The Laboratory Information Management System is a key system of any laboratory. A Laboratory runs hundreds of samples a day, generating 1000’s of results, obviously a system is needed to manage this data.
A problem in need of a solution.
This system must gather all the data generated, as well as generate certificates of analysis for each of these samples. Many times, there are calculations needed to better characterize the samples. I have seen laboratories use an Access database to gather this data, I have even seen Excel used to store data. There are many ways to accomplish the task of storing data, someone with an aptitude for programming and a lot of time on their hands can come up with a solution to the data management problem, even with the most basic database or spreadsheet software. I have met some very motivated individuals who have taken on this task and have been very impressed with their skill level.
The problem with this solution.
This solution often comes from a problem that has been stated in the most basic way. My favorite quote is from Charles Kettering~ “A problem well stated is a problem half solved.” A simple database or spreadsheet is a solution, just like the Dewey decimal system is a solution for organizing books in the library. But because the problem was not well stated, it creates another problem, people have to learn how to use the system, and the system is only as good as the person who created it, they use their knowledge of how to do certain things, like queries, even if there is a better way to do it, unless the author is aware of the better way, we are stuck with the authors way, as inefficient as it may be.
The problem with LIMS implementation.
In my 30 years of experience, I have never seen a successful implementation of LIMS. Mostly because you either have a Chemist who was good at macros in excel, designated the LIMS administrator, or you have a computer programmer that was designated the LIMS administrator. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and it is rare to find someone who is good at both. In addition, the people in charge of approving a LIMS have even less knowledge of what is needed, and must rely on information obtained from an SME, however as much as a Subject Matter Expert theoretically should ensure successful implementation, in most cases, SME means in a given population of a company or workgroup, they know more than everyone else. SME can also mean, I trust this person, regardless of skill, so they can decide what to do.
If a person has been designated SME status, and lack expertise, they will default to whatever vendor they are used to working with. This is understandable, as the vendor obviously must be an SME, it is their product after all. Unfortunately, as described above, there are many levels of SME, and even vendors who have been in the industry a long time with the same company, are likely unaware of where current LIMS technology is or how to incorporate better technology into their product. They rely on their customers to inform them of the need so that they can upgrade their product and sell this new solution to the next customer. In this scenario, it is obvious why LIMS is typically frustrating.
What is needed to make LIMS more successful and less frustrating.
Vision is needed. Vision of the potential that is inherent in LIMS. Every LIMS contains every result of every test of every sample that was analyzed in a laboratory. Every bit of it sitting on a shelf, organized by some flavor of the Dewey decimal system, collecting dust. In the age of AI, there is a goldmine of information buried in LIMS just waiting to be found. There is tremendous potential to increase process efficiency, or simplify troubleshooting a process, if AI could be incorporated to analyze the data stored in LIMS, it can be elevated to a LIAS, Laboratory Information Analysis System. Consider the synergy that can be developed where accounting, sales, procurement, business development, inventory, quality, training, could all be linked in a robust LIMS. What if you link the test with consumables needed to perform the test, you could easily track your usage and order directly from LIAS. This cannot be achieved with the old playbook, look to the visionary in your workgroup and put them in charge of LIMS implementation, they are best suited to identify true SME’s, select the best product, and implement LIMS as a solution source rather than a problem source. Identify the bigger problem and develop a robust solution that benefits everyone!