Everything You Should Know about SAAS (Software as a Service) LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) Software

Do you run a laboratory? Running a laboratory involves handling a lot of tests, procedures and generating valuable data. These tasks can be hectic when you have a lot of workflow and limited time to standardise the results.

According to Sapio Sciences, with SAAS LIMS software you can effectively manage the samples and all the data in the laboratory. You can quickly automate your workflows, manage your samples, integrate the instruments and plan all the other activities in the lab. In the end, you will get detailed and accurate records of every sample and securely store them. No data gets lost or mixed up in the laboratory. Let’s explore how SAAS LIMS software works.

How SAAS LIMS Works in a Lab

SAAS LIMS allows you to enter accurate information of samples such as the inspection numbers, batch materials, time and date, where the tests were carried out, and any other information that scientists and technicians would require. Here is how it works:

A sample is picked for the testing process
The information is tested and securely stored in an accessible place
The software generates a barcode that can be scanned for the particular test sample
Staff members can continually update the data and pass the test results to other systems on the chain
Repeat the process for new samples

How SAAS LIMS Benefits your Business

Working in environments with laboratories requires utter precision and accuracy. This is where SAAS LIMS software comes into play. Here are other ways that LIMS benefits your business besides eliminating human errors, minimising paperwork, and automating processes.

Effective Sample Management: SAAS LIMS software first receives the sample test, runs it through and securely stores the collected data for later use. Most of this data has details such as the provider for each sample, the data received, the location of storage, the working status, the date of expiration, and the names of all the technicians involved. With this information, any staff member can find the samples and update them.
Your Business Gets a Better and Streamlined Workflow: With most of the processes complete, the only thing that your employees have to do is to monitor the LIMS and enter the updates from time to time. You get a more straightforward workflow and reduce the operational costs.
You can Track Inventory without Losses: SAAS LIMS allows you to accurately and automate inventory to know how much is left in good time. With this information, you can replenish the essential items and products and continue with the sample testing.
Get Automated Exchange of Data: The LIMS database is huge and can store thousands of samples. This data can easily be transferred between departments and organisations conveniently. You can share files, documents, and images from the LIMS database without causing any disruptions to the sample testing processes. It saves both time and resources.
Accurate and Automatic Reporting: The right SAAS LIMS will expose you to accurate and automatic reports for all your tests. You can automate processes such as testing, quality assurance, and other analytical reports. Once it’s done, you get a report, gauge the progress, and make informed decisions.

Tips on Choosing the Right SAAS Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for Your Laboratory

Your Industry

The kind of industry you operate in will determine the kind of LIMS software to purchase. Some systems are specialised and designed for specific industries, while others are for general practice. LIMS for the pharmaceutical industries are different from the systems meant for unregulated industries.

Type of Lab

People running a QA or QC lab will require different LIMS software depending on whether they support analytical lab research. Before you make the purchase, talk to your provider and know if they can tailor the LIMS software to your particular laboratory.

Desired Flexibility

What kind of flexibility do you desire the LIMS software to have? While most software have the same functions and abilities, the providers’ different solutions have a set of requirements on the configuration. If your business tests standard samples, you can use the regular OOB (out-of-the-box) LIMS.

IT Resources Available

LIMS is all about IT. As such, you must check the resources available to support its functionality. Some common requirements include a cloud-based system, a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) system, and a tailor-made SAAS LIMS system. There are many LIMS software that you can get based on your available IT resources.

Reviews from Other Users

Do you have friends in other businesses using LIMS software? You can talk with them and get recommendations on the best LIMS software providers. Once you get these recommendations, get on the provider’s websites and online media platforms to read the reviews and comments posted by other clients. If most of the reviews about the LIMS are complaints, you should reconsider your options.

Cost

How much are you willing to pay for the LIMS software? Your cost limitations play a vital role in the type of LIMS software you procure. Before you make any decisions, conduct a comprehensive analysis and check the cost of all the LIMS licenses, module costs, customisation, and annuity maintenance. It will give you a better basis for selection based on the cost.