly available to encourage adaptations of the method. KEY features of modern LIMS 1. Sample management One key strength of a LIMS is the ability to track Monitoring and tracing multiple sample batches samples from collection to analysis, ensuring a throughout their lifecycle can be challenging. proper chain of custody. As well as logging sample A LIMS can help with batch management and details, a LIMS can track storage conditions ensure consistent application of testing protocols and monitor sample usage. This helps ensure across multiple samples. For example, in pathology the integrity of samples and consequently the labs, LIMS can assist with tracking and managing reliability of test results. any specimens received. 2 . Lab management A modern LIMS provides labs with greater management of processes including inventory, instrument and resource management. The software can also make it easier to maintain and manage lab equipment and ensure optimal performance through the tracking of lab equipment over time. 3. Compliance By securely tracking all data and metadata needed to support compliance, a LIMS can make it easier to comply with both internal and external regulations. Combining LIMS with electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) can help ensure lab data is FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable). VS. ELNs focus on experiment LIMS solutions are designed to documentation. They are used primarily manage and automate workflows in creating reusable experiment within a laboratory and monitor the templates, note-taking and generating daily processes within the lab itself. bespoke data reports. 4. Automation Automation enables labs to streamline processes while maximizing productivity, enhancing reproducibility and reducing handling errors. Many modern LIMS include automation features like automated workflow management. 5. Collaborative working For organizations spanning multiple labs locally or even globally, LIMS with data-sharing capabilities can help collect and share data across sites in real-time. Some LIMS feature web-based user portals that allow external users to log in and submit samples independently. This feature is particularly beneficial to core labs and clinical labs that process samples provided by clients. 6. Enterprise integration Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are used to manage and automate many business processes. Some modern LIMS can integrate with such systems and software, like ELNs and chromatography data systems, to connect data sources and reduce the need for manual data uploads. Specifically designed for labs, helps manage data and automate workflows Helps manage and Acts as a digital automate business version of a physical processes lab notebook across various departments 7. Data security Modern LIMS incorporate features to safeguard data integrity such as data validation checks, audit trail generation and electronic signature requirements. Multi-factor authentication is sometimes added as an additional layer of identity verification to further safeguard data. For laboratories working with confidential patient information, data privacy safeguards are vital to ensuring compliance with regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). 8. Data visualization and analytics To present the vast amounts of information unstructured LIMS data. For example, one a LIMS collects, many modern systems will research group from the University of Dresden offer user-friendly dashboards and data combined mass spectrometry-based steroidomics visualization tools, meaning you don’t have data with ML and a web-based LIMS prototype to to be an experienced data scientist to benefit assist in the diagnostic stratification of patients from LIMS insights. with primary aldosteronism. As the uptake of artificial intelligence (AI) and Results from a 2024 survey by the nonprofit machine learning (ML) continues to rise, labs Pistoia Alliance show that 68% of labs are now are starting to use these tools to help with using AI/ML technology, an increase from 54% in the processing and analysis of structured and 2023. *New answer option for 2024. 2023 2024 Cloud data platforms LIMS AI/ML ELNs Robotics/Automation Internet of Things *Automated labs *Digital Twins Lab Wearables, VR/AR Other *Quantum Computing 9. Instrument integration Instrument integration support enables direct communication between the LIMS system and the laboratory instruments. This ensures real-time data transfer and minimizes manual data entry errors. 10. Software integration Support for external software integrations gives For example, a demo smart lab has been set up labs the ability to integrate their LIMS with other at the University of Southampton called Talk2Lab software for seamless data exchange between that uses Amazon Alexa. This allows researchers systems. to use voice commands in the lab. In the future, IoT devices such as this may be integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are being LIMS, with some of the major LIMS players already utilized in labs to optimize operations and starting to incorporate voice-based commands into combine instruments and data more efficiently. their systems. Sponsored by