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 laboratory processes, all while requiring less maintenance.
As everyone who has gone through a LIMS implementation already knows, configuration is essential. Your static data is the true heart of the system; if it is not configured correctly, to the system may need substantial rework. Therefore, it is worth considering the role of static data in the configuration process right from the beginning.
For instance, one of our clients rethought their site setup—choosing to add several sites instead of the initially configured one—after some time using the system. Consequently, the entire configuration needed to be reworked while still keeping the current setup live for ongoing testing. In another case, a different client misconfigured the testing plan and only recognized the issue when the testing reached the approval step, with numerous batches already running. Thus, all those batches had to be canceled, and the configuration was redone before work could resume.
On a more positive note, a well-thought-out configuration can enable a system to run smoothly for years. Appropriate configuration will maintain the static data, allow users to add new products, and accommodate revised methods and specifications in accordance with regulatory requirements and new discoveries. However, it is important to note that many clients will still rely on manual tasks like testing plan versioning for updates, data entry and review, paper note-keeping, and file attachments as supporting evidence.
In situations like these, integrating some customization into your configurations—like the examples discussed in this blog post—can enhance the user experience and simplify processes!
There are many ways to make your STARLIMS system more dynamic and adapted to business and lab processes. The following are some examples, focusing on Metadata Templates and Spec Schemas.
STARLIMS Metadata Templates consist of a configurable form with defined areas for adding supplementary information to a record when there is no place in a module for that information to be entered. Metadata Templates can be very useful in many parts of the STARLIMS environment.
Metadata Templates can be set up to present dynamic lists when the template form is loaded at runtime and almost any type of additional information. Once applied, a template can save time, reduce human errors, and reduce maintenance of manually configured lists that would otherwise need to be created in the different STARLIMS modules. For example:
Moreover, metadata versioning makes it easy to improve existing templates.
Using Metadata Templates linked at different levels in the STARLIMS workflow allows you to gather extra information, eliminating the need to take side notes to attach as evidence, centralizing information, and making it easier and faster to review and consult this supplementary data. For example:
STARLIMS Spec Schemas allow users to define if and how specific result and specification columns are displayed in the Results Entry modules. They also provide options to apply calculations on results and validation of result status, allowing implementation of automated business rules.
Spec Schemas are most often used with the default out-of-the-box settings of the “NUMERIC_NA” and “CHAR_NA” schemas, for common numerical and character-based data displays.
However, Spec Schemas can offer more than what is delivered by the default settings. Not only do they allow the configuration of displays for analysis-related details, but they can also be set up to integrate specific business rules and/or behaviors that correspond to special analysis requirements. This is achieved by implementing low-code customizations.
Low-code customization requires less technical knowledge than you may think. in most cases, code can be added via the user interface, and STARLIMS provides a wizard to help generate the necessary low-code scripting.
Integrating Spec Schemas and Metadata Templates into your configuration could optimize routine processes as well as minimize development costs by providing an alternative that can be implemented in-house. For example, these options don’t take long to learn:
Configurations (low code or otherwise) made via the user interface are not impacted by upgrades; this goes for Spec Schemas and Metadata Templates, as well as other modules where such configuration types are possible. These objects reside in a part of the system where upgrades are not implemented. This exception applies if the following statements are true:
Whenever out-of-the-box objects have been modified, customizations using Spec Schemas or Metadata Templates will be overwritten and required to be reimplemented after an upgrade. This could lead to enormous headaches when a system has been extensively personalized.
Although the static data remains unaffected during an upgrade, different upgrade options are available, ranging from reimporting features to performing a complete system reset with a fresh installation. Regardless of the approach, each requires substantial effort, including verification and validation steps, such as the following:
In such cases, it can be best to have experienced consultants help you through the upgrade.
The latest STARLIMS versions (starting from Technology Platform 12.0) use Code Layering to permit smoother upgrade processes. Your customizations will not be overwritten or lost and will supersede the upgraded features. Nevertheless, post-upgrade verifications and validation steps are still involved, such as the following:
With creativity and a little bit of code, you could make your STARLIMS instance more dynamic and better adapted to your business and laboratory processes while preserving low maintenance requirements.
Would you like to know more about how to achieve specific tasks without getting technical and with no or minimal upgrade efforts? Are you curious about the well-kept secret of the fully customizable tool “Prompt/Other Actions” of the STARLIMS Results Entry menu?
If so, our webinar, Demystifying the Configuration or Customization of STARLIMS, provides an in-depth look at these topics. Or you can reach out to us to discuss your STARLIMS goals.
Where would you like to use Spec Schemas or Metadata Templates to simplify your workflows? Let us know in the comments.
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