The article was revised and updated on March, 11, 2024

Laboratory data management involves the storage and organization of scientific data. Due to the substantial volume of data collected and analyzed by laboratories, effective lab data management has never been so important. Inadequate data management can result in siloed data and informatics solutions such as LIMS systems (Laboratory Information Management System or LIS) and Electronic Lab Notebooks, leading to data inefficiencies.

This comprehensive guide provides insight into cloud-based or on-premise lab data management. We’ll explain exactly what lab data management is, discuss why it is important, and outline software functionality to help you achieve effective and real-time laboratory data management.

What is lab data management?

Lab data management is the methodical handling and organization of data generated within a laboratory environment. This process encompasses the automation of data collection, storage, metadata, validation, quality control, metrics, and decision-making. 

There are many different data sources within a laboratory setting, and without proper laboratory data management and operating procedures, these data sources can be siloed. Siloed systems can create a range of challenges, such as data inefficiencies in accessing existing data, limited cross-referencing abilities across data sources, and fragmented insights due to the inability to combine data sources effectively.

Why is effective lab data management important?

Effective lab data management in life sciences and healthcare is essential to the operation of any laboratory because it ensures that the data collection is accurate, reliable, and accessible. 

Through the implementation of a centralized data management system into your laboratory operations, data becomes more readily accessible, allowing researchers to retrieve, analyze, and compare data quickly. Integrating data from various sources also gives researchers a more holistic and comprehensive view of their research, allowing them to get the most out of their data. Moreover, as AI technology advances, researchers can feed their data into AI tools to reduce the time spent conducting routine tasks or analyzing the data. Effective laboratory data management not only enhances efficiency but can also act as a catalyst for innovation and scientific development and ensures the scalability of data operations.

Gain better control of your laboratory data

While lab data collection and management has shifted from paper-based methods to digital systems such as ELN and LIMS, the practice of lab data management remains largely siloed. This is mainly due to laboratories having multiple unintegrated data management systems, like separate LIMS and ELNs. As a result of this, scientific information is held across various systems, which can lead to challenges when it comes to retrieving and making use of the data. The presence of siloed systems can create further issues in the cross-examination of data. 

A modern scientific approach integrating your current data systems is crucial for improved laboratory data management. Sapio Jarvis is a solution that allows you to connect and collect all of your data from systems such as LIMS and ELN into one single place. Sapio Jarvis not only centralizes data but also automates data parsing, processing, and sending to experiments and workflows using natural language rules. By integrating existing data sources, Sapio Jarvis enhances lab data management and provides additional contextualization to your research.

What system is best for managing lab data?

To cater to the needs of modern scientific research, a scientific data management system (SDMS) can be used to store and organize documentation and data that has been collected from a range of laboratory instruments. An SDMS can capture, catalog, and archive data for future reference. However, while an SDMS can bring together a wide range of data types, it is still largely a unidirectional approach where it becomes difficult to access and add data simultaneously. Moreover, despite its ability to collect and store a wide range of data, an SDMS remains a siloed source of lab data management.

In contrast, Sapio Jarvis is both a data integration tool, and made to give scientists direct access to search, view, and analyze FAIR data enterprise-wide. Sapio Jarvis unifies data from various sources to create a fully contextualized knowledge graph view – data can be integrated from instruments, third-party LIMS and LIS, ELNs, sample management or sample tracking, inventory management, Excel, and other data storage solutions. This capability allows biotechnology and pharmaceutical researchers to access and analyze from within their core workflow. Sapio Jarvis not only enhances lab data management efficiency by making datasets easily accessible, but scientists can use readily available tools to navigate, query, and data visualization. This improved data accessibility allows scientists access to more usable information that can be used to form more meaningful conclusions and insights. In addition, a single point of access for all scientists provides better control of security, governance, and compliance policies.

Pricing is also an important consideration since the data management software system requires ongoing maintenance and support and will scale over time as data becomes more accessible to users, scientific stakeholders, and team members.

How to get the most of your lab data with Sapio Jarvis

Put simply, lab data management is the organized storage, analysis, and sharing of data generated in a laboratory. Effective laboratory data management ensures that data collection is accurate, reliable, and accessible, which can not only enhance laboratory processes and productivity but also create more contextualized data analysis.

Sapio Jarvis is a no-code data integration solution that empowers laboratories through seamless integration, collaboration, and data management. It seamlessly integrates data from your existing data sources (LIMS system and ELN software), providing you with comprehensive insight into your data.

To learn more about Sapio Jarvis or any of our solutions, contact us or request a demo today.

Frequent Asked Questions – Questions You Might Ask

  1. How does effective lab data management enhance scientific research outcomes?
    Effective lab data management enhances scientific research outcomes by ensuring data collection is accurate, reliable, and accessible. This accuracy and accessibility enable researchers to quickly retrieve, analyze, and compare data, leading to accelerated discovery and improved reproducibility. Additionally, by integrating data from various sources, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of their research, facilitating deeper insights and more impactful conclusions. Enhanced collaboration through centralized data management systems fosters knowledge sharing and interdisciplinary research, further contributing to scientific advancements.
  2. What challenges might laboratories face when transitioning to centralized data management systems like Sapio Jarvis?
    Laboratories transitioning to centralized data management systems like Sapio Jarvis may encounter several challenges. These can include data migration issues when transferring existing data from legacy systems, compatibility concerns with different data formats or protocols, and potential disruptions to workflow during the implementation process. Additionally, staff may require training to adapt to new data management practices and utilize the features of the new system effectively. Ensuring seamless integration with existing laboratory infrastructure and addressing any technical complexities are also key considerations during the transition process.
  3. How customizable is Sapio Jarvis to accommodate the unique data management needs of different laboratories?
    Sapio Jarvis offers a high level of customization to accommodate the unique data management needs of different laboratories. The platform is designed to be flexible, allowing users to tailor the system to their specific requirements and workflows. This customization may include configuring data parsing and processing rules, defining user access controls, and adapting the interface to align with specific research contexts. Sapio Jarvis’s adaptability enables laboratories to optimize their data management practices according to their research goals, experimental protocols, and regulatory compliance requirements.
  4. What are the costs associated with implementing and maintaining a system like Sapio Jarvis?
    The costs associated with implementing and maintaining a system like Sapio Jarvis can vary depending on factors such as the size of the laboratory, the scope of implementation, and any additional customization or support services required. Initial implementation costs may include software licensing fees, hardware infrastructure upgrades, and consultancy services for system integration and training. Maintenance expenses typically include software updates, technical support, and subscription renewals. However, these costs should be weighed against the potential benefits of improved efficiency, enhanced data accessibility, and streamlined research workflows offered by Sapio Jarvis.
  5. Can Sapio Jarvis ensure compliance with regulatory requirements governing data management in scientific research?
    Sapio Jarvis is designed to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements governing data management in scientific research. The platform incorporates robust security features to protect sensitive data and ensure data integrity. Additionally, Sapio Jarvis offers features such as audit trails, version control, and access controls to facilitate compliance with regulatory standards such as GDPR or HIPAA. By implementing best practices for data governance and security, Sapio Jarvis helps laboratories adhere to regulatory requirements and maintain compliance while managing their research data effectively.

Additional information and resources:

Data Management Best Practices for Research Laboratories

This article from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides insights into data management best practices tailored explicitly for research laboratories. It offers practical guidance on organizing, storing, and sharing scientific data effectively, complementing the information provided in the original article.


The Importance of Data Integration in Scientific Research

Published in Nature Scientific Reports, this research paper discusses the importance of data integration in scientific research and its impact on advancing knowledge and discovery. It provides valuable insights into the benefits of integrating diverse data sources, aligning with the emphasis on integration highlighted in the original article.


Ensuring Data Quality in Scientific Research: Challenges and Solutions

This article, published in Briefings in Bioinformatics, explores the challenges of ensuring data quality in scientific research and proposes solutions. It complements the original article by addressing the importance of accurate and reliable data management practices in laboratories.


Data Management and Sharing in Collaborative Research: A Guide for Scientists

This guide, published in PLOS Biology, offers practical advice on data management and sharing in collaborative research settings. It discusses strategies for effective collaboration, data documentation, and sharing protocols, providing valuable insights for researchers seeking to enhance their data management practices beyond the scope of software solutions.