From QSIUK
What Is A LIMS ?
LIMS is an abbreviation for Laboratory Information Management System.
A laboratory's purpose is to deliver accurate, understandable, results to the person who has requested the analysis, within a suitable timescale. The process of achieving this requires the sample to be transferred to the lab, analysis to be undertaken, results entered and checked, and for a report to be issued to the originator of the request. It is important to note that much of this process relates, not to analysis, but to the clerical handling of the results of analysis. Unfortunately, manual reporting systems are neither accurate nor timely, hence the birth of LIMS.
The essential concept of a basic LIMS is that of a computer system which automates the clerical activities associated with the processing of the analytical results, improving accuracy and turnaround times to an acceptable level. LIMS has applications in manufacturing industry sectors where laboratory analysis is important, and for contract laboratories who provide testing services to industry.
Over time LIMS is evolving as an application to cover many more of the administrative and quality issues within the laboratory.
Methods Development, Specification Management, Batch Processing, Laboratory Requests, Instrument Calibration, Work Allocation, Sample Tracking, Sample Bar Coding, Invoicing, Customer Contact Management, Document Control, Sample Receipt, Customer Complaints, Instrument Interfacing, Third Party Software Integration, Training and Qualifications, Sample Validation and Approval, Electronic Signatures, Audit Trails, Reporting, Formulation Management etc.
Increasingly LIMS data is being shared with other departments, which has led to development of further functionality to assist other areas of the business such as production. These are applications such as blend optimizers, production monitoring, and MRP (Material Requirement Planning) tools.
A person's job role will effect their viewpoint of what a LIMS actually is and what it does.
A laboratory technician will see the LIMS as a place to enter results either manually or by acquisition directly from the instruments. He or she would also expect the LIMS to define and manage his or her workload and allow the printing of results.
A laboratory manager will see it as the software which allows him to track samples, better understand resource utilisation and to provide all the required management reports.
A quality manager will see LIMS as the tool to ensure the quality of the products and services provided.
No matter what your perceptions of a LIMS may be, WinLims will more than live up to them.
