“I think LIMS is like a prehistoric tech environment that needs a total reinvention.”

- survey participant 

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are the backbone of data and laboratory process management in numerous industries. Yet, despite their indispensable role, LIMS can often prove to be a double-edged sword, creating more headaches than solutions. Do you find yourself struggling with data management, navigating complex software, or dealing with outdated technology in your LIMS? If so, you're not alone.

In this article, we delve into the most common pain points experienced by companies using LIMS and explore the innovative solutions that can revolutionize the way you work. We interviewed a large group of professionals working in laboratory environments across all industries to find out the biggest challenges they face when it comes to the software they use. All quotes are directly from these professionals, ranging from scientists, researchers, and data analysts to laboratory owners.

From harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to leveraging cloud-based architecture, we discuss the latest advancements in LIMS technology that can help you streamline your operations, enhance productivity, and stay ahead of the curve.

Join us on this journey of discovery as we uncover the full potential of LIMS and show you how to turn your pain points into opportunities for growth and success.

1. Software implementation and migration

The implementation and migration of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) can be a daunting task for companies, often causing problems and disruptions that can significantly impact operations. The process involves extensive planning, coordination, and execution to ensure a smooth transition, which can prove challenging for organizations.

In our recent survey, respondents cited software implementation and migration as one of the most significant pain points they encountered while using LIMS: 

“The worst thing was migrating from one [LIMS] to another when our business was purchased by another company.”

 The task requires a deep understanding of the lab's workflow, data management processes, and technical requirements, making it a complex undertaking.

To navigate these challenges, our team of LIMS experts suggests that companies should plan their implementations and migrations carefully and seek adequate support from vendors. Whether laboratories are purchasing out-of-the-box software or having it custom-made, it’s important to find a software development company that specializes in LIMS and is backed by previous successful projects. It is essential for software providers to have experience in implementing LIMS and offer the necessary technical support to ensure a successful migration.

Moreover, organizations should ensure that their staff is adequately trained to use the new LIMS system and that data migration is completed accurately to avoid any errors or disruptions in their operations. Taking the time to plan and prepare for the migration can minimize the risk of unexpected delays or issues that may arise during the process.

2. Complex and hard-to-use software

In our survey, respondents identified software complexity as a challenge they faced while using LIMS: 

“[...] One major point of contention I've run into while using LIMS is [that there is] too much going on in the software itself.”

One of the key issues with complex LIMS software is that it can be overwhelming and challenging to navigate, leading to missed details and errors. Our laboratory software leaders recommended simplifying software designs and adopting a more user-friendly approach to improve the overall experience. They suggested taking a page out of Apple's book and focusing on design simplicity, where less is more. Of course, opting for customized software would allow this flexibility in design.

Simplifying LIMS software designs can help users focus on essential features, reduce the risk of errors, and make it easier to find necessary information quickly. By adopting a user-friendly approach, companies can streamline workflows and improve overall productivity, leading to better outcomes and increased success.

Our experts also recommended finding a company that would provide training and support to ensure clients have a clear understanding of the LIMS software's features and functionality. This can help users feel more confident in their abilities to navigate the software, ultimately reducing the risk of errors and enhancing productivity straight away.

3. Data management: Sample ID conundrums

One of the significant pain points experienced by companies using LIMS is sample ID management: 

“[...] Senior management doomed our LIMS project from the start by refusing to incorporate the vendor's method for sample ID. [This] crashed the LIMS system about 2 years after initiation. Then we had an utter albatross of a software system and went back to sample tracking with paper and excel.”

What is a sample ID, and why is it important? A sample ID (Identification) is a unique identifier assigned to a specific sample to distinguish it from other samples in a laboratory or research setting. The sample ID is typically a combination of numbers, letters, or symbols, and it may include information about the sample such as the date and time it was collected, the type of sample, or the location from which it was obtained. Sample IDs are used to track and manage samples throughout the entire testing or research process, from sample collection to analysis and storage, and they help ensure that data is accurately linked to the correct sample.

One company’s biggest complaint was senior management's refusal to incorporate the vendor's method for sample ID. This can cause severe issues in the LIMS system. Sample ID is crucial for data integrity, and any inconsistencies or inaccuracies can lead to data loss or incorrect data analysis. The lack of a standardized sample ID format can make it difficult to track samples, leading to confusion and delays in sample analysis. Therefore, it is essential to establish a standard sample ID format and ensure that all samples are correctly labelled and tracked.

When it comes to managing sample IDs, pre-built LIMS systems may have limitations in terms of the flexibility they offer to labs. These LIMS systems often come with a fixed set of rules and templates for sample ID management, which may not align with the specific needs and processes of a given lab.

By contrast, a customized LIMS system can be tailored to the unique requirements of a lab, including the specific methods they use for sample ID management. This can provide more flexibility in terms of how samples are identified, tracked, and linked to associated data.

For instance, a lab may have a specific format for sample IDs that they have been using for years, and changing that format to fit into a pre-built LIMS system could be time-consuming and require significant changes to the lab's workflow. By customizing their LIMS system, they can integrate their existing sample ID system and maintain their existing processes, while still benefiting from the other features that the LIMS system offers.

4. Limitations of LIMS and outdated technologies

The limitations of current LIMS technology are a major obstacle for many companies. The use of outdated technology can be costly and inefficient. Many organizations still depend on unreliable software from decades ago, leading to high operational expenses:

“One of the major pain points for us is that these systems have not evolved yet [...].Using AI, you should be able to avoid a lot of "transactions" and have the capability to track everything at all times while optimizing your processes. It is 2023 after all…”

To tackle this issue, our LIMS consultants recommended exploring more advanced solutions such as cloud-based systems. Cloud-based systems offer serverless and pay-as-you-go options, which can help companies reduce costs and avoid unnecessary transactions. Additionally, as our survey respondent suggested, incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology into LIMS can automate processes and streamline workflows, leading to improved efficiency and productivity.

In addition to exploring advanced solutions such as cloud-based systems and AI, using customized software can help companies take full advantage of these innovations in LIMS. With a customized LIMS, companies can tailor their system to their specific needs and requirements, ensuring that the system works optimally for their processes.

For instance, a customized LIMS can be designed to work seamlessly with cloud-based systems, allowing companies to take advantage of the benefits of cloud-based technology without sacrificing the unique features of their LIMS.

Furthermore, a customized LIMS can be designed to integrate with other laboratory systems and technologies, providing greater flexibility and scalability for organizations. With a customized LIMS, companies can ensure that their laboratory management system is fully integrated with other laboratory technologies, such as instrumentation and automation, allowing for a more simplified and efficient workflow.

The Benefits of LIMS

If your laboratory or company is not using LIMS, don’t be scared off by the challenges listed above. Creating and implementing the use of a LIMS is more optimized now than it’s ever been before. Plus, starting with a clean slate is an opportunity to develop a system that uses the latest technologies, is adaptable & scalable, and is built with user-friendliness in mind. Keep this article as a reference if your company is ever overwhelmed by the options.

If you’re considering the use of custom LIMS, here are several benefits to using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). These benefits include:

1. Improved efficiency: LIMS can optimize laboratory operations by automating tasks such as sample tracking, data management, and report generation. This can save time and reduce errors in the laboratory.

2. Enhanced data management: LIMS can help manage the vast amounts of data generated in laboratories by organizing, storing, and retrieving data in a centralized database. This can help ensure data integrity and accuracy.

3. Regulatory compliance: LIMS can assist laboratories in complying with regulatory requirements by ensuring that data is tracked, stored, and reported in accordance with regulatory standards.

4. Improved communication: LIMS can improve communication between laboratory personnel by providing a centralized system for data sharing and collaboration.

5. Cost savings: LIMS can help laboratories save money by reducing the need for manual labour and reducing errors that can lead to costly rework.

If you’re specifically curious about the pros of custom-made LIMS software, these benefits include:

1. Tailored functionality: Custom-made LIMS systems can be designed to meet the specific needs of the laboratory, which can improve efficiency and accuracy.

2. Integration with existing systems: Custom-made LIMS systems can be designed to integrate seamlessly with existing laboratory systems, reducing the need for manual data entry and improving data accuracy.

3. Flexibility: Custom-made LIMS systems can be designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing laboratories to adapt to changing needs and technologies.

4. Competitive advantage: Custom-made LIMS systems can provide a competitive advantage by improving laboratory efficiency and accuracy, which can lead to improved business outcomes.

Overall, the benefits of using a LIMS system in laboratories are numerous, and custom-made solutions can provide additional advantages over off-the-shelf solutions. Laboratories should consider implementing a LIMS system to improve processes, data management, compliance, and communication, and explore custom-made solutions to meet their specific needs.

The Takeaway

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) play an indispensable role in managing data and laboratory processes across industries. However, the complexity of the software and the implementation process can lead to significant pain points for companies. The implementation and migration of LIMS require extensive planning and coordination to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, complex and hard-to-use software designs can lead to errors and missed details, and data management (like sample ID) can be problematic without a standardized format.

To address these pain points, LIMS experts suggest careful planning and seeking support from reliable vendors during implementation and migration, adopting a user-friendly approach to simplify software designs, and establishing a standard sample ID format to track and manage samples accurately. By leveraging the latest advancements in LIMS technology, companies can streamline their operations, enhance productivity, and turn their pain points into opportunities for growth and success.

If you need help implementing these technologies, our LIMS software specialists are available for a free consultation.

Written by Natalie Mansilla
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ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.