A LIMS Software solution is a key tool for boosting productivity, increasing efficiency and harnessing the power of data. But the implementation process isn’t always easy.
It’s important to have a clear plan in place and to understand what to expect during the project. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
1. Underestimate the Time and Effort
Getting started with a LIMS system requires significant time for data migration, system configuration, and user training. This is especially true if the team managing a LIMS implementation must backfill roles that would otherwise be performing those functions in their normal jobs.
Personnel managing a LIMS project often create a wish list of capabilities that they want to see in the system. However, insisting that a LIMS plug all sample management and data holes from day one is unrealistic. Instead, start by focusing on core objectives (e.g., error reduction, regulatory compliance, speed of work, etc.).
When identifying these objectives, it can be useful to have a business analyst visit the lab and observe processes in situ. Doing so can help to capture unvoiced requirements — such as whether users expect the software to pre-generate labels or need the flexibility to generate them on demand, based on specific laboratory steps. This type of workflow analysis should be performed early in the implementation process to help focus efforts during the design phase of a new LIMS.
2. Underestimate the Need for Customization
It is important that a LIMS meets the needs of an organization. This is why it is important to conduct a workflow analysis and identify the key features your lab requires in a new system. These “must haves” should be implemented first. Failure to do so can lead to unnecessary customization of the LIMS, which often leads to project delays and cost overruns.
It’s also important to consider that a LIMS can only be as good as the data it manages. It is a common mistake to overlook the importance of master data management and data migration, which can greatly impact the success of a LIMS implementation.
It is important to understand that it will take time to fully implement a LIMS and get your team comfortable using it. It is best to work with a vendor that will allow you to add or remove functionality in an iterative fashion, rather than forcing you to adopt a system that may not meet your future needs. In addition, it’s worth asking a potential vendor how easily they can change the configuration of their system to suit your labs unique needs.
3. Underestimate the Need for Training
In addition to ensuring the system is equipped with the proper capabilities, labs should make sure they understand how to use the software. This may involve training lab technicians and super-users, as well as creating user documentation and tutorial videos. Training should be ongoing and regularly updated to reflect the current state of the system as well as changing lab processes.
It is also important to be aware of the limitations of the LIMS. While it is easy to get caught up in a happy path mentality, it is important to consider all of the things that could go wrong. For example, chemicals might spill, equipment might be broken, or samples might evaporate. These scenarios need to be accounted for through error handling and the inclusion of alternate paths to allow labs to work effectively despite such issues.
A good LIS vendor will hold frequent meetings with lab techs and super-users early in the process to translate their process diagrams into functional requirements. If a vendor refuses to do this or makes it difficult, this is a red flag.
4. Underestimate the Need for Data Migration
It’s important for laboratories to be open to changing some lab workflows and practices during the LIMS implementation process. However, it’s just as important to thoroughly document these new procedures and work flows for the vendor to understand. Neglecting to clearly communicate these requirements will result in a mismatched LIMS implementation and unnecessary customization down the road.
The scalability and flexibility of a LIMS should be considered when evaluating different solutions. While it’s easy to find a solution that will meet your laboratory today, it’s also important to ensure the system you choose can grow with your lab as it expands and evolves in the future.
This means looking for a provider that offers pre-configured solutions, flexible delivery options, and comprehensive training for users. It’s also important to keep in mind that, after you go live, you’ll need to re-evaluate the system to determine if any additional capabilities are worth the investment. This should be done in an iterative manner and prioritized to implement the “must haves” first. This will keep the project from becoming bogged down by excessive customization to satisfy lower priority needs.
5. Underestimate the Need for Data Validation
Insufficient or incomplete validation of data entered into a LIMS system can lead to errors, delays, and compliance issues. It’s important to establish a set of rules for validating the accuracy and completeness of all information stored in a LIMS system. These rules should be based on laboratory regulations, best practices, and business processes, and should be documented during the implementation process.
LIMS are often integrated with instrument software, analytical systems, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications to exchange data. It’s important to test and validate these integrations, especially in regulated environments where the LIMS is likely to be subject to formal software verification.
While it is tempting to focus on detailed, lower-level lab processes when evaluating different LIMS solutions, doing so can result in “analysis paralysis.” A better approach is to prioritize a laboratory’s needs and ensure that the system is capable of satisfying those priorities. In some cases, this may involve selecting a pre-configured solution to get your laboratory up and running quickly. In other cases, it may involve a collaborative project with your system provider to ensure that the solution is robust enough for future growth and expansion. LIMS software can be used in Hospitals as well.
