The Impact of Configurable Lab Platforms on Biotech Research 

Scientists have enough to do; learning, implementing, and coding dozens of platforms should not be one of them

Biotechnology scientists face numerous time-consuming hurdles in their day-to-day operations: another day of negative results, navigating countless instruments and software suites, all while synthesizing critical results across disparate systems that need to be shared urgently. All of this is built upon years of training and education. The last thing scientists need is another chore slowing down their discoveries, like configuring their Laboratory Information Management Systems or Electronic Lab Notebooks to optimize their data and results.

With an easy, no-code, open LIMS, ELN, or Scientific Data Management System, scientists can get organized, return to their experiments, and deliver results faster than ever. Even better, if you can find a platform that can seamlessly do it all in one – not poorly integrated products, but truly one, unified platform:

• one experience
• one source of truth
• one place to design, deploy, and execute workflows and assays
• one repository for data, sample, and materials management
• one place for their entire organization to collaborate

This approach requires a new breed of configurable lab platform offering unparalleled flexibility to meet your novel drug development needs, including capabilities such as:

• a no-code rules engine
• drag-and-drop configurable workflow and experiment design
• AI-scientific assistant (ELaiN)
• low code configuration
• no-SQL access to data
• universal permission control throughout
• built-in charting and visualizations
• science-aware analytical tools
• configurable user interfaces to the needs of different user roles
• a powerful, programmable API

Overly complicated systems set scientists back by blocking discovery and slowing down success

In the realm of scientific research, traditional Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN), and Scientific Data Management Systems (SDMS) have long been integral tools. Despite their importance, these systems often come with their fair share of challenges, hindering progress in life sciences rather than facilitating it.

Rigid Data Models and Inflexible Workflows

One of the greatest frustrations scientists encounter with traditional systems is the rigidity of their data models and workflows. These systems are typically built around predefined structures that may not align with the unique needs of individual laboratories or evolving research methodologies. Consequently, scientists and researchers are constrained by inflexible workflows that stifle creativity and efficiency.

Inaccessible Data

Moreover, accessibility issues plague many traditional LIMS, ELN, and SDMS platforms. Datasets stored within these systems may be siloed, difficult to retrieve, or in radically different formats for standard enterprise experiments. These barriers impede collaboration and hinder the synthesis of insights across various experiments or projects. This lack of accessibility not only slows down the pace of research but also undermines the reproducibility and transparency of scientific findings. In addition, associated metadata can be much more easily managed centrally in a unified lab platform

Many Systems Force Scientists to Code

It’s been a long-standing industry pain point that scientists have been forced to learn coding languages like Python or SQL to “fix” their “solutions.” While proficiency in these languages can undoubtedly enhance data analysis and manipulation capabilities, many researchers entered the field with a passion for scientific inquiry, not software development. The burden of mastering complex coding languages detracts from time spent on actual research and experimentation, creating a significant barrier to productivity and innovation.

The limitations of traditional LIMS, ELN, and SDMS systems underscore the urgent need for a paradigm shift in laboratory management. Scientists require tools that empower them to break free from rigid structures, access and analyze data seamlessly and focus on driving scientific discovery rather than grappling with technical intricacies. Enter a configurable combined LIMS/ELN/SDMS platform—a solution designed to revolutionize lab operations and propel scientific progress.

Ease of use and facilitating connections seamlessly between many systems set a superior platform apart

The power of one configurable lab platform rests in its ease of use, configurability, and ability to support integrations with corporate IT systems and instruments.

Usability

A compelling platform prioritizes user experience, offering intuitive interfaces and streamlined workflows. Researchers should be able to easily navigate the platform, leveraging its full capabilities without the need for extensive training or technical expertise. By minimizing friction and maximizing usability, the platform empowers scientists to focus on what matters most: driving meaningful discoveries.

Configurability

A configurable lab platform offers unparalleled flexibility, unlike rigid systems constrained by predefined structures. Researchers can tailor the platform to suit their specific requirements, whether it involves defining unique data concepts, designing custom experiments, or orchestrating complex workflows. This configurability ensures that the platform evolves in tandem with scientific advancements, enabling users to stay ahead of the curve without cumbersome system overhauls.

Integration Support

Another hallmark of a robust platform is its seamless integration capabilities. Rather than functioning in isolation, the platform is a central hub connecting disparate data sources, instruments, and applications. This interoperability streamlines data exchange and facilitates collaboration across interdisciplinary teams, fostering a synergistic approach to scientific inquiry.

The Power of the Sapio Platform: an all-in-one solution for all your processes and systems

Sapio has been designed from the ground up to give you one seamless platform combining a LIMS, ELN, and Data Management with templates and out-of-the-box solutions that can consolidate all your workflow, templates, samples, materials, reporting, and analytics into one place

A LIMS, ELN, and SDMS all in one

Whether you are conducting research for next-generation genome sequencing, diagnostics, bioanalysis, antibody, in vivo, stability, or other drug discovery use cases that use one or several LIMS, an ELN, or scientific data management solutions, consider the following features that should be consolidated into one platform – any combination of the below modules should be available in one platform for biotech companies:

• Instrument integration
• Order management
• Workflow and template design, optimization, and automation
• healthcare Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Feeding samples through workflows
• Delivering reports 
• Recording experiment details
• Establishing and tracking a study
• Generating charts, visualizations, and metrics
• Executing scientific analytics and algorithms and machine learning
• Tracking of ordering reagents and consumables
• Managing storage and inventory
• Unifying data from many disparate systems
• Mining all data across several different sources or locations
• Parsing data from different sources to gain new insights
• Monitoring validation, QA or QC requirements
• Supporting compliance needs and GLP and GCP practices
• Supporting GMP manufacturing process compliance and regulatory needs

Unrivaled configurability for all functions

Sapio offers unparalleled configurability, empowering laboratories to tailor workflows precisely to their unique requirements without disrupting their operational rhythm. Here’s how Sapio’s advanced configurability revolutionizes laboratory management:

Flexible Workflow Design 

With Sapio, designing workflows that mirror your lab’s processes is effortless. Our intuitive interface allows you to drag and drop elements to create customized workflows tailored to your needs. Whether automating routine procedures or adapting to the nuances of each experiment, Sapio ensures seamless workflow management.

Automated Experiment Templating

Sapio’s experiment templating feature saves time and standardizes procedures. Easily create templates to automate steps and maintain consistency across experiments while allowing modifications to accommodate unique experimental requirements.

Dynamic Sample Routing 

Sapio’s intelligent routing capabilities enable samples to be directed to specific processing steps manually or automatically based on predefined arrival conditions. Sample routing ensures efficient sample management and streamlines laboratory workflows.

Seamless External File Integration

Connect external files seamlessly within workflows, enabling easy access and manipulation directly within the Sapio platform. Whether raw data, protocols, or documentation, Sapio ensures all relevant information is readily accessible and centrally managed.

Customizable Result Types

Define and customize result types to trigger specific actions or alerts based on your laboratory’s requirements. Sapio empowers you to configure result types to align with your analysis and reporting needs, enhancing efficiency and decision-making.

Comprehensive Data Processing and Analysis

With Sapio, data processing, visualization, and analysis are seamlessly integrated into a single platform. From data capture to interpretation, Sapio provides robust tools for charting, analyzing, and deriving insights, streamlining the entire data lifecycle.

In essence, Sapio’s incomparable configurability empowers laboratories to optimize workflows, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation in scientific research. Experience the freedom to tailor your laboratory management system to fit your unique needs with Sapio.

Out of the box, no code solutions with the Sapio Rules Engine

Designed to streamline workflows and enhance productivity, the Sapio Rules Engine is a game-changer in laboratory management. Here’s how it revolutionizes your operations:

Time-Saving Automation

Say goodbye to manual tasks and tedious processes. The Sapio Rules Engine automates actions based on predefined conditions or triggers, saving users valuable time and effort. Automated workflows allow you to focus on high-value tasks and accelerate your research endeavors.

Intuitive Rule Creation

Creating rules with Sapio is easy. Our intuitive interface allows users to define rules using simple If/Then statements structured in plain English. This user-friendly approach ensures accessibility for all users, regardless of technical expertise.

Customization Without Code

Sapio empowers users to customize their laboratory workflows without writing a single line of code. With the Sapio Rules Engine, you can define a wide range of rule actions, including email notifications to users or groups, field setting, process tracking, and instrument file generation. This flexibility enables you to tailor Sapio to your specific requirements with ease.

In many cases, creating rules to address business requirements is the first step in driving customization and innovation in your project. Sapio’s flexibility allows for iterative refinement of rules, enabling continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving needs.

Seamless Integration with API, Webhooks, Plugins, and more

At Sapio, we understand the importance of seamless integration with your existing systems and tools. That’s why we offer robust support for many connection methods, including API, webhooks, and plugins. Here’s how Sapio ensures smooth interoperability:

Flexible API Support

Sapio’s API provides a versatile interface for integrating external systems and applications. Whether you need to synchronize data with other platforms or automate processes, our API offers the flexibility and scalability to meet your integration needs.

Real-time Communication with Webhooks

With Sapio’s webhook support, you can enable real-time communication between Sapio and external systems. Receive instant notifications and trigger actions based on predefined events, ensuring timely updates and seamless workflow orchestration.

Extensible Plugin Ecosystem

Sapio’s plugin ecosystem offers many pre-built tools to extend the platform’s functionality. Our plugins streamline everyday integration tasks and enhance customization capabilities, but if you are still looking for what you’re looking for that is already built, we work with you to ensure your system meets your needs.

Expert Support for Custom Solutions

If your integration requirements extend beyond the capabilities of our Rules Engine or built-in tools, rest assured that Sapio’s team of experts is here to help. We’ll work closely with you to understand your needs and find solutions tailored to your specific use case, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.

Built-in Tools to Simplify Integration Management

Sapio’s intuitive platform UI makes it easy to manage integrations without complex coding. For example, our Filebridge and Complex Data Loader tools are built-in to reduce and simplify integration tasks, allowing you to connect printers, parse data files, and more with just a few clicks.

Connecting your laboratory systems and processes has never been easier with Sapio. Experience the power of seamless integration and unlock new possibilities for collaboration and efficiency with Sapio’s comprehensive integration capabilities.

AI tools built in to speed up your operations

Sapio offers a suite of AI-powered tools designed to streamline laboratory operations and enhance productivity. Here’s how our AI tools empower users to unlock new levels of efficiency and innovation :

ELaiN (Electronic Laboratory AI Notebook)

ELaiN revolutionizes experimental design and execution by leveraging AI capabilities. With ELaiN, users can prompt the Sapio system to generate experiments, set up plates, mine existing data, and even automate routine tasks. By harnessing the power of AI, ELaiN accelerates experimentation and enables researchers to focus on analysis and interpretation.

Sapio Support Agent

Our AI-powered support agent provides users with immediate assistance and expert guidance directly within the Sapio platform. Whether you have questions about system functionality, configuration options, or troubleshooting issues, the Sapio Support Agent is here to help. Ask a question and receive instant feedback and actionable insights to optimize your laboratory workflows.

Personalized Assistance

The Sapio Support Agent goes beyond basic troubleshooting to offer personalized assistance tailored to your needs. Need help configuring a solution path or optimizing system settings? The Sapio Support Agent provides step-by-step guidance and best practices to ensure you get the most out of your Sapio platform.

With Sapio’s AI tools, users can leverage the latest advancements in artificial intelligence to streamline laboratory operations, enhance productivity, and drive innovation. Experience the power of AI-driven automation and support with Sapio to unlock new possibilities for scientific discovery.

Conclusion

Adopting a configurable LIMS platform in biotechnology, such as the Sapio Platform, is pivotal for flexible, rapid, and cost-effective scientific research. By embracing the power of a unified platform that prioritizes usability, configurability, and seamless integration, laboratories can transcend traditional systems’ limitations and unlock new drug development frontiers. We encourage you to explore how Sapio can transform your lab management and operations and propel your organization toward faster scientific innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Sets Sapio Apart From Other Lab Informatics Platforms?

Answer: Sapio stands out by balancing complex science with simplicity. Our platform is uniquely designed to meet specialized requirements, incorporating AI-enabled experiments and workflows easily. Unlike other platforms, Sapio provides extensive built-in tools tailored for specific research needs, such as CRISPR editing, plasmid design, and flow cytometry, ensuring scientists have everything they need from the get-go.

2. How Does Sapio Promote Flexibility and Customization in Scientific Workflows?

Answer: Recognizing that science is personal and varied, Sapio offers unparalleled flexibility through its highly configurable platform. Scientists can define their workflows without coding, making tailoring the platform to specific research processes and requirements easier. This approach ensures the platform can adapt to your evolving scientific needs, facilitating a seamless and efficient research process.

3. In What Ways Does Sapio Enhance Collaboration and Data Management in Scientific Research?

Answer: Sapio revolutionizes collaboration and data management through its seamless, unified platform. With features like a living knowledge graph, our platform makes all scientific data fully searchable and contextualized, driving data-driven discoveries. Additionally, Sapio removes collaboration barriers, allowing for collaboration in real-time experiments and the reuse of scientific objects. This not only fosters a collaborative research environment but also streamlines the discovery process by making it easier to share insights and findings.