LIMS & Lab Automation
Unmasking Eight LIMS Myths: Setting the Record Straight Dr Phil Williams, LIMS4U
There are some common myths and misconceptions surrounding laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and their implementation. While a few of these misconceptions may persist, it’s essential to clarify them to ensure potential users understand the benefi ts of a well-implemented LIMS solution
Myth 1: A LIMS solution tailored to a specific industry will fulfil all of my requirements.
It’s not uncommon for potential users to assume that they can simply purchase an off-the-shelf, industry-specifi c LIMS for their laboratory needs. However, a prominent UK LIMS supplier [1] , with over 40 years of experience, has never provided identical systems to two customers, even within the same industry. Their unique approach involves developing and delivering core systems that can be easily adapted to meet each customer’s specifi c requirements without the need for extensive coding.
Their fundamental philosophy centres on confi guring the software to align with the laboratory’s needs rather than expecting the laboratory to adapt to the software. They offer industry-specifi c starter systems that allow you to streamline project timelines and go live more quickly. Using their state-of-the-art low-code confi guration tools, these systems can be tailored to meet your precise requirements without making customisations to the core software. This underscores the importance of a robust LIMS that is designed from the ground up to be highly confi gurable.
Myth 2: The processes in my laboratory are too
specialised to be accommodated by a LIMS Conversely, another common misconception, often voiced by potential clients, is the belief that their specialisation is so unique that no LIMS can ever fulfi l their specifi c requirements. Our LIMS provider mentioned above has a rich history of supporting laboratory functions across a diverse range of application areas, extending beyond the traditional laboratory environment. For instance, they have successfully developed systems for mortuary management, shelf-life study management, human resources management, and even a system for lottery management. It’s important to note that all of these systems were created using confi guration tools, with no need for custom software coding to adapt the interfaces.
units worldwide. This approach offers advantages such as promoting best practices and achieving cost savings. However, attempting to enforce a single, generalised confi guration across laboratories in different parts of the organisation, possibly optimised for one location, is rarely successful.
In global organisations, laboratories within the same business unit often operate in distinct ways, infl uenced by factors like local regulations, variations in available assays, and differences in local knowledge and expertise. Consequently, imposing a single global LIMS solution can necessitate altering each laboratory’s procedures to align with the LIMS, which is less than ideal. The need to customise reports, accommodate local languages, support various local testing methods, and adhere to local regulations frequently renders the ‘one size fi ts all’ approach ineffective.
Therefore, it is advisable to opt for a truly confi gurable LIMS. Such a LIMS features identical underlying code but can be adapted to meet local requirements through confi guration tools that require no programming expertise. This approach allows each laboratory to use the same software while making specifi c confi guration adjustments to match their unique workfl ows and needs.
Myth 4: LIMS developed in-house are more cost-
effective and superior to commercial alternatives Potential clients sometimes remark “we can build our own LIMS and roll it out in 6 months”. Indeed, some do try and produce an operational system. However, a commercial LIMS, such as this provider’s LIMS, has involved at least 250 person years of software development effort. So, what is missed out in the in-house system, and how will it be developed and maintained in the future as this level of resource is unlikely to be available?
In addition, there are many pitfalls to building a one-off system in-house. Most importantly the system will rely on the knowledge of a very limited number of individuals, maybe only one. This is a huge risk. What happens when that person is sick, on holiday, leaves or retires? We have replaced a number of in-house systems either because they have become unsupportable or they cannot be further developed to meet changing requirements. By contrast, a main LIMS supplier has hundreds of years of experience to draw upon within its workforce. A highly trained team of technical consultants are backed by a specialist team of software developers. Regular software releases provide system upgrades, bug fi xes and security patches to ensure your system takes advantage of the latest technology developments, both in Laboratory Informatics and the underlying infrastructure (for example operating systems, databases, and integration technologies).
Myth 5: Any LIMS will inevitably become obsolete
and impede laboratory operations This myth contains some truth. There have been instances where commercial LIMS offerings have compelled clients to reconfi gure their systems when implementing a signifi cant new release. This typically happens when major technological shifts occur, such as transitioning from a desktop application to a web-based interface. Moreover, organisations that have developed their LIMS in-house may face challenges in keeping both the LIMS application and its underlying technology up to date, particularly if they lack the necessary resources.
This remarkable adaptability and fl exibility underscore our belief that even the most specialised laboratories can fi nd a suitable solution with the right LIMS in place.
Myth 3: The ‘one size fi ts all’ global LIMS vs. a
truly confi gurable LIMS Corporate IT teams typically have experience in procuring a single solution, such as a global fi nancial accounting system, and implementing it across all their business
However, a robust LIMS solution is one that has been purposefully designed to facilitate seamless upgrades without compromising your confi guration, system parameters, or data. With such a system, clients can smoothly transition through major releases, even making shifts like moving from a desktop to a web-based application, without requiring extensive confi guration adjustments. This fl exibility is a unique feature of a high-quality LIMS, enabling it to evolve and adapt alongside your changing processes.
A key element of this capability lies in the inclusion of Confi guration Tools, which empower users to modify every screen, fi eld, and menu using a graphical editor, all without the need for advanced software coding skills. Furthermore, the entire confi guration is stored separately from the software code, ensuring that software
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