Speculating through the business section of your newspaper, tracking the changing trends of the stock market, planning investments in the financial and technology sector and the constant tension of cashing on every profitable deal, these are some of the routine workouts for a businessman, desperately looking for assistance from an expert and this is just a glance into today’s pacing scenario which requires the proper documentation of records, immediate updates on the latest trends, web-based connectivity to import and export information and accurate statistics on the performance of various policies. Different sectors ranging from scientific Laboratories and pharmacies to petrochemical and beverage industries need data managers to encourage the implementation of automated workflow in accordance with good manufacturing practices (GMP’s) and generally accepted Laboratory practices (GLP). Ladies and gentlemen, the gateway to the solution of your problems is Laboratory information management system (LIMS). LIMS is a software that enables it’s user to manage samples, instruments, equipments, accounts, staff and provides additional features such as invoicing, plate management and workflow automation (wikipedia). It is equivalent to a tool that will replace all other accessories on your office desk. LIMS is your secret guide to success.

LIMS were first developed by institutions which demanded a streamlined data accumulation and reporting procedure. Around 1970’s, LIMS evolved into an instant solution for specific Laboratories and gradually became avaiLable for others too. In 1990’s this software was engineered to introduce user-configurability features. Today XML (eXtensible Markup Language) has become an integral part of this software to give shape to the process of web automation and exchange of information between organizations of the same network.

To take a sneak-peak into the remarkable features of this software, one needs to understand the design of its basic structure. LIMS are mostly designed to be compatible to any Lab environment and work in the frame of Microsoft windows. Most of them concentrate on adequate presentation of information in tables, graphs and documents. The primary aim is calculate the risks and profits and give a clear analysis on investment decisions. It prevents inconsistencies in research and development field by guaranteeing correct delegation of responsibilities in the Lab personnel.

LIMS can provoke infinite discussions on their design patterns, data management functions and exclusive features. They have the ability to make a notable difference in your approach towards a subject. Perhaps, it will stimulate you to wonder that how can one software package target so many demands at one time? To answer this puzzle you need to dig into the features of this self-sufficient software. Some of the common features of a Laboratory information management system are:-

• Management Of data and analysis records- LIMS are made to accommodate records of accumulated information and regular analysis. These data entries are documented and organized for future presentations. This function gives rest to the activity of reckless paper work and enables the Laboratories and industries to retrieve data in quandaries. Lab Technicians can maintain electronic notebooks and scientists can record their experimental observations with LIMS.
• Delegation Of Responsibilities- The administrators can easily delegate responsibilities and give instructions and work lists to the staff members through LIMS technology. The staff in turn could submit their work results through the software. Thus, a lot of time is saved for correction and presentation.
• Quantification Of Results- LIMS can perform complex calculations and check the results for any possible errors. A user can customize the software to perform calculations on a number of applications at one time.
• Graphing Techniques- LIMS can graph the progress of research and development and project prospective gains and losses through detailed statistics.
• Instant Traceability- Most of the LIMS in the software market these days incorporates the bar-coding technique which allows the user to trace any sample and it’s ownership within seconds through bar-code tagging. Similarly, instruments and their current quantities can also be checked with the software.
• Web-based Connectivity- Users can analyze results by taking reference from the online updates and share their notes with others in the same Laboratory or different Laboratories through the web-based connectivity features in LIMS. Additional instruments can also be plugged along to integrate different functions. Scientists can prepare personal profiles and share them on this network.
• Encourages Punctuality- Laboratory information management software schedules tasks which discourages time-consuming practices and enforces punctuality.
• Flexible Architecture- LIMS brought out by various software developers compete against each other in terms of the flexibility provided by them. They are designed to accept configurations for different environments. They also assist the administrators to implement policy changes and support the Lab staff to get accustomed to such variations.
• Security- Administrators can impose authorization limits on certain documents, which means that staff members are permitted to open and view only those files and documents which are authorized by the administrators.
• Regulatory Compliance- LIMS are developed to regulate manufacturing and testing process in accordance with the general protocols like good Laboratory practices and good manufacturing practices.

LIMS is a spectacular method of archiving data, presenting analysis and graphing achievements. It assures stability as well as dynamism in Laboratory procedures and guarantees equilibrium in the demand and supply curves. The rate of acceleration in technological fields requires artificial intelligence to generate powerful plans for successful accomplishments and LIMS is just the right option to sharpen the edge of focus in Policies and raise the standard of client satisfaction in totality.