Resources and insights

What if the old, forgotten applications in your organization are secretly costing you a fortune and putting your entire network at risk? In this episode of Decoding the Digital Lab, host Lisa Richard (CSols) teams up with David Hunt (ZONTAL) to expose the high-cost reality of "zombie apps"—dormant software with minimal users and massive security vulnerabilities.

How to Choose the Right LIMS Consultant: Essential Domain and Technical Skills for Project Success

Learn LIMS & ELN efficiency hacks for chemical & energy labs. Boost accuracy, speed rollouts, and ensure compliance with expert tips

Discover how CSols Inc. uses a lab data analytics platform to spot issues early, reduce downtime, and boost lab efficiency and compliance.

A data-rich report on how digital transformation is changing the chemical and energy industries.

Host Megan Pettyjohn talks with CSols CEO Kyle McDuffie about how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and tariffs are reshaping chemical and energy labs. They unpack the rise of onshoring and reshoring, the surge in U.S. manufacturing projects, and what it all means for QA/QC functions and informatics systems.

Chemical & Energy Lab Informatics: 2025 Strategy Shifts, AI, & System Convergence

To meet the dual mandate of rapidly scaling critical minerals production while ensuring strict quality, the U.S. materials and mining sectors require seamless LIMS interfaces to eliminate manual data delays and transform laboratory intelligence into a real-time asset for efficient and compliant manufacturing.

CSols helped a specialty chemical manufacturer replace their end-of-life LIMS with SampleManager v11.1. Seamless LIMS-ERP integration and process automation resulted in a significant increase in batch quality and speed to market.

In this podcast episode, we tackle what the LIMS hosting models (on-prem, cloud, SaaS) meant for the end user. We explore how each option affects user empowerment, collaboration, and a lab's ability to adapt.

How Canadian life sciences labs are adapting to tariffs. Discover how LIMS supports smarter sourcing, inventory control, and cost optimization.

This episode of Decoding the Digital Lab, featuring Alex Chronis, explores the integration of AI into regulated laboratory workflows. AI, powered by lab informatics systems like LIMS, offers intelligent alerts, predictive modeling for instrument maintenance or environmental impacts, and NLP for faster data retrieval and reporting.

This is a must-listen episode for anyone considering a cloud LIMS, offering the unvarnished truth about what you need to know before you make the leap.

A scientific data platform centralizes lab data, breaks down silos, streamlines workflows, and accelerates research with better efficiency.

Discover how digital lab transformation enhances efficiency and reduces errors. Explore key steps for smoother data management, staff training, and integration.

CSols partnered with Thermo Scientific to implement SampleManager LIMS v21.1 at four sites for a long-time oil and gas client, overcoming significant organizational and technical challenges like user resistance and a cybersecurity incident to help standardize their systems and improve data security.

CSols Inc. successfully helped a Canadian pharmaceutical manufacturer, which had acquired new facilities, to implement and validate the new STARLIMS QM v12 system, overcoming challenges like a cyberattack, language barriers, and a client team unfamiliar with the new software.

Labs often struggle to track KPIs with LIMS. A consultant helps define metrics, configure systems, and build dashboards for better insights.

This episode dives into the transformative role of AI in research and development (R&D). Host Alex Chronis and guest Brandon Henning from STARLIMS discuss how AI can serve as a "human assistant," accelerating the analysis of massive datasets and automating repetitive tasks

Discover how LIMS bidirectional interfacing reduces errors, boosts efficiency, ensures compliance, and streamlines lab workflows.

Discover how ELNs help labs ensure compliance, enhance data integrity, meet FDA & GxP standards, and stay audit ready in regulated environments.

Discover how AI-enabled LIMS boosts efficiency, cuts costs, and turns lab data into a strategic asset with predictive insights and automation

Learn the pros, cons, and costs of On-Prem, Cloud, and SaaS LIMS. Join our August 20 webinar to choose the right hosting model for your lab

This episode of Decoding the Digital Lab explores the practicalities of integrating AI into laboratories. Host Megan Pettyjohn and expert Glenn Everett discuss essential considerations beyond just software installation.

Tariffs disrupt lab supply chains, raise R&D costs, and cut funding—learn how informatics can help labs adapt and stay resilient.

⁠In this podcast episode, Veronica DeFelice from Sapio Sciences joins us as we explore digital transformation in drug discovery, where precision and tracking in biological data are crucial for maintaining accuracy and making advanced decisions.

Upgrade your LIMS to boost efficiency, stay secure, maintain support, and unlock new features that future-proof your lab’s operations.

A LIMS consultancy can ensure successful implementation, boost ROI, improve user adoption, and provide ongoing support tailored to your lab’s needs.

Learn how to make a compelling case for LIMS funding by showing ROI, addressing lab needs, and tailoring your pitch to management priorities.

Wondering whether to configure or customize your LIMS? Understand the pros, cons, and real-world impacts of each approach before your next project.

In this episode, talk about why technology projects often fail: it's rarely technical, it's about people. Discover why engaging your team from the start and understanding lab science are crucial for success, making projects 6x more likely to meet objectives.

Unlock the power of your lab’s data with a scientific data platform—streamline, harmonize, and analyze for smarter, faster science.

This episode demystifies AI's role in the lab, breaking down complex concepts for beginners. We explore real-world applications like intelligent alerts and smarter reporting, while addressing common misconceptions such as the "plug and play" myth and the idea that AI will replace humans.

Choosing the right LIMS hosting model is critical—learn how to budget for on-prem, cloud, and SaaS to avoid delays and hidden costs.

Laboratories face increasing pressure to streamline workflows, enhance data quality, and accelerate decision making in an AI-moderated world. This ebook is a comprehensive guide to overcoming data silos and manual processes

Don’t overlook hidden LIMS costs. Plan for infrastructure and carbon impacts early to avoid delays, overruns, and implementation issues.

This post describes the likely direct and indirect effects of federal funding cuts on labs in public health and clinical research. It highlights the potential for laboratory capacity issues, economic and social effects, increasing health disparities, and innovation losses.

In this premiere episode of the CSols Podcast, we explore how Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are transforming the oil and gas sector in Canada—from exploration to compliance.

Confused by wildly different LIMS proposals? Learn what drives pricing, what to watch for, and how to choose the right lab informatics partner.

Drowning in lab data? Learn how SDMS and scientific data platforms help labs manage, analyze, and future-proof scientific information.

In this webinar, learn the key things to consider when implementing and validating your CDS. It touches on topics such as firmware versions, integration, harmonization, and more.

Learn how to safely annotate microscopic findings such as drug efficiency or toxicity in the dark. Complement your image recognition software and smoothly transition from R&D feasibility to commercialization in regulated industries with user-based Audit Trails.

In vivo experiments during preclinical development require extensive documentation, such as the real-time effects of drug dosing or monitoring the time of certain surgical procedures. How do you take notes while performing surgery?

Learn how dsm-firmenich achieved 100% real-time digitization of lab data, an overall data capture increase of 16%, and a time savings of 56 minutes per week.

Optimizing reactor loading on the plant floor in protective gear makes notetaking difficult. Labtwin’s hands-free, voice-activated operation means that no detail remains uncaptured.

This article compares voice-activated lab assistants—Ascenscia, LabTwin, and LOTTIE—highlighting their features, integrations, and suitability for various lab environments to aid in selecting the optimal solution.

LabTwin enhances FAIR data generation by automating structured, voice-captured lab documentation, improving data findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability, thereby supporting compliance and advancing scientific collaboration.

LabTwin is an AI-powered, voice-activated lab assistant that guides researchers through protocols, reducing errors from skipped steps and distractions, while seamlessly integrating with ELNs and LIMS for accurate data capture.

LabTwin is an AI-powered, voice-activated digital lab assistant designed to enhance laboratory efficiency and data integrity. It enables hands-free, real-time data capture, guiding scientists through protocols and automating documentation. LabTwin integrates seamlessly with ELNs and LIMS, ensuring accurate and structured data collection even in challenging lab environments.

CSols validates SoftMax Pro, enhancing lab data integrity, compliance, and system integration for informatics.

Explore real-world lab transformation with CSols. Expert insights on LIMS, leadership, compliance, and digital strategy that drive results.

Public health crises necessitate rapid and accurate testing that can require new assay methods. However, insufficient rigor in method validation can result in unreliable tests, such as the early faulty SARS-CoV-2 tests that produced false negatives, undermining efforts to track and slow disease spread.

Federal funding cuts to agencies like NIH and CDC are threatening lab operations, research progress, and staffing nationwide. This post breaks down the impacts and how lab professionals can adapt, advocate, and plan ahead.

Conveying your scientific research in a way that’s beautiful adds value to your data.

Expert consultants from CSols give advice about instrument integration based on their real-world experiences.

Integrating LIMS with instruments and systems has benefits for the Life Sciences Industry. Learn about best practices and challenges.

Discover how a leading food producer successfully addressed the challenge of a complex LIMS data migration, resulting in a seamless upgrade to LabVantage 7 and enhanced quality control processes.

The Tobacco Control Act of 2009 empowered the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to audit tobacco companies every two years, making it cost effective to implement a LIMS. This tobacco company did not have the resources in house to undertake such a project so they engaged CSols to help them choose an appropriate LIMS.

Explore how dry labs use computational modeling, AI, and informatics to drive Lab 4.0 research without physical experiments.

Join our LIMS project manager as she highlights key risk factors, common implementation pitfalls, and actionable strategies to ensure a smooth, successful rollout.

Organizations gain the most value when they are data-driven and have moved beyond siloed data sources such as LIMS or ELN to allow seamless data access. In this series of quick chats, we discuss how ZONTAL, a data platform, integrates organizations’ data (legacy and current) for optimized and seamless data-driven efforts.

Scope creep can derail your LIMS project. Learn how to define goals, manage timelines, and control changes with expert tips and strategies from the CSols informatics team.

Learn how interfacing forgotten analytical instruments with LIMS or LES improves lab efficiency, ensures compliance, and enhances data integrity.

Original Article posted on Technology Networks, March 18, 2021- why is data visualization important, and how can your LIMS assist?

The adoption of SaaS in laboratories brings benefits for the end users as well. What is lost in ownership is compensated by gains in efficiency or by offsetting capital expenditures.

Learn how life sciences organizations can leverage AI, ML, and data mesh for scalable, self-service data transformation and enhanced decision-making.

To choose an informatics solution can be confusing at best. It's easy to get overwhelmed with the myriad of available products and options.

The Analytical Scientist, June 21, 2016 - we see what happens when your lab computer systems fail, to help you make a disaster recovery plan.

Ensuring data is reliable, reproducible- and valuable- means companies must keep data integrity at the heart of their informatics operations.

Original Article posted on The Analytical Scientist, September 25, 2017- is SAP the only system you need to operate your laboratory?

Posted on The Institute of Validation Technology, June 9, 2017- What's in the new Data Integrity Draft Guidance for Different Industries

In this article, we look at the differences between 4 types of informatics systems: ELN, LIMS, CDS and LES. Geoff Turnbull helps answer some questions.

Learn more from Michael Barkan, senior informatics consultant with CSols Inc., about integrating Chromatography into your Lab Informatics Systems

A LIMS and an ELN can be complementary systems. It's important to select one that matches your needs, which depends on the desired outcomes.

Consulting helps avoid the cost of false starts by helping structure and plan your project. This includes helping develop realistic goals.

LIMS Success isn't easy as selecting the "right" Software. It's important to first define success in terms of implementation.

Kyle McDuffie runs his consulting business, CSols Inc., with a high degree of trust. Originally posted at The News Journal, Delaware Online

CSR in Context - How much value do you put on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in your laboratory? Read this and you may change your mind...

In this webinar, discover how eValidation systems can streamline compliance while automating CSA principles and GAMP 5 guidance. Learn from our Validation expert how these systems can enhance regulatory workflows and give your team the tools they need to ensure compliance with confidence.

Think of CSols as the on-call informatics multitool for your IT team. You'll benefit from our thought leadership, strategic problem solving, and shared commitment to your success.

Instrument integration streamlines lab workflows, reduces errors, and enhances data-driven decisions. Consider LIMS, ELN, or platform connections while ensuring scalability, data integrity, and seamless automation for efficiency.

STARLIMS Real World View enhances lab efficiency with real-time data visualization, interactive dashboards, and predictive analytics. It streamlines workflow automation, compliance, decision-making, and operational insights for modern laboratories.

Avoid LIMS implementation failures by controlling scope, engaging lab staff early, and implementing in phases. Prioritize user needs, phased rollouts, and measurable benefits for success.

STARLIMS configuration and customization enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and improve adaptability. Metadata Templates and Spec Schemas streamline workflows, while low-code tools simplify customizations for scalable, user-friendly lab informatics.

Choosing the right LIMS integration pathway - vendor tools or custom technologies - impacts efficiency, flexibility, and costs. Assess workflows, budget, and long-term goals to ensure seamless data exchange and scalability.

Effective lab data management ensures efficiency, compliance, and innovation. Adopting a unified informatics platform improves data accessibility, enables AI-driven insights, and streamlines workflows for scientific discovery and research advancement.

AI is transforming life sciences, but regulatory barriers and data quality issues persist. Ensuring FAIR, high-quality data now prepares labs for future AI advancements and policy changes.

A pharmaceutical contract manufacturer implemented LabVantage 8.4 LIMS to replace paper records. CSols provided validation expertise, ensuring FDA compliance, efficient documentation, and streamlined system implementation for future growth.

Explore LabTwin's capabilities in offering GxP compliance support for laboratory operations, ensuring optimal adherence to quality and safety protocols in a scientific setting.

The Labtwin Sample Prep Demo highlights the cutting-edge process of preparing samples using Labtwin's innovative technology, offering a glimpse into modern laboratory techniques.

Exploring the reasons why Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELNs) could benefit from additional assistance to maximize their efficiency and effectiveness in Labtwin.

Exploring the upcoming innovations in hands-free technology and how they promise to revolutionize laboratory work, increasing efficiency and improving safety measures.

Digital lab assistants, powered by voice recognition, are being utilized by DSM-Firmenich scientists to enhance research and development efficiency and empower their work.

Exploring ways to tackle privacy and security issues associated with lab applications, with an emphasis on safeguarding user information and maintaining data integrity.

This blog features a client testimonial from Envalior, detailing their experience and satisfaction with the Labtwin services, providing an insightful user perspective.

A comprehensive collection of various applications where Artificial Intelligence is employed, showcasing its potential and real-world impact in different fields and industries.

Explore the future laboratory concept, facilitated by an AI-powered digital lab assistant, revolutionizing experimental processes and data analysis.

Hear how Labtwin's security will never expose scientific data to the public.

Focuses on improving strategies to gather data within the Research and Development industry, increasing efficiency and enhancing the applicability of research findings.

Explore the integration of microscopy techniques with GxP compliance, and how LabTwin contributes to enhancing research outcomes in laboratory settings.