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:
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!
