Considering a FreezerPro Alternative

FreezerPro has long been a trusted tool for managing freezer inventory and tracking samples in research and biobanking environments. But as labs grow and their data needs become more complex, many teams begin looking for alternatives that offer greater flexibility, integration, and ease of use.

This post outlines where FreezerPro continues to provide value, where it may present limitations for growing labs, and how LabKey Sample Manager compares as an alternative built for sample-centric workflows.

Pros and Cons of FreezerPro

FreezerPro has long been used by labs and biobanks seeking reliable sample tracking and inventory management software. Its core strength lies in managing freezer contents with barcode support and structured fields. Many organizations continue to use FreezerPro due to familiarity, legacy systems, or long-standing contracts.

However, as labs scale their operations, or look to integrate sample tracking with other workflows and test data, FreezerPro may fall short. Users often face limitations in usability, integration, and flexibility. For growing labs, especially those managing complex workflows or cross-team collaboration, these constraints can impact productivity.

Pros:

• Reliable cloud-based freezer inventory tracking for known, structured collections
• Barcode support for sample organization
• Long-standing presence and familiarity in the biobank and research space

Cons:

• Not designed to connect samples with workflows, test results, or ELNs
• Limited flexibility for expanding lab operations or complex sample relationships
• Querying, or searching for samples, can be difficult 
• Outdated user interface and manual processes may hinder efficiency
• Collaboration is restricted by limited access options and integration capabilities

 

When to Consider a FreezerPro Alternative

If your lab is outgrowing basic freezer inventory tracking, or if you’re spending too much time managing sample data manually, it may be time to consider a more integrated freezer management solution.

FreezerPro is well-suited for teams with simple inventory needs, but labs managing workflows, testing, or collaborations across teams often require a system that goes beyond storage. The inability to easily connect samples with test results, ELN records, and workflows can lead to data silos, inconsistencies, and added workload for both scientists and support staff.

You might consider a FreezerPro alternative if:

• You need to link samples to test results, protocols, or experiments, even after disposal
• Your team struggles to find or query sample data across projects
• You want a modern, intuitive interface to reduce training and user error
• Your lab is growing and needs scalable tools to support new workflows, sample types, and more.
• You need more robust sample traceability, audit history, and compliance features.
  

 

How Sample Manager Compares to Freezerpro

FreezerPro is a reliable option for basic freezer inventory tracking, but many labs outgrow its capabilities as they begin managing complex workflows, testing, and data integration. Sample Manager offers a broader sample-centric approach, connecting inventory with lab operations and supporting long-term scalability.

Full Sample Lifecycle Tracking
Sample Manager traces each sample from intake through testing, storage, and disposal, providing end-to-end traceability. FreezerPro is more focused on tracking physical storage.

Workflow and Assay Integration
Unlike FreezerPro, Sample Manager links samples to workflows, ELNs, and test results, making it easier to follow how samples are used—not just where they’re stored.

Powerful Search Tools
Sample Manager’s built-in Sample Finder and grid views make it easy to locate samples using any metadata. FreezerPro’s search is effective but can be harder to navigate in complex datasets.

Data Consistency
Sample Manager supports standardized fields, dropdowns, and validations to reduce errors. FreezerPro offers structured input but with fewer built-in tools for enforcing consistency.

Designed to Scale
Sample Manager supports multiple users, evolving lab workflows, and new sample types as your lab grows. FreezerPro can be limiting for expanding teams or more collaborative environments.

If your lab is looking to move beyond static inventory tracking, Sample Manager provides the flexibility, integration, and usability that growing teams need.

>>Take a tour to see how Sample Manager can meet your lab’s needs.