What is LIMS?

Discover how a LIMS simplifies sample tracking, data management, and regulatory compliance for environmental labs. Dive deeper with insights from Mike in the video below: 

Elements of a traditional LIMS:

Sample
Tracking

This component manages the lifecycle of samples, from logging and tracking to disposal. It includes features for barcode generation, labeling, and tracking the movement and storage of samples within the lab. Automates lab processes to increase efficiency and reduce errors. Maintaining a chain of custody is essential in environmental testing to ensure that samples are not tampered with or mishandled. LIMS automatically records every interaction with the sample, including who accessed it and when, thus providing a transparent audit trail.

Quality
Control

Includes tools for managing quality standards such as calibration and maintenance of equipment, control charts for ongoing performance validation, and audit trails for tracking changes. Helps ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards such as ISO 17025, EPA, and other local environmental compliance requirements. This includes features for generating compliance reports and maintaining records that are easily retrievable for audits.

Reporting and
Analytics

Generates customizable reports and dashboards to help lab personnel and management analyze data, monitor lab performance, and make informed decisions. Efficiently handles large volumes of data, including test results, analysis reports, and quality control data. Integration with other systems (e.g., ERP, CRM) and instruments is also crucial to streamline operations.

Instrument
Integrations

Allows for automatic data collection directly from laboratory instruments into the LIMS. This eliminates manual data entry, which is prone to human error, and ensures data integrity by transferring data in a digital format without human intervention. The system can be configured to automatically flag results that fall outside of predefined thresholds for further review.

LIMs-Plus delivers all the components above. We know there is more to running a lab. A modern LIMS must be able to support a much broader set of capabilities. These capabilities empower a lab to perform with complete efficiency. It enables them to grow. It enables their people to focus on revenue-generating work instead of redundant tasks. Learn more about those capabilities here:

Order Management System

Enhance the operational efficiency of an environmental lab by streamlining the entire process of handling orders. A centralized platform where all client orders are received, processed, and tracked. It facilitates communication between the lab and its clients, ensuring that all necessary information regarding sample types, testing requirements, and deadlines are clearly captured. Prioritize work, schedule collections, and ensure timely delivery of results.

Accounting and
Invoicing

Automatically generate invoices based on the tests performed and directly link them to accounting records. Eliminate the need for manual data entry, reduce errors and save time. Provides real-time financial insights, manage cash flow, track payments, and ensure accurate financial reporting. By streamlining billing and accounting tasks, labs can focus more on their core scientific activities while ensuring financial accuracy and compliance.

Sales
​Machine

Enable customers to place orders directly through your lab's website. Automate the capture of order details, reduce manual input and the potential for errors while accelerating order processing. This means improved workflow efficiency, faster response times, and a direct boost in operational productivity. This direct web-to-OMS pathway not only supports higher volume handling but also strengthens customer relationships by providing a consistently reliable and interactive service.

Ready for a Demo?

"Mike and the team at LIMs-Plus have been able to create a product that meets the unique needs of our laboratory. They listen to our concerns and provide simple, creative solutions that meet the Quality Assurance standards set by the Maryland Department of the Environment and the EPA."

​- Dan Shields
​President and Lab Director of Water Testing Labs of Maryland and Chesapeake Labs