LIMS Software Directory

(chromatography data systems)

(electronic laboratory notebooks)

LIMS - Laboratory Information Management System

LIMS systems are used in most commercial laboratories. LIMS systems range from simple off the shelf lab management software solutions to highly customized systems validated in highly regulated industries.

The reason LIMS systems are widely used is because they offer a cost savings to businesses by both automating and streamlining tasks which are routinely performed in laboratories and manufacturing facilities.

Benefits of Using a LIMS in Your Laboratory

Automate routine calculations and chromatography data collection
Assign test and sample status by comparing test results to test limits
Automatically generate required reports and labels at various stages of a sample's lifecycle (sample labels at login, certificate of analysis at sample approval, etc)
Allows live access to all laboratory data throughout the facility
Automated determination of reduced testing schedules
Allows for easy access to electronic data for statistical analysis such as process control and process capability studies
Automated sample logging for equipment calibration and maintenance as well as automated tracking of the status of these instruments
Automated tracking and expiry of chemicals and reagents
Automated tracking of retain samples and hold times
Automated assignment of due dates for samples in the system
Reduction in paper trail (less paper, still have not seen paperless!)
Date and time stamps for each stage of a sample's lifecycle to be used for turn around time studies

Each LIMS system is different and configured to meet the regulations of various industries. Because of this, any specific system may not offer all of the above listed benefits or may offer more.

Customizing a LIMS system can be a double edged sword. The more a system is customized for your specific needs, the more on site validation required. In other words, the more you need to tailor a system to your specific needs the more up front investment will be required. Much of this cost is also dependent upon the regulatory requirements of your industry.

I work in the pharmaceutical industry in LIMS implementation, validation, customization and support. In this capacity, I try to stay up to date on LIMS products in this field. This website is a work in progress and a compilation of LIMS suppliers. I have tried to include a mix of suppliers; from off the shelf, inexpensive solutions to more complex, customized systems used at large corporations.