The article was revised and updated on August 2, 2024
Modern science and clinical diagnostics require high throughput, fast turnarounds, agile operations, predictability, compliance, and the accurate organization and storage of large amounts of data. These requirements are incompatible with traditional information management methods such as manual, paper-based, and Excel spreadsheets. To achieve these goals, laboratories use software such as a LIMS system.
This guide outlines the different types and applications of LIMS (or LIS) software. We’ll discuss its features and explain its different uses.
What are the different features of LIMS software?
LIMS has a range of features that facilitate the storage, management, and access to laboratory data. These features can vary based on the type of LIMS software or industry. However, the best LIMS systems have the following features:
Figure 1: A Configurable LIMS Platform Diagram
- Physician Order Portal: a physician portal allows clinics and clients of clinical diagnostic laboratories to order and monitor the progress of patient test orders.
- Automated workflow: With a LIMS system, laboratory staff can create and streamline custom workflows that suit their laboratory processes and procedures.
- Request management: A LIMS allows laboratories to manage, trace, and track requests for various samples and services in real-time.
- Sample management: LIMS software allows laboratory staff to track and manage samples and provides capabilities to read barcodes.
- Inventory management: LIMS software allows laboratory staff to manage materials across many storage units, locations, and geographies and integrate them with ERP systems for stock control and ordering.
- Data analytics and reporting: Once a workflow has been created, the LIMS enables the storage of data types and easy search, viewing, and charting, allowing staff to interpret and analyze the data created. Built-in advanced reporting allows reports for various purposes to be generated, not least of which are patient test reports.
- Work queue management: A LIMS can allow laboratory staff to better manage their workload by prioritizing it to meet the deadlines for the most crucial tasks.
- Instrument integration: A good LIMS needs instrument integration features. These ensure data can be transferred quickly and efficiently between instruments and systems.
- Quality control: LIMS systems should allow the enforcement of quality control procedures and best practices and provide audit trails on demand.
- Compliance: A LIMS must help the organization adhere to regulatory compliance standards, such as being validated to ISPE GAMP 5 Standards, 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11.
- Security: LIMS software must provide the necessary security features, such as data encryption, user authentication, and access controls, to protect sensitive data.
For more information on the four core functions of a LIMS, read here.
If you need to design, execute, and document experiments and assays, consider an electronic lab notebook (ELN) instead.
An Overview of LIMS Workflow
LIMS Workflow Explained in 90 seconds
Types of LIMS system deployments
There are different types of LIMS (laboratory information management systems) software setups: On-Premise, Cloud-Based SaaS, Web-Based, Industry-Specific, and Open-Source, each with its own features and capabilities:
On-Premise LIMS
An on-premise LIMS is a system installed on an organization’s servers. By installing an on-premise solution, an organization will have complete responsibility for the hardware and software, which can have advantages and disadvantages.
Installing an on-premise LIMS system requires a substantial upfront investment and a lot of ongoing technical support to run and maintain. However, with an On-Premise LIMS, organizations can closely monitor who is accessing the stored data and how they use it. Therefore, an on-premise LIMS is best suited to organizations where there are strict data security and compliance requirements, and there is the technical expertise needed to run and maintain it.
Cloud-Based LIMS
Unlike an on-premise solution, a cloud-based SaaS LIMS is hosted on a remote server, allowing it to be accessed at any time by anyone (providing that there is an internet connection).
Despite using a remote host, a cloud-based LIMS is an extremely secure system with strict encryption processes to ensure the data is kept in the right place and can only be accessed by the right people. It is managed by an external team of specialists overseeing the installation and ongoing maintenance. This is a major benefit to organizations that lack the internal technical expertise or time required to maintain the other types of systems. Moreover, as it is hosted remotely, this format can require less upfront financial investment. However, it will require a monthly fee.
Web-Based LIMS
Like a cloud-based system, a web-based LIMS can be accessed by anyone, anywhere, provided an internet connection. However, unlike cloud-based software, web-based LIMS will likely be installed on a local server or hosted on a lab’s network. Therefore, organizations with a web-based set-up can not only keep control over their data but also restrict remote access to authorized users only.
Industry-Specific LIMS
Unlike the other types of LIMS discussed, an industry-specific LIMS system has been specially designed to meet the individual needs and requirements of a specific industry or sector. It is a tailor-made solution that can include industry-specific features such as compliance tools or custom workflows and templates. The main advantage of this type of LIMS is that by offering relevant features, the software can better align with the challenges and goals of a particular sector.
Open-Source LIMS
A community of developers has developed an open-source system. It is different from the other types of LIMS because its source code is widely accessible and free to use, modify, and distribute. While this level of modification means that open-source LIMS systems can be customized to the needs of different organizations, it also means that a higher degree of technical expertise is required.
What are the different types of LIMS uses?
Figure 2: Types of LIMS Solutions
Research LIMS
Many laboratories today use data entry spreadsheets or outdated software for lab management to perform tracking of samples through these processes. These methods usually lack proper traceability, searching, or key efficiency features like instrument automation. This decreases lab efficiency reducing throughput, while also not delivering on proper data delivery and reporting.
Modern digital labs view process as an asset. Under this scenario, the lab should be able to configure complex process workflows quickly, chain the workflows together into overarching processes, track work progress, show work to be done, etc. Critical within the lab workflow is automation both from a physical processing standpoint, such as acquiring automated liquid handler robots, to the laboratory management systems integrating with robotics to send instructions and read output whether it’s sample quantitative/qualitative assessments or assay result data.
Looking to the future, scale is going to be critical. One certain thing is that data volumes will increase over time and not decrease. The research lab management software should be able to scale to massive data volumes with many data points and load it all in a timely fashion without bogging down the system performance over time.
With the Sapio LIMS System, there is no limit on what types of processes can be tracked due to Sapio’s versatility to adapt to any lab process quickly via configuration. In addition to its configurable workflow engine, Sapio’s research lab management software is the only solution that offers real-time collaboration. When working through a lab workflow, any number of lab technicians can be working concurrently on the same workflow.
NGS LIMS
The dynamic nature of the NGS sequencing lab requires a LIMS that can adapt quickly to changing protocols and platforms. Sapio NGS LIMS is a system that handles clinical or research laboratories’ NGS sample tracking and processing needs. Sapio provides complete tracking of samples through the NGS pipeline from request through sample processing and results delivery. It provides automation integration as needed, preconfigured NGS sequencing workflows, management-level dashboards, full consumables management, and support for regulatory compliance such as CLIA.
Want to use LIMS for gene therapy research? Read this article.
Cell Therapy LIMS
Cellular therapies are a groundbreaking approach to medicine that utilizes living cells to treat various diseases and conditions. Unlike traditional pharmaceuticals, which often target symptoms, cellular therapies aim to address the underlying causes of disease by delivering living cells or modifying a patient’s cells to restore or enhance their function. In this article, discover what role can a LIMS play in advancing cellular therapies.
Clinical & Diagnostics LIMS
Clinical Diagnostic LIMS software is built on the industry’s best informatics platform, with integrated LIMS software, Electronic Lab Notebook, medical CRM, and Scientific Data Management. Key clinical lab metrics, like turnaround times, queue times, process times, and more, are automatically calculated. But we don’t stop there; all captured data is cross-system, targeted, searchable, and can be visualized and even analyzed with our integrated data warehouse and analytics engine.
GMP LIMS
21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11-compliant LIMS solutions empower labs and highly regulated organizations to maximize quality and maintain compliance efficiently while maintaining their rapid speed of operations. With powerful GMP capabilities such as Quality Control (QC), Environmental Monitoring (EM) programs, and Stability Management, labs can uphold the highest standards for quality without disrupting scientists’ progress.
Histopathology LIMS
Histopathology is a common function in hospital laboratories, research institutes, pharma, and biotechnology. Sapio supports many histopathology-related processes with its histopathology lab software where labs may be getting tissue samples that need a histology review. The Sapio histopathology LIMS is targeted at a particular domain: the high throughput clinical or R&D lab working with large numbers of samples for assessing the effects of drugs on subjects. Applications include immune-toxicology evaluation and related assessments of cellular changes after exposure to a candidate drug.
Bioanalysis LIMS
Bioanalysis has become a key part of the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characterization in drug discovery and during various stages of drug development. Bioanalysis is the quantitative measurement of analytes in biological matrices, including tissue, blood, serum, urine, or other body fluids. Bioanalytical method validation and regulated bioanalysis are an integral part of a drug development program. Various laboratory platforms have been used to analyze chemical-based drug candidates, such as, but not limited to, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (LC-UV), and others.
Stability LIMS
Sapio Stability LIMS is a system built to define and track Stability Studies details for various industries from inception to completion. This includes creating the manufacturing details, tracking sample batches/lots, scheduling pulls, and more.
Bioprocessing LIMS
While Bioprocessing is a mature practice, fundamental challenges remain. In today’s digital age, many teams are still stuck with paper-based records, disparate sources of data and documentation, little transparency into the overall process, and a lack of the digital infrastructure required to collaborate and operate efficiently. In some cases, the opposite is true. Organizations of scale comprising highly specialized teams may be overwhelmed by the complex digital infrastructures manifested over time. Too many systems in place can result in the same core challenges. Sapio Sciences solves these challenges with its comprehensive bioprocessing software designed for organizations of any size and scale of complexity.
LIMS Case Studies – LIMS Customer Testimonials
This is an interview with Oxford BioMedica‘s Prashant Vaidyanathan, Group Lead for Data Architecture, who describes their business needs for an enterprise-wide LIMS platform.
Also, find out why industry leaders chose a LIMS solution here:
- Genseq Selects Sapio LIMS
- Ellison Institute of Technology Selects Sapio LIMS
- NatureMetrics Selects Sapio LIMS
- PTC Therapeutics Selects Sapio LIMS
- Informed Genomics Selects Sapio LIMS
Discover Sapio LIMS
LIMS solutions have a range of features that support the collection and storage of vast amounts of data. From automated workflows to sample management, they can be customized to suit laboratories’ specific needs.
When researching the different types of systems, it is essential to understand their differences. Whether you need software that enables remote data access or require an out-of-the-box solution, there is a specific type of LIMS system to suit the needs of your organization.
Sapio’s LIMS system is a no-code, no-SQL platform created to empower laboratories through seamless integration, collaboration, and data management. With scalability and industry-specific compliance requirements built in, you can be sure you have a solution that best suits your organization’s needs.
To learn more about Sapio LIMS or any of our solutions, contact us or request a demo today.
LIMS Vendor Comparison Table
Are you in the process of selecting a LIMS vendor? Download this handy LIMS vendor comparison table to help you on your way.
What is the Cost of a LIMS
How much does a LIMS cost? This article about the cost of LIMS provides more information.
As this white paper discusses, holding onto an outdated LIMS System can be costly.
Also, discover bronze, silver, and gold LIMS pricing here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is a LIMS informatics platform better than a LIMS product? A LIMS informatics platform offers more flexibility and scalability, allowing customization and integration with various lab processes, unlike a traditional LIMS product, which is often more rigid and limited in scope.
- Why is it important a LIMS is configurable? A configurable LIMS can be tailored to specific lab workflows and processes, ensuring it meets the unique needs of different laboratories and adapts to changes over time.
- What is a no-code or low-code LIMS? A no-code or low-code LIMS allows users to configure and customize the system without extensive programming knowledge, making it easier and faster to adapt to specific lab requirements.
- Why do LIMS deployments often fail? LIMS deployments often fail due to poor planning, inadequate customization, and lack of user training, which can lead to a system that doesn’t meet the lab’s needs.
- Can my LIMS help with compliance? Yes, a well-configured LIMS can automate compliance processes, ensuring adherence to industry regulations and standards through accurate record-keeping and audit trails.
- What is an end-to-end LIMS? An end-to-end LIMS manages the entire lifecycle of laboratory data, from sample collection to final reporting, ensuring seamless integration and data flow across all lab processes.
- How should a LIMS help track and trace samples? A LIMS should provide real-time tracking and tracing of samples throughout their lifecycle, offering visibility into each step and ensuring accurate and timely results.
- What is a LIMS Physician Portal? A LIMS Physician Portal allows healthcare providers to access lab results and order tests directly, improving communication and efficiency between labs and physicians.
Useful Resources
- Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) – Wikipedia
- The Role of Laboratory Information System in Improving the Delivery of Laboratory Services – PubMed
- LIMS Deployment Services – Zifo
- LIMS Implementation Services – Asterix
- Building Digitally Connected Labs with AWS – Amazon Web Services
- Part 11, Electronic Records; Electronic Signatures – Scope and Application – USA FDA
- The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) regulations – CDC
- Understand the historic view of #LIMS and #ELN as distinct application categories – Pistoia