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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    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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      LIMS Supporting Material Science

      LIMS Supporting Material Science

      The discipline of materials science requires the study of the properties, composition, and structural properties of solid materials. Materials science laboratories play a crucial role in the development and modification of materials to achieve desired properties and improved performance characteristics. Within this context, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) emerge as invaluable tools, supporting material science laboratories in their critical roles.

      Material Science laboratories are data-rich environments where vast amounts of information and numerous samples are generated and managed regularly. Researchers conduct experiments, collect data on material properties, compositions, and structures, and store various samples for analysis and future reference. This data and sample management can quickly become overwhelming without the right tools and systems in place.

      LIMS Supporting Material Science

      At this stage, LIMS comes on the scene, providing invaluable support to Material Science Labs as they struggle with the data and sample management challenges. LIMS efficiently organize data from experiments, making it easily searchable.

       

      Additionally, it streamlines the management of sample inventories, ensuring proper storage and tracking of materials. With LIMS, Material Scientists can maintain data integrity, streamline workflows, and optimise their research efforts, ultimately accelerating progress in the field of material science.

      LIMS Material Science

      However, the journey of material science labs doesn’t stop at data and sample management. Material Science labs must also ensure that they comply with regulations and standards. LIMS helps laboratories to meet these standards, and streamline reporting. As an example, the ISO 17025 standard encompasses fundamental criteria for the proficiency of laboratories involved in testing. Given the complex nature of many materials characterization studies, ensuring the precision and accuracy of results is extremely important.

      QLIMS Material Science

      In conclusion, LIMS revolutionises the world of material science laboratories by simplifying data and sample management, ensuring compliance with rigorous standards, and fostering the acceleration of research and innovation. With LIMS as their trusted partner, material scientists can focus on what they do best—pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and advancing our understanding of the materials that shape our world.

      Feel free to reach out to our dedicated team to discover how QLIMS can transform your material science laboratory.

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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 – 1

      OnQ Software - QLIMS Business Intelligence

       

      Data has become an invaluable asset for organisations, including laboratory data.  However, accessing laboratory data has been a challenge so far because many LIMS applications rely on outdated technologies and systems. But with the advent of modern data analysis tools like Business Intelligence (BI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the field of data science has become more accessible. The primary function of QLIMS is to serve as a comprehensive tool to manage all laboratory data, serving as the single source of truth. In this blog article, we will explore QLIMS Business Intelligence which helps organisations to visualise the data and convert it into knowledge. This is the first part of our series on QLIMS BI. Stay tuned for the second part.

       

      Dashboards and Visualisations 

       

      QLIMS offers Business Intelligence dashboards and visualisations that are powered by Kibana, an open-source data visualisation and exploration platform. Kibana is capable of analysing and presenting data in various forms such as charts, graphs, maps, and tables. It will take your laboratory data to the next level in line with our core philosophy of empowering scientists.

       

      No need to include your IT department for extracting data in an understandable format, these in-built tools help you to become the owner of your knowledge.

       

      Also, dashboards can be used to analyse live data and give direct insights into laboratory operations. Enterprise customers can set up their own dashboards and visualisations. A short training will empower you to become more data-driven. 

      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

      pexels-jonathan-borba-15831823

            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

      pexels-edward-jenner-4033151

      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

      pexels-italo-melo-2446695

       

      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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      QLIMS Case Study: Garvan Institute Of Medical Research

      OnQ Software - QLIMS Business Intelligence

      The Garvan Institute of Medical Research is a leading medical research institute in Australia, employing over 700 scientists and support staff. Garvan researchers have established a cancer tumour testing service that is designed to detect mutations to help oncologists determine treatment strategies. To handle the increasingly large volumes of samples it is anticipating, a new laboratory information management system (LIMS) was needed. This case study highlights how QLIMS helped the laboratory overcome these challenges.

       

      The Challenge

      Some challenges may arise in sample traceability in laboratories. These could be implementation and integration, user errors, system errors, lack of training, maintenance and updates and data security.

      Luke Hesson is the Laboratory Head of Cancer Diagnostics at Garvan. According to Luke, the challenge was to ensure that the lab would be able to cope with the sheer volume of samples—potentially 1000+ per year.

      “We’ll need to know at any given point where every sample is in the testing process. Without a LIMS that would be incredibly challenging and prone to human error, which would have a flow-on effect on our clinical trials.”

       

      While the Garvan Institute was already using a number of different LIMS, none of them was suitable. Fortunately, he had previous experience with OnQ Software through another lab at the Garvan Institute.

      “They’ve always been incredibly responsive and helpful, so I felt they were tried and trusted. It turns out they had an off-the-shelf solution called QLIMS, that met around 75% of our requirements, with the flexibility to be effectively adapted for our needs.” he says.

       

      The Solution

      The solution provided for the automated import of data from various sources. Automatic patient report generation was a huge part of the solution. “We can now, at the click of a button, export all of the data into a report that can go to the clinician and patient. Not only are they incredibly accurate, but the reports also look great.”

       

      Another key part of the solution required OnQ to design a tool to read a Health Level 7 (HL7) file.

      Luke says, “HL7 is an international standard data encryption method that allows us to securely communicate sensitive patient information between labs. Because the first stage of the process involves receiving data from a SydPath pathology lab at St Vincent’s Hospital, the data is encrypted before we receive it. This solution streamlined our sample accessioning, making it much more efficient.”

       

      The Results

      Luke is delighted that the Garvan Institute has just received National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation with QLIMS.

      “All of those key points needed to be addressed to the satisfaction of NATA so it’s reaffirmed the chain of information custody is accurate and secure. It’s absolutely critical for any clinical testing. And I believe that’s a direct result of the assistance we’ve had from OnQ in designing a LIMS that allows fidelity of chain of information custody.”

      If you’re interested in learning more about how our QLIMS can benefit your laboratory or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts would be happy to assist you in finding the best solution for your laboratory needs.

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      QLIMS Family is Growing, Welcome Sealy

      We are happy to announce that we will be working with Sealy of Australia to implement QLIMS in their state-of-the-art laboratory.
      Sealy conducts research and testing of new components, materials and construction methods in the largest NATA-accredited mattress research and development facility in the southern hemisphere. This provides the foundation for new innovation and unmatched product performance.
      We are excited to see the results that our collaboration will bring, and we look forward to supporting them.
      Sealy Australia Team

      Sealy Australia Team

      If you’re interested in learning more about how LIMS can benefit your laboratory or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts would be happy to assist you in finding the best solution for your laboratory needs.

       

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