Lab Economics – The Cost of Not Being Automated

Laboratories are constantly faced with rising costs due to additional regulatory or commercial demands, equipment purchases and upgrades, and cost of living increases for personnel. LIMS automation can impact ALL phases of the laboratory: business, resource and personnel management, as well as, sample tracking, traceback and analysis. This presentation will explore and present examples of how LIMS automation adds value by freeing up resources while increasing efficiency, accuracy and overall better laboratory performance. Other than simply collecting and organizing data, the true value of a LIMS is in automation functionality. Instead of transcribing the same sample information onto log books, bench sheets, instrument inputs and reports, single entry into a LIMS avoids transcription errors, improves accuracy and productivity. Once tests and methods have been linked, a LIMS can provide the analyst with the appropriate quality control samples associated the test. Further, a LIMS can communicate this information directly to analytical instruments saving time and reducing errors. LIMS Chemical Inventory tracks reagent and standard use, alerting when stock is low and reorder is necessary. In addition to automatically tracking and reporting on instrument maintenance and calibration schedules, a LIMS tracks the schedule of analyst DOC and training. Validated, approved final reports can be sent directly to the intended recipient. Client portals can be associated with a LIMS so that the client informs the lab of samples on the way while providing initial pre-log information. Clients can be given specified levels of permission to so that they can access sample status, final reports, archived data and invoices. This improves customer service while increasing lab productivity. Management benefits by setting up automated mining of information from the LIMS to create real-time dashboards on the distribution of work, inventory control, and test or regulatory exceedances.