Trends in LIMS

Trends in LIMS

LIMS are evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and the changing needs of modern laboratories. Keeping up with these trends is crucial for laboratories looking to enhance their efficiency, data management, and compliance. In this article, we’ll explore some of the trends in LIMS.

To begin with, understanding the fundamental role of LIMS and its significance for laboratories is essential. Laboratories across the globe use a management system to manage data, inventory, and user permissions and this system is known as the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). LIMS provides seamless access to data, which can then be categorised and structured into various reports as required. A comprehensive LIMS can handle a wide range of laboratory data, from initial log-in procedures to result reporting. Let’s have a look at the latest trends in LIMS together.

1. SaaS LIMS

First trend could be SaaS, or Software as a Service. It has emerged as a leading trend in the LIMS industry, transforming the way laboratories manage their data. With SaaS-based LIMS, laboratories can enjoy the benefits of easy access, seamless scalability, and reduced IT infrastructure costs. This trend reflects a shift towards more agile and cost-effective solutions, allowing labs to focus on their core activities without the burden of managing complex IT systems. As more laboratories embrace the cloud-based model, SaaS LIMS is poised to revolutionise data management in the industry. 

SaaS LIMS

2. Integration with IoT and Automation

Integration with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and automation systems is transforming how data is collected and managed in laboratories. LIMS can now seamlessly integrate with IoT devices and instruments, enabling real-time data monitoring and analysis. This integration improves efficiency, reduces manual errors, and accelerates decision-making processes.

3. QR Codes

QR codes are revolutionising sample tracking and management in laboratories. By incorporating QR codes into their LIMS, laboratories can easily track samples throughout the testing process. QR codes enable quick and accurate identification of samples, reducing the risk of errors and improving traceability. With the ability to store a wealth of information in a compact format, QR codes are enhancing data management in labs, making workflows more efficient and improving overall productivity. 

4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trend in LIMS

The potential applications of AI in laboratories are extensive and can work alongside human efforts. Labs rely on extensive data use and constant analysis, and integrating AI and machine learning can significantly benefit these operations. AI algorithms can process large amounts of data quickly and accurately. In laboratories, this means accelerated data analysis, allowing researchers to obtain meaningful results in a fraction of the time it traditionally takes. 

To learn more about AI in labs, read our blog here

5. Compliance and Data Security

With increasing regulatory requirements, compliance and data security are top priorities for laboratories. Modern LIMS solutions offer robust features for ensuring compliance with regulations such as FDA, ISO, and GLP. They also provide enhanced data security measures, such as encryption and access controls, to protect sensitive information.

Data security is paramount in laboratory settings, and cloud-based solutions like AWS offer advanced security features to protect sensitive information. AWS provides a secure environment for data storage and transmission, utilising encryption and access control mechanisms to safeguard data from unauthorised access or breaches. Additionally, AWS offers compliance certifications, ensuring that data management practices align with industry standards and regulations. By leveraging AWS services, laboratories can enhance their data security posture and mitigate potential risks associated with data management. 

Did you know QLIMS has these features? From cloud-based convenience to seamless automation and QR code integration, QLIMS is your gateway to enhanced efficiency and data security. Want to see it in action? Fill the form below, or send an email today and experience firsthand the difference QLIMS can make in your laboratory. Let’s embark on this journey together towards smarter, more efficient lab management!

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    How to Improve Core Lab Operations

    core lab

    Optimising Core Lab Performance:
    Omics Challenges Meet LIMS Solution

    In the dynamic realm of core labs, where the focus is on unravelling the mysteries of omics—proteomics, genomics, and sequencing—the quest for groundbreaking discoveries is ceaseless. Core labs play a pivotal role in revealing new drug targets, diagnostic methods, and personalised drug therapies, driving the advancement of medical science. This brings to mind the big question “How to improve core lab operations?”.

    However, to be effective partners to their customers, core labs must navigate the challenges of being better, faster, and more cost-efficient. The cornerstone of success in this quest lies in turnaround time—a critical factor that defines customer satisfaction. To elevate their commitment, core labs are adopting a bold approach: guaranteeing their work with strict deadlines. If a deadline is not met, a discount on the project becomes a testament to their accountability.

    The key to achieving excellence is the use of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). LIMS plays a crucial role in improving efficiency and innovation in core labs. It offers a strong foundation for automation, helps address key challenges, and provides a range of benefits.



    Maximising Efficiency through LIMS Automation

    A LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) helps laboratories to ensure the quality and integrity of their results by managing the details and necessary elements of conducting work in a core lab. The best LIMS generally come with pre-built workflows that are compatible with common instrumentation, so labs can start managing runs in the system from the get-go. 

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    Additionally, LIMS can offer powerful application programming interfaces (APIs) based on familiar and standard scripting tools that lab staff can use to create custom workflows specific to their needs.

     

    By standardising workflows and vocabularies and integrating systems for seamless data transfer, LIMS virtually eliminates data entry errors that may occur due to manual entries.



    In essence, LIMS emerges as the catalyst for progress in core labs, offering a holistic solution to the challenges posed by the omics revolution. As core labs strive to strike the delicate balance between being good, fast, and cost-effective, LIMS stands as a technological ally, propelling them toward new frontiers in scientific exploration.

     

    Join us on a journey where the convergence of omics and LIMS reshapes the landscape of core labs, fostering innovation, efficiency, and excellence. Stay tuned for more insights into the dynamic interplay between technology and scientific discovery! 



    To learn more how we can improve operations and run your core lab like a business fill the form below, contact us today!

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      Mastering the Data Maze: LIMS in Action

      Data Management with LIMS

      As laboratories continue to grapple with an increasing volume of data, implementing a solution becomes a necessity. LIMS is a solution designed to help laboratories manage their data effectively. With the increasing volume of data generated in labs, LIMS offers advanced features to streamline workflows and improve data accuracy. From sample collection to analysis, LIMS ensures seamless integration of data across the entire laboratory workflow. By adopting LIMS, laboratories can improve their efficiency and pave the way for scientific breakthroughs. In this blog article, we will dive into how LIMS optimises data management in laboratories.

      Data Management Benefits with LIMS

      Let’s Move Beyond Traditional Notebooks

      Navigating through the maze of lab data stored in notebooks can be a challenging task. While it may seem easy to jot down numbers or attach result printouts, the real challenge arises when you need to retrieve that information months later without any hassle. This becomes crucial when compiling reports or facing audits. Managing lab data often involves manual transposition into spreadsheets or databases, followed by constructing control charts and turnaround time calculations, which is a time-consuming and error-prone process. However with the introduction of a cutting-edge Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), these inefficiencies can be transcended.

       

      LIMS not only takes the hassle out of data management but also enhances control and accessibility. No longer do you need to manually transfer results; LIMS can seamlessly integrate with instruments and other systems. This integration brings forth a wealth of functionalities, significantly reducing the likelihood of manual data errors. Moreover, it fosters interdepartmental collaboration by providing convenient access to manufacturing data for easy comparison with lab data. In essence, LIMS doesn’t just simplify; it revolutionises lab data management, freeing your team from tedious manual tasks and empowering them to focus on what matters most—accelerating scientific progress.



      Understanding the Data Lifecycle

      Successful data management begins with a thorough understanding of the data lifecycle. LIMS takes a comprehensive approach, starting with the initial stage of sample collection. The system facilitates the seamless entry of sample data, ensuring accuracy and eliminating the risk of manual errors. As samples progress through various stages of processing, LIMS maintains a detailed and traceable record, capturing every step in the laboratory procedures.

      Automating Workflows

      A key strength of LIMS lies in its capacity to automate workflows, addressing the challenge of diverse laboratory processes. By optimising tasks such as sample preparation and analysis, LIMS not only reduces manual effort but also minimises the potential for errors, contributing significantly to enhanced data accuracy.



      Upholding Data Integrity

      Data integrity is of paramount importance, especially in regulated laboratories. It involves protecting and ensuring the compliance of data and records with regulatory standards. LIMS plays a crucial role in upholding these principles by providing a solid foundation for adhering to industry regulations and ensuring quality assurance. It ensures data integrity by meticulously documenting sample journeys and implementing strict quality control measures, making it an essential component of the laboratory workflow.


      Did you know QLIMS has been at the forefront of lab management for a quarter of a century? You can read one of our case studies with Comvita, one of the largest honey companies, here and discover how QLIMS revolutionised their processes, making data-driven decisions a breeze and boosting productivity by 20%.

      Our extensive experience has empowered numerous laboratories, transforming their data management and accelerating scientific progress. If you are ready to revolutionise your lab’s efficiency, just fill the form above to learn more!



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        QLIMS Business Intelligence

        QLIMS Business Intelligence

        Data has become one of the most valuable assets for any organisation, and laboratory data is no exception. However, accessing laboratory data has been difficult so far due to the use of outdated applications and architectures that underpin many LIMS applications.

         

        Business intelligence (BI) and artificial intelligence (AI) are now supporting the field of data science, making data analysis tools more accessible. QLIMS has traditionally managed all laboratory data to become the source of truth.

         

        Tools such as QLIMS BI can help organisations visualise this data and convert it into knowledge, which can take their organization to the next level.

        Continuous Development and Agile Methodology

        QLIMS is under continuous development, driven by agile methodology. Our full-time software engineers prioritise high-value feature additions through agile sprints, ensuring responsiveness to evolving customer needs. 

         

        Our team follows a sprint-based approach to work, which means that we break down our work into two-week cycles. This helps us stay responsive to any changing customer needs and priorities. Also, before we deploy any code to clients, we ensure that it undergoes rigorous manual and automated testing for both new functionality and regression issues.

        Ready to embark on a journey of enhanced laboratory efficiency and data-driven decision-making? Explore the transformative capabilities of QLIMS Business Intelligence today. Contact our team to schedule a personalised demonstration and learn how QLIMS can unlock the full potential of your laboratory data. Empower your scientists, streamline operations, and revolutionise your laboratory management with QLIMS.

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        3 Reasons Why QLIMS

        Why QLIMS

        Are you on the hunt for the perfect Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for your business? Look no further. Here are three compelling reasons why QLIMS stands out from the crowd. 

        1. SaaS as a Solution

        QLIMS is not just a traditional LIMS; it’s a state-of-the-art Software as a Service (SaaS) solution. What does this mean for you? This means that you no longer have to deal with the challenges of on-premise installations and can enjoy the benefits of cloud-based accessibility. With QLIMS, you can effortlessly manage your laboratory data from anywhere and at any time.

        Traditional software installations can be a lengthy process. SaaS QLIMS changes the game with fast deployment, getting your lab up and running within a few weeks. It streamlines laboratory work by offering efficient workflows for sample preparation, validation, approval, and reporting activities.

        2. Best-in-class Interface and Visualization Focus

        QLIMS prides itself on delivering an unparalleled user experience. Our user interface is not just good; it’s best-in-class. With QLIMS, you can ensure that users can effortlessly manage and visualize data. The focus on visualization sets QLIMS apart by providing an efficient and visually engaging data presentation.

         

        In addition, configurable options further enhance user interaction, allowing the system to be tailored to meet the specific needs of your laboratory. QLIMS is not just a data management system; it ensures that your data is presented in a way that promotes quick and informed decision-making.

        3. Flexible Configuration

        One of QLIMS’s defining features is its flexibility – a characteristic achieved through a configuration-centric approach. Unlike systems that require extensive customization through complex coding, QLIMS provides a non-code, configuration-based solution. This allows users to shape QLIMS to fit their business needs seamlessly.

         

        The difference lies in giving users tools for configuration, not complex customisations. QLIMS grows hand-in-hand with your business, adapting to changing industry standards and evolving workflows without the need for extensive coding efforts. The power is in your hands, making QLIMS an ideal partner for laboratories seeking not just a solution, but a growth enabler.

        Essentially, QLIMS goes beyond the traditional to offer a comprehensive solution to suit the needs of the modern laboratory. With its SaaS architecture, user-friendly interface and unparalleled flexibility through configuration, QLIMS is a testament to innovation in the field of Laboratory Information Management Systems. 

        Choose QLIMS today and take your laboratory operations to new heights! 

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        LIMS and Industry 4.0

        Industry 4.0

        The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, is transforming industries worldwide with the integration of digital technologies, data analytics, and automation. Laboratories, critical centres for research, quality control and compliance, are also part of this revolution. Let’s explore how Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are playing a pivotal role in driving laboratories into the future of Industry 4.0.

        The Evolution of Industry 4.0

        Industry 4.0 represents a shift towards innovative, connected production and data-driven decision-making. It includes technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and cloud computing to enhance operational efficiency and productivity. Laboratories from many industries are embracing these innovations to stay competitive.

         

        LIMS has been pivotal in this transformation. It does not only streamline data management but also acts as the bridge connecting laboratories to Industry 4.0 technologies. 

        How QLIMS Revolutionizes Laboratories in Industry 4.0

        One of the cornerstones of Industry 4.0 is seamless data integration and connectivity. That’s where QLIMS steps in, offering a range of advanced features designed to empower laboratories in the Industry 4.0 era. 

         

        QLIMS goes beyond traditional laboratory management by seamlessly integrating with ERP systems. This integration ensures that your laboratory operations are in sync with the broader business processes.QLIMS also provides complete API access, offering flexibility for your laboratory’s unique needs. QLIMS has a comprehensive REST API encompassing the entire application which is well documented, with technical support available from the OnQ support team and our regional certified partners. QLIMS customers can benefit from having multiple high throughput integrations and services running simultaneously without impacting the performance of the LIMS for laboratory staff.

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        Lab4.0-2

        The QLIMS Platform already hosts third-party applications designed to simplify a scientist’s life and empower your business. These include tools for rapid data migration, cloud-based data management, mobile data collection, instrument integration, label generation, clinical decision support, and Sync for IoT device integration and data streaming. With QLIMS, your laboratory is not confined to traditional boundaries; it becomes a dynamic hub for innovation.

        The future of technology has arrived, and laboratories are no exception. QLIMS enables you to embrace this transformative journey. Start with one of our QLIMS SaaS packages, and within a few weeks, you’ll be up and running on the latest version. QLIMS scales with your demands, ensuring your laboratory remains at the forefront of Industry 4.0.

         

        Contacting us is as easy as dialling +61 3 8582 6999 (or +31 6 48 157 331 for European customers), sending an email to info@onqsoft.com, or simply filling out the form here.

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        5 Reasons Why SaaS LIMS is Essential for Laboratories

        SaaS QLIMS for laboratories

        In the dynamic realm of laboratory management, where innovation is the name of the game, embracing modern solutions is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Among these groundbreaking innovations, SaaS (Software as a Service) LIMS, which our QLIMS exemplifies, has emerged as a game-changer.

         

        Here are the five reasons why SaaS LIMS is essential for laboratories,

        Seamless Accessibility 

         

        With SaaS QLIMS, gain direct access to all laboratory activities, from sample tracking to results analysis, anytime and anywhere. This accessibility breaks down physical barriers, boosting productivity and accelerating decision-making.

        Security and Data Integrity

         

        SaaS QLIMS prioritizes data security with features like data encryption and web application firewall. Your sensitive information remains safeguarded, ensuring data integrity and regulatory compliance.

        Streamline Laboratory Workflows 

         

        Traditional software installations can be a lengthy process. SaaS QLIMS changes the game with fast deployment, getting your lab up and running within a few weeks. It streamlines laboratory work by offering efficient workflows for sample preparation, validation, approval, and reporting activities. Manual processes are replaced with automated efficiency, ensuring smoother lab operations. 

        SaaS LIMS

        Reduce Reliance on Your Internal IT

         

        Boost your productivity by avoiding wasted time waiting for internal IT resources to set up infrastructure and systems in today’s fast-paced laboratory environment. By utilizing a vendor-managed cloud solution, you eliminate the need to wait for your internal IT. This expedited setup process ensures that you can start reaping the benefits of SaaS QLIMS without unnecessary delays.

        Improved Resource Utilization and Streamlined Operations

         

        SaaS QLIMS allows laboratories to enhance resource utilisation, balance workloads more effectively, and streamline operations. This leads to increased efficiency, greater backup and disaster recovery capabilities, fewer audit failures, and consistently tracked key performance indicators (KPIs).

        Interested to learn how QLIMS can help your laboratory? Contact us now.

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        QLIMS Business Intelligence – 2

        pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-9574567

        Welcome to the second part of our series on QLIMS Business Intelligence. In our previous article, we focused on Dashboards, Visualisations, and the powerful Kibana. In this second part of our QLIMS series, we will delve into the platform’s SaaS solution, maintenance, and development.

         

        Accessing laboratory data has been a challenge due to outdated LIMS systems. But modern tools like Business Intelligence (BI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have made data science more accessible. QLIMS serves as a comprehensive tool to manage all laboratory data, and in this article, we’ll explore how its Business Intelligence capabilities help organizations convert data into knowledge.

        QLIMS SaaS

         

        The QLIMS SaaS solution seamlessly brings together the dozens of services offered by Amazon Web Services in their world-class data centres to offer a coherent LIMS solution to you. 

        Get the low latency of CloudFront CDN, the security of Cognito User Pools, and the scaling of ECS Fargate powering up your lab. Then let OnQ Software take care of implementing and administering them. 

        Some of the AWS technologies used by QLIMS include:

        • AWS CloudFront – accelerated content distribution from more than 200 global edge locations.
        • AWS ECS Fargate – scalable computing that requires more resources during times of heavy usage.
        • AWS RDS for Microsoft SQL Server.
        • AWS Elasticsearch Service – dedicated search engine for rapid navigation)

        Development 

         

        QLIMS is continuously developed by a team of full-time software engineers who follow the Agile methodology. Development tasks are prioritized based on user needs, with high-value features given top priority. Work is done in two-week sprints, which allows for greater responsiveness to changing customer needs. All new code undergoes rigorous manual and automated testing before deployment to ensure functionality and regression testing are thoroughly conducted.

         

        Maintenance and Updates

         

        QLIMS SaaS solution eliminates the need for customers or their IT teams to worry about maintenance tasks and software updates. Continuous updates are applied in a rolling manner, typically without any downtime. If planned downtime is necessary, it is scheduled outside of business hours. For enterprise customers, the system is separated at the infrastructure level, giving them complete control over planned upgrades and maintenance.

        For more information you can access our QLIMS Business Intelligence brochure and contact our friendly team.

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        LIMS in the Food and Beverage Industry

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              The food and beverage industry is a highly regulated industry that requires strict quality control measures to ensure the safety and quality of products. This is where Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) come into play. LIMS is a software-based solution that helps food and beverage companies manage their laboratory data, automate their workflows, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of LIMS in the food and beverage industry and how it can help companies streamline their operations and improve their overall product quality.


             LIMS can help food and beverage companies comply with ISO 17025, FSMA, HACCP, and ISO 22000 by managing their laboratory data and automating their workflows. LIMS also supports GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and multiple disciplines such as microbiology and chemistry in the food and beverage process. Sample planning and scheduling of environmental swabs as well as integration of instruments ensures large sample volumes are kept under control.


               If you’re interested in learning about how QLIMS is implemented in the food industry, we invite you to read our case study.

         

               Implementing a LIMS system in the food and beverage industry can bring significant benefits beyond improving compliance and product quality. These benefits include:

         

        • Increasing laboratory efficiency
        • Improving data accuracy
        • Streamlining laboratory processes
        • Monitoring and controlling the safety and quality of raw materials
        • Capturing traceability information such as test results, equipment records, and analyst certifications
        • Managing and tracking samples
        • Integrating with laboratory instruments
        • Tracking and managing test results
        • Providing fully auditable track records of laboratory resources involved in specific analyses, including scientists, instruments, standards, and SOPs
        • Enabling chain-of-custody support for laboratory materials from sample receipt to final disposition.


             By taking advantage of these capabilities, food and beverage companies can better manage their laboratory operations, ensure compliance with industry regulations, and maintain the highest standards of product quality and safety.

         


             To learn more about how QLIMS can benefit your company contact us, or request a demo now! 

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        QLIMS Case Study: Baiada Poultry

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        In this blog article, we will explore how QLIMS helped the laboratory in the food industry and overcame the challenges. Baiada is the force behind familiar names like Lilydale Free Range Chicken and Steggles. Baiada has been around for more than a century, and its dedication to providing reliable poultry products has remained constant throughout the years.

        In order to deliver safe and consistent products, the company has stringent flock monitoring standards that rely on accurate serological and bacterial analysis on cooked and raw products, along with feed testing. With over 250,000 samples tested every year, speed, accuracy, and traceability are key for Baiada’s state-of-the-art quality assurance lab.

        The challenge

        Managing increased record keeping, especially when it involves large volumes of data, can be a daunting task for laboratories. As testing requirements become more complex, laboratories need to find new ways to handle the growing amount of data generated from testing activities. This can include everything from ensuring data accuracy to maintaining data privacy and security.

        Baiada’s lab had traditionally managed its testing records using a Microsoft Access database developed internally. While this was sufficient for basic record keeping, the type and volume of flock monitoring analysis the team needed to conduct was becoming more complex and more resource intensive.

        The solution

        After looking at the various solutions on offer the team quickly determined that the QLIMS solution would be able to provide what Baiada needed in terms of custom build but for a reasonable price.

        Rather than trying to integrate QLIMS into their existing database, the decision was made to start fresh with a brand-new system in order to give the team a solution that would be able to scale.

        The process

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        Expecting a long and involved implementation process, the team was pleased with how rapidly they were able to get up and running.

        “The move to QLIMS was pretty quick. We had 2 weeks to play around with it, then we went live – that was it. We felt very confident in the system, and the team we had to support us. They are honestly good people, and they also know their stuff.”

        The results

        The biggest benefit, according to Anne-Marie Curle, Food Technologist and QS management at Baiada,

        “Definitely saving time! In the old world, we received hundreds of handwritten QA testing submissions every week, which needed to be manually entered into our database. Now our processing plants are able to book their submissions directly into the QLIMS system. That’s freed up a staff member to be more hands-on on the bench, rather than tied up with paperwork.”

        “We process anywhere from 500 samples a week – QLIMS has effectively freed up one and a half full-time staff members who we can now reallocate to more important jobs around the lab.”

        To learn more about data migration, click here. To learn how QLIMS can benefit your laboratory, contact us.

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