Lab goes digital.
Your vendor-independent LIMS evaluation

There are numerous LIMS systems (or more correct LIM systems) available in the market, each offering different features and specializations. At ApiThinking, we provide vendor-neutral consultation to help you find the LIMS system best suited to your specific laboratory requirements.

A LIMS should be capable of optimizing laboratory processes, efficiently managing data, monitoring quality, and ensuring compliance with standards such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU GMP Annex 11. The exact requirements can vary depending on the laboratory and industry. During our consultation, we work with you to develop a detailed list of requirements to find the right LIMS for your needs.

A LIMS digitizes and automates the entire lifecycle of a sample in the lab, from registration to reporting. It consists of modules that cover specific laboratory functions such as sample management, quality control, and equipment integration. These modules work seamlessly together to optimize data processing and management. A modern LIMS integrates with laboratory equipment, ensures data integrity, and ensures compliance with standards like GxP. In conclusion: A LIMS acts almost like an additional team member, significantly easing not only the lab work but also the documentation effort.

The cost of a LIMS can vary based on its range of functions, the number of users, implementation efforts, and other factors. It's essential to consider not just the acquisition costs but also the long-term operational and maintenance costs. We'd be happy to advise you on cost aspects as part of our LIMS consultation.

An LES, or Laboratory Execution System, is an application designed to systematically support and document laboratory activities according to predefined work instructions. It assists laboratories in documenting crucial steps in executing methods at the very moment they are carried out. This ensures that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are followed, and tasks are performed in a compliant and controlled manner. Essentially, an LES helps laboratory analysts in the correct and standardized execution of laboratory test methods.

Both an LIS (Laboratory Information System) and a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) are software platforms designed for managing laboratory data. The primary distinction lies in their scope and functionality:

• LIS (Laboratory Information System): An LIS is patient-oriented and is primarily used in medical laboratories where patient data is required. It serves to report patient test results to physicians. An LIS complies with the standards and requirements of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) and is utilized in hospital clinics and commercial reference labs. It assists doctors in ordering tests and tracking results.
• LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System): A LIMS is sample-oriented and is employed in research and production labs, especially in pharmaceutical, chemical, and food processing industries. It serves to report data for batches of samples and to integrate data with physical instruments. LIMS is used to meet requirements from organizations like the FDA, ISO, and GMP.

• ELN (Electronic Lab Notebook): An electronic notebook that replaces traditional paper-based lab notebooks. It's used to record data, observations, and results from scientific experiments.
• SDMS (Scientific Data ManagementSystem): A system for capturing, managing, and storing scientific data andinformation. It can also be used for integrating and managing data fromdifferent sources.
• MES (Manufacturing Execution System): A system for controlling and monitoring production processes in real-time. It connects, monitors, and controls complex manufacturing and production processes.
• ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning): An integrated management system for business processes that operates in real-time. It integrates various business functions like finance, human resources, and production into a single system.