LIMS, ELN, & Lab Management FAQs

In the world of academic research, data integrity, reproducibility, and collaboration aren’t just buzzwords—they’re essential to scientific progress. As research labs become more complex and interdisciplinary, traditional paper notebooks and disjointed software systems simply can’t keep up. That’s where Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELNs) come in. But not all ELNs are created equal. So what are the key elements of an…

In the world of research, every experiment tells a story—but if that story isn’t properly documented, funded, and audit-ready, it might never see the light of day. Researchers and lab managers alike know that winning a grant is only the beginning. The real work begins when it’s time to demonstrate how that funding is being used. With tightening compliance standards…

The food and beverage industry faces strict regulatory requirements, quality control challenges, and increasing consumer demand for safety and transparency. To meet these demands, laboratories supporting food and beverage production must implement robust Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) that streamline operations, ensure compliance, and enhance efficiency. With foodborne illnesses affecting 1 in 6 Americans annually, according to the CDC, and…

In an era of rapidly advancing technology and data-driven decision-making, laboratories face growing pressure to deliver accurate results faster, comply with stringent regulations, and maintain cost efficiency. One of the most effective ways to achieve these goals is by implementing a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). But convincing decision-makers often requires clear organizational justifications. This article dives deep into the…

In today’s data-driven world, laboratories face increasing pressure to operate efficiently, meet compliance requirements, and deliver accurate results—all while managing costs. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELNs), and Lab Automation solutions are transformative tools that address these challenges, offering economic benefits that extend beyond cost savings. However, to make a compelling case for these investments, it’s essential…

Laboratories are the backbone of scientific progress, handling vast amounts of data and complex workflows while relying on sophisticated instruments to deliver results. But what if your lab’s instruments could seamlessly communicate with a system that organizes, analyzes, and enhances their output? That’s where LabLynx LIMS shines—bridging the gap between technology and efficiency, enabling labs to reach new heights of…

As society continues to prioritize healthcare and invest in research and innovation, clinical diagnostic laboratories become even more essential. These laboratories are more than just testing facilities. These labs guide medical decisions, advance scientific knowledge, and ultimately improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. Clinical diagnostics laboratories contribute to patient care, disease surveillance, medical research, and preventive healthcare.…

Manufacturing-related laboratories play a pivotal role in ensuring product quality, safety, and compliance. These labs conduct a wide range of tests to evaluate raw materials, monitor production processes, and verify finished products. From ensuring structural integrity in construction materials to validating the chemical composition of pharmaceuticals, the work done in these labs is foundational to the manufacturing process. This article…

This brief topical article will examine the informatics needs of the medical microbiology lab, specifically addressing the base set of laboratory information management system (LIMS) or laboratory information system (LIS) functionality (i.e., system requirements) that is critical to fulfilling the information management and workflow requirements of this type of lab. (Going forward, for simplicity, this article will discuss these requirements…

Manual reporting can be time-consuming, especially in laboratories with high data volumes or frequent reporting requirements. While this manual approach to reporting is possible, a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) with automatic and customizable reporting features offers several benefits. Manual reporting often necessitates dedicated lab personnel to perform the various steps involved in report generation, which likely begins with searching…