October 8, 2025
About LabKey
What Is a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)?
A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a software designed to handle complex lab operations and their data management needs. LIMS supports lab operations such as workflows, sample inventory, experimental data, and various laboratory management functions.
Labs often adopt LIMS software seeking benefits like streamlined workflows, greater lab efficiency, improved data management, and support for compliance with regulatory requirements. By managing various laboratory functions in a unified system, a LIMS helps labs maintain research integrity without sacrificing efficiency.
Contents: Basic Features of LIMS | How LIMS Works | Who Uses LIMS? | LIMS vs. Other Methods | Advantages and Benefits | LabKey LIMS
Basic Features a LIMS Needs
There are a few essential features that the best LIMS provide for a growing lab:
Sample Tracking and Management: A robust LIMS should provide comprehensive sample tracking capabilities, allowing users to record and monitor each sample’s journey from collection to disposal. This includes assigning unique identifiers, maintaining detailed metadata, and tracking chain-of-custody.
Data Management: Effective scientific data management is crucial in a laboratory setting. A LIMS should facilitate the secure and interconnected storage, retrieval, and sharing of data, including test results, instrument outputs, and metadata. It should support various data formats and integration with other lab instruments and software.
Workflow Automation: Automation of routine tasks and lab workflows is a key feature of a LIMS. This includes automating sample processing, quality control checks, and data entry, reducing the risk of human error and increasing efficiency.
Regulatory Compliance: Laboratories must comply with various regulatory standards, such as GLP, GMP, and ISO. A LIMS should help ensure compliance by providing audit trails, validation protocols, and documentation management features.
Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs): Integrating ELNs within a LIMS allows laboratories to digitize and centralize their experimental records. ELNs facilitate the documentation of procedures, observations, and results in a structured, searchable format, enhancing data accessibility and collaboration among lab members.
Reporting and Analytics: The ability to generate custom reports and perform data analysis is essential. A LIMS should offer flexible reporting tools and advanced analytics capabilities to help labs make data-driven decisions and demonstrate compliance.
How a LIMS Works
A Laboratory Information Management System connects every part of a lab’s workflow — from sample intake and testing to data analysis and reporting. Once samples are logged into the system, LIMS automatically assigns unique identifiers, links associated data from instruments, and records all actions in an audit trail. This ensures complete traceability while enabling real-time collaboration across teams and locations.
Who Uses LIMS?
LIMS are used by a wide range of laboratories across various industries. Some of the key users include:
Clinical Laboratories: These labs use LIMS to manage participant samples, track test results, and support compliance with healthcare regulations. Clinical data management software may also be used in these locations.
Research and Development Labs: In academic and industrial R&D settings, LIMS helps manage experiments, track sample data, and streamline collaboration among researchers.
Testing Labs: These labs rely on LIMS to handle large volumes of samples, manage complex testing workflows, and comply with environmental regulations.
Pharmaceutical and Biotech Companies: LIMS are crucial in managing the extensive data and regulatory requirements in drug discovery, development and production.
>>> See if LabKey LIMS is a good fit for your lab with a demo. <<<
LIMS vs. Traditional Methods
| Category | Traditional Methods (Paper/Spreadsheets) | With a LIMS |
|---|---|---|
| Sample Tracking | Manual logs prone to errors. | Automated tracking with unique IDs and full traceability. |
| Data Storage | Dispersed files and inconsistent naming. | Centralized, searchable, and secure database. |
| Compliance | Difficult to maintain audit trails. | Built-in regulatory and audit tools. |
| Collaboration | Limited access, no real-time sharing. | Multi-user access and live updates. |
| Scalability | Hard to expand beyond a small team. | Scales easily with new projects and users. |
Advantages of Adopting a LIMS
Improved Efficiency: By automating routine tasks, sample tracking, and data management, LIMS software significantly reduces manual labor and the potential for human error. This leads to faster turnaround times, streamlined workflows for sample management, and enhanced productivity.
Enhanced Data Integrity and Security: LIMS provide robust data management solutions that ensure data integrity, compliance and security. With features like searchable audit trails, role-based access controls, and data encryption, labs can maintain accurate records and protect sensitive information.
Support for Workflows and Collaboration: LIMS software supports the integration and automation of laboratory workflows, facilitating seamless transitions between different stages of sample processing and data management. They also enhance collaboration among lab personnel by providing a centralized platform for sharing data, managing tasks, and tracking project progress, ultimately leading to better coordination and improved research outcomes.
LabKey LIMS
Growing research labs struggling with accurate, efficient data management are likely to find that LIMS is the solution they need to optimize their laboratory processes. LabKey LIMS revolutionizes laboratory efficiency with a sample-centric approach, integrated storage management, comprehensive workflows, reporting, and ELN software.
Check out how LabKey LIMS can transform your laboratory management.
