An off-the-shelf STARLIMS implementation will get you basic LIMS functionality. However, many implemented systems could have benefitted from little-known configuration and customization options in STARLIMS. These options can further reduce the possibility of human error and save time; they make the system more dynamic user friendly, and allow STARLIMS to better adapt to business and… Read More

Rapid advances in the life sciences field coupled with the increasing complexity of data management necessitate efficient, adaptive, and iterative development methodologies. Implementing a life science informatics system is challenging, requiring flexibility to meet evolving scientific needs and regulatory requirements, as well as to integrate with cutting-edge technologies. Agile Scrum, a common framework for managing… Read More

In the laboratory informatics (LIMS, ELN, LES, SDMS, etc.) universe, the value of interfacing and/or integrating lab instruments, lab data systems, business systems, and other enterprise information systems [i.e., enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, a manufacturing execution system (MES), platform, etc.) to your LIMS has been well known and documented. These types of interfaces and… Read More

In the years since this blog was first authored, not only have the number of instrument types increased, but also the number of options for interfacing. And yet, the more things change, the more they stay the same. It’s still shocking when reviewing laboratory information management system (LIMS) survey results to find that some implementations… Read More

Complex and large life sciences informatics projects are intimidating but sometimes unavoidable. As many life sciences organizations have grown, they have accrued various informatics systems that can create data silos, inefficient workflows, and roadblocks to meeting stringent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations or getting value from their data. It can be hard to… Read More