Essential Functionalities of Biotech LIMS

In the data-intensive biotech industry, effective management of laboratory information is not just a necessity—it’s a competitive advantage. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) offer software solutions that bridge the gap between traditional lab practices and the digital era. As biotech labs handle increasingly complex and data-intensive workflows, the need for specialized LIMS that can handle specific biotech requirements becomes critical. 

As you consider upgrading your lab’s operations, it helps to have a clear understanding of essential LIMS functionalities and how they align with the specific needs of your lab and the biotech industry in general:

 

Contents: Sample Management | Biotech Data Management | Workflow | Analysis | Data Security

 

Sample Management:

Beyond basic tracking, effective sample management within a biotech LIMS provides a comprehensive view of a sample’s journey through workflows, including its lineage and relationship to other samples and results. For example, antibody screening workflows require the management of  glycerol stocks and plates using intricate tracking capabilities to trace materials across generations. This ensures the original sequence or clone is easily retrievable.

Key features to consider include:

• Sample Tracking
• Freezer Management
• Lineage Tracking
• Plate Management

 

Data Management Aligned with FAIR Principles:

Ensuring that data in biotech LIMS is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reproducible is paramount. A LIMS solution for biotech should provide structured, standardized, and integrated data management. Key to this integration is the bioregistry feature, exclusively found in biotech LIMS, which optimizes the management and traceability of biological entities. The system facilitates easy tracking, automatic integration with sample information, and streamlined reporting, crucial for replacing cumbersome spreadsheet macros and supporting efficient plate-based management. 

Look for features like:

• Bioregistry
• Assay Management
• Database Integrations
• Instrument Integrations
• Data QC and Validation
• Reporting and Analysis
• Security and Compliance Support

 

Workflow and Collaboration in Biotech LIMS:

A LIMS for processes like drug discovery should offer configurable workflows that standardize processes, enhance visibility, and improve accountability within biotechnological contexts. By facilitating seamless hand-offs and notifications among teams, a biotech LIMS enhances collaboration and ensures the documentation of processes for reproducibility and knowledge sharing. There are a variety of bioinformatics software features that allow this, but they all work differently. Ensure that when comparing functionality like ELN vs full biotech LIMS, your lab’s true needs are covered. 

Consider functionalities such as:

• Work Request Management
• Workflow Management
• SOP Management
• Lab Inventory Management
• Electronic Lab Notebook

 

Analysis Capabilities:

With built-in analytical capabilities, a biotech LIMS should support a variety of analyses, from basic calculations to sophisticated data sorting and filtering. Ideally, it should also assist in preparing structured data for use in external analytics applications, catering to both individual assays and broader quality tracking or decision-making processes.

Essential features include:

• Analytics Integrations (Tableau, PowerBI, RStudio, etc.)
• Querying & Reporting
• Built-in Reporting Capabilities
• Built-in Visualization

 

Data Security in Biotech LIMS:

Addressing security risks is non-negotiable in biotech applications. A quality LIMS must demonstrate robust security measures, including adherence to institutional policies, support for various authentication methods, data access controls, and compliance with relevant regulations.

Key security features to look for:

• Data Encryption
• Role-based Access
• Audit Logging
• User Authentication
• Support for HIPAA, FISMA, and CFR Part 11

 

See What Biologics LIMS Can Do For Your Lab

Biologics LIMS provides an integrated suite of tools that accelerate antibody discovery workflows including screening, hit selection/picking and characterization. The software centralizes data management and connects samples, plates, assays, biological entities, and analyses together for streamlined operations and faster decision-making. Book a demo or take a tour to see it in action.