LIMS, ELN, & Lab Management FAQs

A forensics and medical examiners lab may analyze anything from body fluids and bone fragments to metals and fire debris as part of their broad commitment to answering questions of interest to a legal system. These laboratory-based investigations see forensic scientists collect, preserve, and analyze these types of samples (i.e., evidence) using a variety of special laboratory equipment and techniques. Given their role in verifying…

Laboratories operate in a rapidly changing scientific landscape, facing constant pressure to optimize efficiency, enhance data integrity, and ensure regulatory compliance—all while staying ahead of the competition. The question isn’t if digital transformation is necessary, but how it can be leveraged to gain a significant advantage. For many labs, the key to maintaining a competitive edge lies in investing in…

Quality and safety are ideally major priorities for any food and beverage manufacturer. However, despite every best effort to maintain such safety and quality, incidents and near-misses can and do happen from time to time. This requires the manufacturer to quickly be able to not only identify the incident or near-miss, but also make the corrective actions required (and verify their…

In the dynamic landscape of laboratory management, staying ahead of the curve is paramount. As technology advances and regulatory requirements evolve, laboratories must adapt to ensure efficiency, compliance, and optimal performance. One critical aspect of this adaptation is the replacement of outdated Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) with modern, feature-rich solutions.  Deciding when to replace your existing LIMS depends on…

Laboratories operate in dynamic environments where research demands, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements are constantly evolving. As labs grow, expand their services, or integrate new instruments, their data management needs also become more complex. A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or an Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) must be scalable to accommodate these changes seamlessly. Scalability in a LIMS or ELN…

When one hears the word “interoperability” in the laboratory context, the clinical setting is usually thought of. However, interoperability and system integration is important to more than clinical diagnostic laboratories; most any modern electronic-based laboratory can benefit from addressing it. This becomes increasingly true as more information management solutions emerge, and as more data and information silos (and their proper management) become more apparent and vital to…

As national and international demand for safer, higher-quality foods and beverages increases, modern food and beverage businesses are finding themselves more inclined to adopt (or pressured to adopt, due to regulations) good industry practices and strong cultures of food safety. Part of that equation involves the hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) principles, which when researched and adopted properly stand to help the…

A laboratory information management system (LIMS) designed specifically for manufacturing labs goes beyond being just a software tool and becomes a strategic asset. While effective data management and security are necessary, they are crucial in laboratories where accuracy and compliance are non-negotiable. However, there are other equally essential elements of a LIMS for manufacturing. Real-time data acquisition and analysis improve…

Materials testing laboratories play a critical role in ensuring the safety, durability, and performance of materials used across industries such as construction, aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and consumer products. To maintain credibility and meet legal requirements, these labs must comply with a wide array of standards and regulations. Understanding these frameworks is essential for maintaining quality, achieving certification, and operating legally…

Cybersecurity plans document how organizations deter cyberattacks and respond to security breaches. Laboratories need effective cybersecurity plans to protect sensitive data and ensure operational resilience. Cyber threats are everywhere Pervasive cybersecurity threats pose a constant risk to organizations of any size in any industry.  A review of cybersecurity in the healthcare sector reported the following:[1] Healthcare data breaches doubled between…