Flexible LIMS

Most LIMS software is pre-packaged or generic software. This means that it is developed and tested by a software company, then installed onto computers for use. Generic software is generally implemented and upgraded very quickly. The best off-the-shelf software has been tested industries, but forces you to conform to their standards and practices. This is the downside of pre-packaged software. It is inflexible, so you have to change the way you work in your labs, even if you’ve perfected your procedures. Generic software can not help you take advantage of innovation or continuous improvement efforts. Plus connecting up to lab equipment can be difficult.

Another option is Custom Software. When you have someone build custom software, you get to design the software based on your goals. There are many advantages to this method, but it takes a long time to develop. If you can’t wait for a year or more for the software, custom software is a bad choice. Although modifications can be made after installation, those changes also take a long time, (usually weeks to months depending on the request). Custom LIMS software expensive due to the extensive amount of programming time required to build a system from the ground up. But the worst aspect of custom software is the difficulty that arises when upgrades are required. Many times upgrades take as much time as the initial development and cost almost as much as well.

So what should you look for in a LIMS system if you can’t work with the rigidity of generic software but can not afford to wait for custom software? Tailored LIMS software is not easy to find, but provides the benefits of the more prevalent types of software without most of the draw backs. Also known as configured software, tailored software is very flexible, but begins with an existing base structure. Configured software can be modified to meet your goals, but does not have a long development period and costs less than custom software. Agile LIMS conforms to unique procedures. In addition, tailored LIMS can be upgraded without reworking the custom characteristics.