Laboratory Information Management System
What is a LIMS?
The definition of a LIMS has changed almost as rapidly as the workflows and data management needs of labs have changed over the last several decades. However, at its core, the LIMS remains a software-based tool designed with the goal of improving efficiencies in a laboratory’s workflow and supporting efforts towards standardization and compliance in the lab. When designed well, the LIMS also provides flexibility and security to a lab’s operations.
A LIMS can have an extravagant list of features, or it may have minimal functionality. Experienced software developers usually do well to include a collection of the essential features, as well as any industry-specific features a laboratory may need. However, not all developers get it right. A generic development approach to a clinical diagnostic or research LIMS may not suffice, given that workflows and regulatory requirements may differ across the various clinical care and research laboratory subtypes.