Laboratory information management systems (LIMS) software is used to manage data in scientific and commercial laboratories. LIMS software enables scientists and other technical personnel to track samples and specimens during each step of the analytical process, from performing tests to examining test results, to tracking control limits and quality control (QC) values. Suppliers of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) software are located across the United States and around the world. LIMS software varies by application, but is designed to help laboratories record, manage and organize large collections of data for rapid search and retrieval.
LIMS vendors offer many different types of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) software. Some products reflect a standard workflow that is common to many scientific and commercial laboratories. Others provide customized modeling functions that reflect client specifications. Although turnkey LIMS software is less expensive, the selection of a customized system may lengthen the LIMS implementation schedule. The proper selection of LIMS software requires a careful analysis of LIMS requirements. Buyers need to determine data management needs, examine regulatory requirements, and inquire about integration with existing enterprise systems. Costs can be reduced if existing hardware can be reused. LIMS systems that combine third party software and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) software can share data accurately and integrate strategic platforms for the sharing of lab information and other electronic content.
Laboratory information management systems (LIMS) software enables scientific and commercial laboratories to improve various quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) procedures by automating activities such as entering data from instruments. Laboratory information management systems (LIMS) software can also be used to help laboratories achieve accreditation based on the technical requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, "General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories". ISO is an abbreviation for the International Standards Organization (ISO). IEC is an abbreviation for the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
