What to Look for in a Freezerworks Alternative

For many labs, Freezerworks has been a reliable choice for managing samples and their storage. Over the years, however, as research needs evolved and technology advanced, many labs are now seeking a Freezerworks alternative that offers greater flexibility, integration capabilities, different licensing structures and modern usability. As labs begin their search for other options, they should start by understanding their lab’s specific needs and objectives, then identifying the key features that will support their workflows and future growth.

 

Pros and Cons of Freezerworks

Freezerworks has been used for decades due to their reliable offering of freezer inventory management and sample tracking software. Its familiarity, paired with inherited contracts and sunken costs, have kept it firmly in place for many labs and biobanks. But often, modern and growing labs are seeking more from the software. Utilizing customer support and services can be difficult and costly for labs with limited resources. And exporting data can be a significant hurdle for labs without dedicated technical staff. As time and resources become a valuable commodity, labs require sample management tools that are easier to use, allow scalability, and promote productivity. 

Pros:

• Reliable sample tracking and freezer inventory management.
• Barcode support for easier organization.
• Established presence with a history of serving various labs.

Cons:

• Outdated user interface that can hinder productivity.
• Limited scalability for growing or expanding labs.
• Integration capabilities may not match lab needs.
• Expensive contracts for basic support services.
• Single point of access, restricting which devices can access the software and impeding collaboration across teams.

 

Choosing Sample Manager as an Alternative to Freezerworks

Choosing the right replacement for Freezerworks means finding a tool that will enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability while aligning with your lab’s real-life workflows. Here are some of the best ways Sample Manager can bring more to your lab:

 

1. Intuitive User Interface

A user-friendly interface is essential to streamline daily tasks and minimize training time for staff. Sample Manager’s interface prioritizes simplicity and logical navigation, ensuring users can quickly access the tools they need without frustration.

 

2. Customizability and Scalability for Growing Labs

As your lab grows, your software should grow with it. Sample Manager allows administrators to quickly adjust to increasing sample volumes, new sample types, and evolving workflows—all without the need for costly overhauls or extensive technical support. Intuitive tools and user-friendly interfaces mean admins can make changes in minutes, ensuring the system continues to meet your lab’s needs effortlessly.

 

3. Advanced Sample Tracking

Sample Manager helps ensure every sample is handled with precision and care. Key features include real-time dashboard updates, intuitive freezer management, and customizable fields that allow you to tailor tracking to your lab’s specific needs. Additionally, comprehensive audit trails and searchable sample histories can provide transparency and support compliance efforts during sample tracking workflows, giving you confidence in the integrity of your data.

 

4. Cloud-Based Access

Cloud-based access is becoming an essential feature of sample and freezer management software for modern labs. It supports remote collaboration, real-time updates, and seamless scalability. Secure, cloud-enabled functionality allows teams to work together efficiently, whether at the bench, in the freezer, in a meeting, or at your desk. Cloud access is critical to ensure your lab can adapt to changing research demands.

 

5. Regulatory Compliance Support

If your lab operates in a regulated environment, your alternative to Freezerworks must have the option to support compliance. Sample Manager offers built-in features like audit trails, electronic signatures, role-based access, and configurable security settings to simplify adherence to regulatory requirements and reduce potential risks. For those requiring stronger security, features like data partitioning, software validation, and HIPAA-compliant cloud servers are easily available with Sample Manager Professional. 

Interested in seeing more of Sample Manager? Take a tour!