LIMS 101: The Beginner’s Guide to LIMS – Part 2

LIMS 101 The Beginner's Guide to LIMS

In our previous blog post, we introduced the concept of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), explored why labs need one and highlighted the key features of a LIMS, click here to read it. In Part 2, we’re taking a deeper dive into when the right time to implement a LIMS is and the crucial steps for the implementation. Whether you’re a lab manager, IT specialist or decision-maker, this guide will help you determine the best approach for your lab’s digital transformation.

When is the Best Time For a LIMS

The decision to implement a LIMS should be based on a combination of factors that will ensure it delivers value to your lab. Here are the key considerations:

1. Test Volume

First of all, the test volume conducted by the laboratory is an important consideration. A general guideline is to have a minimum of 500 tests per month before considering the implementation of a LIMS. This indicates that the laboratory has a significant workload to warrant LIMS adoption. However, test volume alone shouldn’t be the only deciding factor.

2. Laboratory Size

Even though test volume is important, the size of the laboratory or company should also be taken into account. Sometimes a laboratory conducts 500 tests per month, but it may be relatively small. In such cases, it is advisable to wait until the laboratory reaches its maximum capacity, typically around 300-350 tests per month per staff member, before moving forward with a LIMS.

3. Return on Investment (ROI)

One crucial factor to consider is the Return On Investment (ROI). Determining ROI is an important step in justifying an investment in LIMS. This evidence-based approach allows laboratories to make informed decisions. By evaluating the expenses incurred in the lab operations—such as labor costs, material waste and manual errors—laboratories can estimate the potential cost savings and efficiency gains that a LIMS can bring. For instance, if you run 500 samples monthly, you can save up to 117,000 AUD annually. If you’d like to calculate your ROI with details, reach out to us to get our ROI Calculator sheet.

4. Regulatory Compliance and Data Security

Laboratories often face stringent regulatory requirements that demand accurate and secure data management. Moving to a LIMS helps meet regulatory standards, maintain data integrity and ensure a secure environment. A well-implemented LIMS provides comprehensive audit trails, automated compliance reporting and robust data security features. Laboratories should assess whether their existing systems meet compliance and security needs before proceeding.

5. Complexity of Workflows and Data Management

If your laboratory’s workflows are becoming increasingly complex or involve multiple departments (such as sample tracking, testing, analysis and reporting), it’s a sign that a LIMS could help streamline these processes. A LIMS allows seamless data flow across various functions, eliminating manual data entry, reducing errors and improving overall efficiency. 

How to Implement a LIMS in Your Lab

Implementing a LIMS is a strategic decision that involves careful planning and coordination. The process typically involves several key stages:

1. Assessment and Planning

The first step is to assess your lab’s current workflow, data management needs and pain points. This will help you determine the specific functionalities your LIMS needs to have. You’ll also need to outline your budget, timeline and goals.

2. Choosing the Right LIMS Solution

There are many LIMS options available, ranging from highly customisable platforms to off the shelf solutions with configuration. It’s important to choose one that aligns with your lab’s requirements, both in terms of features and scalability. At this stage, it’s worth consulting with LIMS vendors to discuss your needs and evaluate demos. To book your free personalised demo with us, click here. 

3. System Configuration and Integration

Once you’ve selected a LIMS, the next step is configuring it to fit your lab’s processes. This may include integrating the LIMS with existing instruments, databases and other lab systems. This step can be time-consuming, but it ensures that the system works smoothly and efficiently. If you’ve selected the right LIMS, you should be able to get support from your vendor. 

4. Training and Support

Proper training is crucial for ensuring that your lab staff can effectively use the new system. Most LIMS vendors offer training sessions, user manuals and ongoing support. It’s important to encourage your team to embrace the change.

5. Go Live and Continuous Improvement

After testing the system and ensuring everything works as expected, you can officially launch the LIMS in your lab. Even after the go-live, continuous monitoring and optimisation will be necessary to address any issues and ensure the system evolves with your lab’s needs.

QLIMS

If you’re ready to take the next step in transforming your lab’s operations, we’re here to help. Our team offers personalised demos to walk you through the best LIMS solution for your unique needs. Click here to book your free QLIMS demo today and get started on your journey toward a more efficient and secure laboratory.

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    LIMS 101: The Beginner’s Guide to LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) – Part 1

    LIMS 101: The Beginner’s Guide to LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) - Part 1

    Laboratories today generate a large amount of data, manage complex workflows and adhere to high regulatory standards. At this point, you need a solution for your lab management, and that’s where LIMS steps in. In this ultimate blog, we will be learning LIMS 101, the beginner’s guide to Laboratory Information Management Systems.

    Think of LIMS as the conductor of an orchestra in the lab management world. Just as a conductor brings together diverse instruments to create a harmonious symphony, LIMS integrates various lab processes and data streams to create an efficient workflow. With LIMS, labs perform at their best, hitting the right notes every time.

    Here are the titles we cover in this blog post, 

    • What is a LIMS? 
    • Why Do Labs Need a LIMS? 
    • Key Features of a LIMS?

    What is a LIMS?

    A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is software designed to help labs manage their samples, data, and workflows effectively. Depending on the LIMS vendor, it includes a wide range of features tailored to lab needs. From sample management to reporting, customer portals to instrument integration, it covers many essential functions. It’s a comprehensive tool that streamlines operations, enhances accuracy, and ensures compliance with industry standards.

    Why Do Labs Need a LIMS?

    The need for LIMS arises from the increasing complexity of laboratory operations. Managing samples, tracking results, integrating instruments and ensuring regulatory compliance can become overwhelming without a centralised system. LIMS provides the structure and support labs need to operate smoothly and scale efficiently.

    Why your lab needs a LIMS covers the key features and benefits of a LIMS. There are many capabilities that a LIMS can bring for your laboratory. 

    Key Features of a LIMS

    1. Sample Management: 

    LIMS provides powerful tools to ensure effective sample tracking and management. Unique identifiers like barcodes allow you to track samples throughout their lifecycle, from collection to storage to analysis.

    2. Workflow Automation: 

    Automation is a cornerstone of LIMS functionality, helping labs reduce manual tasks. Less admin work and more science. You can also integrate with instruments to automatically collect and record data, reducing manual entry errors. 

    3. Data Management:

    Managing vast amounts of lab data is made simple with LIMS. Securely store both raw and processed data in one location, ensuring easy access and management.

    4. Compliance and Security:

    LIMS helps labs meet strict regulatory requirements and maintain data integrity. Maintain detailed logs of all actions within the system, ensuring accountability and transparency.

    5. Reporting and Insights:

    Get a clear picture of your lab’s performance and outcomes. You can even create personalised reports to meet your lab’s unique needs. 

    LIMS is not just a tool; it’s an enabler of excellence in laboratory management. Whether you’re managing a genomics lab, a clinical facility or an environmental testing center, the right LIMS can transform your operations. It’s time to harmonise your lab’s processes with a system that’s built for the future.

    If you’re curious about implementing a LIMS or wondering if it’s the right time for your lab to adopt one, click here to read Part 2. If we haven’t covered your questions in this blog post, feel free to reach out—we’d be happy to help! 

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      AI Meets Labs: How AI Transformed Industries, Time For Labs

      AI Meets Labs

      Artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually being implemented in almost every aspect of our lives. Across various industries, AI has driven efficiency, growth and innovation. From retail to healthcare, companies are tapping into AI’s power to unlock new opportunities and streamline operations. Now it’s time for laboratories – AI meets labs. 

      According to the report by Deloitte, annual potential savings from artificial intelligence (AI) for the US health care system is US$360 billion over the next five years. In manufacturing, AI powered robots have saved thousands of man hours and boosted productivity. 

      Besides the commercial benefits there are many advantages of AI in different aspects of our lives. Meta launched a system called ‘AI for Accessibility,‘ in collaboration with Be My Eyes, to support people with visual impairments. This system uses AI to provide real-time assistance, helping users navigate their surroundings, read text, and identify objects, making the world more accessible to everyone. Even this blog post was created with the help of an AI tool, saving me hours of work.

      Why Not Labs?

      Labs are often overloaded with repetitive tasks, manual data entry and inefficiencies in data management. Whether it’s tracking samples, maintaining records or analysing test results, lab teams spend a significant amount of time on administrative tasks that could be automated or streamlined. This is where AI can make a dramatic difference.

      AI Meets Labs: QLIMS + AI

      Imagine having an AI-powered assistant that can query your lab’s database. This could save time and boost productivity. So your valuable time can be better spent on innovation and research. 

      We’re so excited to bring AI into the world of laboratory information management. With our AI assistant for QLIMS, labs can query their databases with ease. t’s like having a lab assistant that never sleeps—always there to help. 

      AI is transforming industries across the globe, and now it’s time for labs to benefit from this technology. By integrating AI into your lab’s workflow, you’ll not only save time but also increase efficiency, accuracy and productivity. We’ll be sharing more updates soon, get ready to experience a smarter and more efficient lab! 

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        10 Tips for Choosing the Right LIMS in Genomics

        10 Tips for Choosing the Right LIMS for Genomics

        Managing a genomics laboratory requires specialised tools to handle complex workflows, large volumes of data and highly specific integrations. Selecting the right Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) can transform the way genomics labs operate, helping them streamline processes, reduce errors and scale efficiently. However, not all LIMS are created equal, and the needs of genomics labs go beyond the basics of traditional LIMS capabilities. In this guide, we’ll explore the critical factors 10 tips for choosing the right LIMS in genomics. 

        Here’s a streamlined guide to the key features and capabilities you should consider when making your decision:

        1. Sample Management

        • Tracking and Identification: Support for barcode/QR code integration to uniquely identify and track samples.
        • Metadata Capture: Ability to store detailed metadata for each sample, including origin, preparation, and storage conditions.
        • Batch Management: Handle batch processing of samples for high-throughput sequencing.

        2. Workflow Automation

        • Protocol Configuration: Configurable workflows for DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, sequencing, and data analysis.
        • Pipeline Integration: Integration with bioinformatics pipelines and data analysis tools.
        • Quality Control: Automated checks and reporting for sample quality metrics (e.g., RNA integrity, library concentration).

        3. Instrument Integration

        • Device Compatibility: Connectivity with sequencing platforms (e.g., Illumina, Oxford Nanopore) and ancillary equipment (e.g., PCR machines, spectrophotometers).
        • Data Import: Automated data retrieval and parsing from instruments into the LIMS.

        4. Data Management

        • Raw and Processed Data Storage: Capability to store raw sequencing data (e.g., FASTQ files) and processed results (e.g., BAM, VCF files).
        • Data Versioning: Maintain a version history of processed data and analysis results.
        • Scalability: Handle large datasets typical of genomics studies.

        5. Regulatory Compliance

        • Data Security: Secure data storage with access control and encryption.
        • Audit Trails: Maintain detailed logs of user actions and data changes.
        • Compliance Standards: Support for standards like ISO 17025, CLIA, and HIPAA.

        6. Reporting and Visualisation

        • Custom Reports: Generate reports on sequencing quality, variants, and sample statuses.
        • Data Visualisation: Built-in tools for visualising data. 
        QLIMS Visualisation

        7. Collaboration and Communication

        • User Roles: Define roles and permissions for team members.

        • Data Sharing: Facilitate data sharing with collaborators while ensuring privacy.

        • Real-Time Updates: Notifications and updates on sample or project status.

        8. Configuration and Scalability

        • Flexible Configurations: Configurable fields, workflows and reports to align with specific laboratory requirements.
        • Growth Support: Scalability to support an increasing number of samples, instruments and users.

        9. Training and Support

        • User Training: Resources for onboarding and training lab personnel.
        • Technical Support: Dedicated support for troubleshooting and system updates.

        10. Integration with Cloud and SaaS Platforms

        • Cloud Compatibility: Ensure the LIMS supports cloud-based deployment, providing secure access to data anytime, anywhere.
        • SaaS Benefits: Take advantage of subscription-based models, which offer automatic updates, reduced infrastructure costs, and scalability.
        • Third-Party Integrations: Seamless connection with platforms like AWS, ensuring advanced data storage and processing capabilities.

        Choosing the right LIMS tailored to genomics ensures smoother workflows, compliance with regulations and the ability to scale. A system like QLIMS provides these features and more, helping your lab achieve operational excellence.

        Contact us today to book your personalised demo!

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          The Secret to Laboratory Success: Configurable Low Code LIMS

          The Secret to Laboratory Success: Configurable Low Code LIMS

          Laboratories face the challenge of keeping up with growing data volumes, evolving workflows and increasing demands for efficiency. How do the most successful labs thrive in this environment? The answer lies in adopting systems that offer flexibility without complexity. Enter configurable low-code LIMS—a game-changer that empowers labs to adapt quickly, reduce costs and streamline operations like never before.

          Gone are the days when laboratories needed extensive custom coding to tailor their systems. With low-code solutions like QLIMS, labs can achieve the perfect balance between configurability and simplicity. But what makes configurable low code LIMS the secret weapon for modern laboratories? Let’s explore.

          What is Customisable and Configurable LIMS for laboratories? 

          Before diving into the specifics, if you are new to “LIMS”, you can click here to learn more about it. Let’s continue with what we mean by “customisable” and “configurable” when it comes to Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). While both terms refer to adapting the system to a lab’s needs, they offer different approaches.

          • Customisable LIMS typically involve deep modifications, often requiring developers to write complex code to meet unique laboratory requirements. While this offers a high level of flexibility, it comes with significant time, cost and resource investment.
          • Configurable LIMS, on the other hand, empower users to make adjustments without the need for coding. Through simple tools like drag-and-drop interfaces and intuitive settings, lab managers can configure workflows, data fields and user permissions to meet the specific needs of their laboratory. This flexibility enables labs to adapt quickly to changing demands without the overhead of custom coding.

          In essence, a configurable low-code LIMS combines the best of both worlds—giving labs the power to shape their system while keeping it simple and efficient. With QLIMS, this configuration is not just a one-time task but a continuous, seamless process that evolves as your laboratory does.

          Why Choose Configurable Low-Code LIMS?

          While the right LIMS choice depends on your laboratory’s specific needs, configurable low-code LIMS are increasingly preferred by lab managers. The reason? Configurable LIMS do more than simplify workflows—they offer a range of benefits that can significantly enhance laboratory efficiency, adaptability and scalability. Let’s explore the key advantages.

          1. Rapid Implementation

          Unlike traditional LIMS, low code solutions are quick to implement. Labs can adapt their systems within the weeks, keeping pace with changing workflows and needs.

          2. Empowering Non Technical Users

          Low code LIMS reduces dependency on IT. You don’t even need IT employees or technical expertise. It gives you flexibility with the changes in your lab. This approach allows non-technical users to create custom reports, workflows and data fields with ease. They can modify their systems to better fit the laboratory’s evolving requirements without waiting for a developer or IT specialist. 

          3. Cost Effective Solution

          As laboratories face tighter budgets, reducing costs without compromising quality is essential. Configurable low-code LIMS significantly lower the cost of development and maintenance. With less custom coding required, laboratories save on costly developer time and can allocate resources to more strategic areas of their operations.

          Imagine changes occur in your laboratory. With a customisable, complex code LIMS, you’d need to modify the code and implement major changes, which can be costly. However, with a low-code configurable LIMS, you can make ongoing adjustments internally. The less you rely on external technical support, the more you save.

          Choose the Right Solution for Your Laboratory

          In an increasingly complex and fast-paced world, laboratories need tools that can keep up with their evolving needs. Configurable low-code LIMS like QLIMS offer the perfect solution—providing flexibility, ease of use and scalability while reducing costs and improving operational efficiency.

          With QLIMS, labs no longer have to choose between functionality and simplicity. The power to adapt, integrate and scale is at your fingertips, without the complexity of traditional custom development.

          Are you ready to see how QLIMS can transform your laboratory? Get in touch with us today for a personalised demo and start your journey toward a more agile, efficient and future-proof laboratory.

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            Driving Success and Security in the Cloud: The Power of QLIMS on AWS – Part 2

            The Power of QLIMS on AWS

            In the first part of this series, we explored how a robust cloud governance strategy is essential for labs to maintain data security, compliance and operational efficiency in the cloud like QLIMS. In this second part, we dive deeper into the critical components of cloud governance: visibility, configuration, operations and risks. 

            1. Visibility: You can’t govern what you can’t see

            In terms of cloud governance, visibility means having an accurate, detailed and up-to-date view of all the activity an organisation has in the cloud. Labs often operate in complex environments with numerous users, departments and third-party integrations, making it challenging to maintain visibility. 

            Practically speaking, that includes:

            • Cloud assets such as applications, platforms, infrastructure, VPC, and buckets.
            • Data stored in the AWS Cloud
            • User access controls, so only authorised users can access sensitive data. 

            Although this sounds straightforward, it’s actually quite challenging, particularly in a hybrid or multi-cloud environment or in a global organisation with multiple users and departments. In these environments, it’s especially easy for unmanaged IT to proliferate—which includes the use of IT-related hardware and software by a department/individual without the knowledge of the organisation’s IT department. By definition, unmanaged IT is invisible and therefore ungovernable.

            2. Configuration: Setting the stage for success

            Misconfigurations are one of the leading causes of data breaches in the cloud. Labs often face challenges in ensuring that their cloud infrastructure is configured securely to meet compliance standards. 

            AWS services can help: 

            • The AWS Foundational Security Best Practices standard is a set of controls that detects when deployed accounts and resources deviate from security best practices. 
            • AWS Config Conformance Packs provide a collection of AWS Config rules and remediation actions that can be easily deployed as a template to evaluate an organisation’s AWS environment. 
            • AWS IAM Access Analyzer helps organisations identify the resources or accounts, such as Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) buckets, that are shared with an external entity. 

            3. Operations: Managing the processes that manage your cloud

            As labs scale their operations in the cloud, managing security manually becomes increasingly difficult. A robust governance strategy must include automated processes to identify, report and address operational issues before they become security risks. AWS offers several solutions to help:

            As you deploy policies and procedures to more effectively and securely manage your operations in the cloud, AWS can help: 

            • AWS Systems Manager provides a unified user interface that allows organisations to view operational data from multiple AWS services and automate operational tasks across AWS resources.
            • AWS Control Tower provides the easiest way to set up and govern a secure, multi-account AWS environment, ensuring that all accounts conform to company-wide policies through built-in best practices. 
            • AWS Organizations helps users centrally manage and govern their environment as they grow and scale AWS resources.

            4. Risk: Where the governance meets the bottom line 

            In a lab setting, cloud governance is essential to mitigate risks that can affect data security, compliance, and overall operations. Risks like data breaches, regulatory violations, and unauthorised access can severely impact your lab’s financial position, reputation, and trust with customers.

            AWS services can help assess, manage, and mitigate risk throughout the cloud:

            • AWS Config provides the means to assess, audit, and evaluate AWS resource configurations. It continuously monitors and records those configurations, automating the evaluation of recorded configurations against desired configurations.
            • AWS Audit Manager continuously audits AWS usage to simplify how organisations assess risk and compliance with regulatory standards. 

            Better Together: Cloud Governance takes all of us 

            Cloud governance is based on a shared responsibility model, in which both AWS and your organisation share the responsibility for data security and compliance.

            AWS is responsible for the security of the cloud. That means AWS is responsible for protecting the infrastructure that runs all of the services offered in the AWS Cloud, which includes the hardware, software, networking and facilities that run AWS cloud services.

            Your organisation is responsible for security in the cloud. Your responsibility is determined by the AWS cloud services you select, which then determines the amount of configuration work you must perform as part of your security responsibilities. 

            Your lab can ensure the highest level of security, compliance and operational efficiency, all while maintaining focus on delivering exceptional results in your work with QLIMS on AWS. 

            Contact us to secure your lab data today!

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              OnQ Press Release: SciPharmA adds QLIMS to their catalogue for Europe

              SciPharmA adds QLIMS to their catalogue for Europe

              Roermond, The Netherlands – December 10th, 2024:

              OnQ Software, the leading developer of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) – QLIMS, is excited to announce a new partnership with SciPharmA Informatics GmbH. SciPharmA, based in Germany, officially joins OnQ Software as an approved implementation partner, marking a significant step forward for OnQ’s expansion in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors across Europe. 

              This collaboration brings together two companies dedicated to innovation and efficiency in laboratories. SciPharmA’s deep expertise in pharma and biotech, coupled with OnQ’s powerful LIMS solution, will expand access to QLIMS for a wider audience in Europe. 

              Commenting on the partnership, Jonathan Gannoulis, CEO at OnQ Software, said: “We’re thrilled to have SciPharmA as an approved partner. Their extensive knowledge and our LIMS solution will deliver exceptional value to our clients. This partnership will drive optimization in lab management and workflows for the pharma and biotech industries.”

              SciPharmA is committed to advancing laboratory informatics by delivering solutions that cater to the unique needs of pharma and biotech professionals in Germany. The partnership with OnQ Software enables SciPharmA to offer even more innovative and efficient tools to help streamline lab operations, reduce manual workloads and improve regulatory compliance.

              “We are incredibly excited about this partnership with OnQ Software,” said Shalini Akshintala , Founder and CEO at SciPharmA. Teaming up with OnQ Software allows us to further elevate our capabilities and deliver exceptional outcomes. A special shoutout to Ron Kessels and Jonathan Gannoulis for their valuable insights and thoughtful discussions.

              With this new partnership, OnQ Software and SciPharmA are set to provide state-of-the-art LIMS implementations, ensuring that labs in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries can achieve greater productivity, accuracy and efficiency.

              For further information, please visit SciPharmA Informatics GmbH or OnQ Software.

              About SciPharmA

              SciPharmA Informatics, based in Berlin, is a pioneer in laboratory informatics and data management. They empower forward-thinking labs and innovators with cutting-edge solutions and industry expertise. With years of industry experience, they bring a wealth of expertise to your doorstep. Their mission is clear: to empower you with cutting-edge solutions and unparalleled knowledge in laboratory informatics, ensuring your journey towards excellence is marked by innovation and success.

              About OnQ Software

              OnQ Software is the developer of the cloud-based LIMS platform, QLIMS. QLIMS manages laboratory workflows, automation and reporting, seamlessly integrating with third-party systems. OnQ Software has been developing and providing QLIMS since 1992, catering to various scientific industries, including pharmaceuticals, genomics, food & beverage, research and environmental testing.

              OnQ Software ǀ Kapellerpoort 1, 6041 HZ Roermond The Netherlands ǀ Phone +31 6 48 157 331 ǀ info.europe@onqsoft.com

              Further Information
              For further information please contact OnQ Software:

              www.onqsoft.com

              OnQ Software Pty Ltd.

              Tel: +31 6 48 157 331
              info@onqsoft.com

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              Driving Success and Security in the Cloud: The Power of QLIMS on AWS – Part 1

              Driving Success and Security in the Cloud The power of QLIMS on AWS

              For laboratories, data integrity, compliance and operational efficiency are paramount and cloud technologies offer critical opportunities. However, we know that with the move to the cloud comes the critical need for robust security and governance strategies to ensure that sensitive data remains secure and compliant with industry standards. In this blog post we’ll explore how adopting a comprehensive cloud governance strategy on AWS can help labs mitigate risks, optimise operations and achieve the highest level of data security with the power of QLIMS

              What is cloud governance?

              Cloud governance enables customers to define requirements for security, cost and ongoing oversight of their cloud journey and ensure processes are optimised and consistently followed, especially in sensitive environments like laboratories. A robust cloud governance strategy helps you run your business well and keep it safe.

              For labs handling sensitive research, clinical or test data, cloud security is non-negotiable. Imagine a scenario where a lab unknowingly exposes patient data or proprietary research due to improper cloud configuration. In the lab world, these kinds of oversights can lead to costly data breaches, loss of trust and non-compliance with standards like ISO 17025, HIPAA or GLP.

              What do all these real-life situations have in common?

              • A lab exposed confidential patient or research data due to misconfigured cloud infrastructure.
              • A company realised that it failed to protect a server with a password, leaving a database of customer information unprotected.
              • An organisation discovered a misconfiguration that left it open to data breach.

              All of these organisations -and dozens more like them in a variety of industries, including highly regulated ones like healthcare– had a cloud computing strategy that took advantage of cloud benefits, but left out a critical component: cloud governance.

              patient laboratory data security

              In practical terms, a robust cloud governance strategy helps you run your business well and keep it safe, offering a level of protection against a number of avoidable risks: data breaches, intellectual property theft, damage to brand and reputation and financial loss, as well as the risk of being out of compliance with mandates like HIPAA. In fact, Gartner, the leading IT research and advisory firm, predicts that “through 2025, 99% of cloud security failures will be the customer’s fault.”

              Creating effective cloud governance is a two-step process:

              1. Understanding the four pillars of cloud governance: visibility, configuration, operations, and risk. 
              2. Developing best practices for continuously monitoring, assessing, and optimising each of these.

              In this blog post, we explored how a robust cloud governance strategy is essential for labs to maintain data security, compliance and operational efficiency in the cloud like QLIMS. In this second part, we will dive deeper into the critical components of cloud governance: visibility, configuration, operations and risks. 

              We understand how crucial laboratory data is. If you’re looking to keep your data secure and in trusted hands, reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help.

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                Low-Code vs. Custom Code: A Laboratory Information Management System Showdown

                Low Code vs Custom Code LIMS Showdown

                Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are crucial tools for managing the complex workflows and the vast amounts of data generated in laboratories. While traditional customisation methods involved writing custom code, a newer approach leveraging low-code platforms has emerged, offering significant advantages over traditional methods. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between low-code and custom code for LIMS. 

                Understanding the Contenders

                Custom Code: 

                • Requires writing specific code to adapt the LIMS to precise requirements.
                • Offers maximum flexibility but demands skilled developers and significant time investment.

                Low-Code Platforms: 

                • These platforms allow users to create custom applications with minimal coding, using drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components.

                The Low-Code Advantage

                1. Rapid Deployment:

                • Faster Time-to-Market: Low-code platforms significantly accelerate development cycles, reducing the time it takes to implement new features or workflows.
                • Agile Development: Quick iterations and adaptability to changing requirements are facilitated by the low-code approach.

                2. Reduced Development Costs:

                • Lower Labour Costs: By minimising the need for skilled developers, organisations can reduce overall development expenses.
                • Efficient Resource Allocation: Low-code platforms empower domain experts to create solutions, freeing up IT resources for strategic initiatives.

                3. Enhanced User Experience:

                • Intuitive Interfaces: Low-code platforms often provide pre-built UI components and templates, resulting in user-friendly interfaces.
                • Improved User Adoption: A well-designed, intuitive interface encourages user adoption and reduces training time.

                4. Greater Flexibility and Scalability:

                • Adaptability to Changing Needs: Low-code platforms allow for easy customisation and configuration, accommodating evolving laboratory requirements.
                • Scalability: As your laboratory grows, low-code solutions can scale seamlessly to handle increased data volumes and complexity.

                5. Reduced Risk of Errors:

                • Pre-built Components and Validation: Low-code platforms often include pre-tested components and validation rules, minimising the risk of errors.
                • Improved Data Quality: By enforcing data integrity and standardisation, low-code solutions contribute to higher data quality.

                Utilising Existing Resources

                A critical benefit of low-code platforms is the ability to leverage existing team resources. With intuitive interfaces, teams can make routine updates—such as minor changes—independently, eliminating the need for developers. These minor changes often represent up to 75% of the adjustments laboratories require, saving both time and cost.

                QLIMS is user-friendly, and creating your fields and columns is very easy—just drag and drop, change the text. Just click on the Modify Page button and that is it:

                QLIMS Configuration
                QLIMS Configuration

                Making the Right Choice

                While custom code offers maximum flexibility, low-code platforms provide a compelling alternative for many LIMS configuration needs. By balancing speed, cost-effectiveness, and user experience, low-code empowers laboratories to adapt to changing demands and achieve operational excellence.

                Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a LIMS Configuration Strategy

                Consider the following questions when evaluating your LIMS configuration strategy:

                • What is the complexity of your laboratory workflows and data requirements?
                • How quickly do you need to implement new features or customizations?
                • What is your budget for LIMS development and maintenance?
                • Do you have in-house development expertise?

                By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether a low-code or custom code approach is best suited for your laboratory’s specific needs. In many cases, the agility and cost savings of low-code make it the clear choice for laboratories looking to future-proof their operations while maximising efficiency. 

                Contact us today for a low-code LIMS and book your demo!

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                  Migrate and Modernise with AWS for Labs

                  Migrate and Modernise with AWS For Labs

                  In today’s competitive landscape, labs must adapt to dynamic conditions, streamline data management and meet the increasing demand for efficiency. Modernising with AWS empowers labs to keep up with these demands while improving data integrity, accessibility and security. In this post, we’ll explore how AWS’s Migrate and Modernise approach can transform your lab’s operations. 

                  Understanding the two stages of digital transformation

                  No two digital transformations are the same. But, by helping thousands of organisations successfully transform, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has seen distinct patterns emerge. Many AWS customers have found it beneficial to break the larger digital transformation effort into two stages: application modernisation and IT modernisation.

                  Application modernisation leverages cloud native systems and services to drive a new iterative and agile way of harnessing data and developing applications. Labs can take advantage of cloud native systems and agile processes to manage data more effectively and enable intelligent insights. This stage helps labs iterate faster on research and analysis workflows.

                  IT modernisation involves transforming legacy systems, processes, workloads and infrastructure as you migrate to the cloud. Moving away from outdated systems enhances your lab’s ability to handle complex datasets, scale operations and optimise resources. This stage will be the primary focus of this blog. 

                  Read on to discover how your organisation can realise the associated benefits on your path toward digital transformation.

                  The benefits of IT modernisation with AWS

                  When you modernise your IT with AWS, you gain better business agility and control over your applications, data and infrastructure. You’ll reduce costs in a number of ways. And you’ll gain easier access to critical data—allowing you to uncover business insights faster and take advantage of more opportunities for growth.

                  Discover multiple avenues for cost savings

                  IT modernisation drives down infrastructure costs, with the average organisation saving 31% by migrating and modernising with AWS. Further savings can be realised by reducing or eliminating costs associated with licensing, software patches, maintenance, and capacity and infrastructure upgrades. 

                  Many labs have achieved considerable cost savings by migrating and modernising with AWS. The cloud enables you to allocate resources more flexibly, focusing on high-impact areas rather than hardware management.

                  Transform Your Lab’s Capabilities Through Data

                  Digital transformation truly begins when you go beyond what you do with your apps and differentiate yourself with data insights. The employee, customer and transactional data you’ve gathered over years or decades can help you stand out, serving as the foundation for innovation and competitive differentiation at your organisation. Labs can leverage this data more effectively, uncovering patterns, optimising workflows and enhancing innovation. 

                  Driving modernisation through migration

                  Migrating lab data to AWS is an opportunity to overhaul how your lab approaches data management and workflows. This migration includes preparing your team for cloud-based skills, automating repetitive tasks and implementing DevOps practices to boost operational efficiency.

                  If you’re ready to modernise your lab with the trusted support of AWS and seamlessly migrate your lab data, contact us today!

                  Resource: AWS Marketing Central 

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