What Is A LIMS, And How Do I Know If I Need One?
By Claire Hill, Business Consultant, and Dana Vanderwall, Senior Director, Digital Transformation

A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) has traditionally been essential for quality control (QC) labs, focusing on routine sample management and ensuring regulatory compliance. However, LIMS was not originally designed with the flexibility needed for research and early development, which often require detailed experimental narratives. This limitation has led to a growing recognition that modern biopharmaceutical development benefits from systems that integrate structured data capture with the flexibility of electronic lab notebooks (ELNs). As a result, the lines between LIMS and ELNs are increasingly blurred, with many systems now offering a range of functionalities that cater to both research and sample management needs.
To select the right LIMS, it is crucial to evaluate your existing digital landscape, workflows, and business priorities. While the adoption of a data-centric approach can improve data quality and optimize processes, it is important to start with a strategic assessment to ensure that the chosen system aligns with your long-term goals and enhances operational efficiency.
Consider several key factors outlined below when deciding if your team needs LIMS and explore steps to optimize your biopharmaceutical development processes.
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