When you’ve been in the informatics industry as long as we have (nearly 4 decades!), you hear lots of questions about laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and the technology’s vast capabilities. One of the questions that echoes over and over again in conversation is this:
“Why can’t my quality laboratory just use [insert the name of existing manufacturing software]? How is it different from a LIMS?”
This blog is here to answer that question for you. There are many software systems that can support oversight of activities and workflows in a manufacturing environment, however, many lack optimization for laboratory processes. Here are some other systems you might encounter within your quality department, and how they may interact with a LIMS:
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)/Materials Requirements Planning (MRP)
ERPs primarily help organizations with core business processes (such as finance, HR, procurement, etc.) by tracking business resources and smart forecasting, while MRPs are systems specifically designed to plan manufacturing production. MRPs specifically support allocation of necessary materials, quantity estimation, and help organizations manage their overall supply chain.
You may also be familiar with systems like SAP. Manufacturers can use SAP for supply chain tracking, from receiving and shipping to task automation. They can also utilize SAP for limited quality control activities related to manufacturing.
However, ERPs and MRPs do not contain the sample plan management, equipment management, and integration with laboratory workflows needed to run labs efficiently and successfully. These systems are not capable of overseeing all the complex elements of laboratory management. There are some LIMS now available in market that come with the ability to integrate directly with SAP through SAP Quality Manufacturing (QM) module. This allows data to be shared between the systems, so manufacturers using SAP QM can manage the administrative functions while the LIMS centralizes lab operations.
Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) are used in manufacturing to track and document the transformation of raw materials to finished goods. MES facilitates work in progress on the factory floor. MES support in-process quality control by allowing quality teams to set up their in-process quality testing plans, integrate with existing equipment and sensors on the production line, and collect data in real-time, all while the product is running in production to help support their overall objectives.
MES can provide real-time data on production processes, machine status, and material usage, and often integrate with ERP systems to provide a comprehensive view of manufacturing operations from planning to execution. Integrating MES with a LIMS can support the alignment of production and quality control processes, leading to improved overall efficiency and product quality.
Electronic Quality Management System (eQMS)
eQMS, or Electronic Quality Management Systems, help organizations manage quality, compliance, and product development. Quality-related processes and data can be centrally stored within an eQMS, allowing organizations to improve compliance, enhance quality, and manage workflows and documents more efficiently. eQMS are best used for post-production quality assurance activities, like corrective or preventative actions for products that don’t conform to specifications. LIMS is more suited to support the testing that identifies whether a product deviates from specifications.
Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) are software systems that manage maintenance operations, such as equipment calibration and preventative maintenance. These systems manage the maintenance of equipment and devices both in laboratories, and beyond, such as the manufacturing floor. Both CMMS and LIMS can handle calibration management, but CMMS does it on a broader scale, while LIMS focuses on making sure lab instruments are calibrated and ready for use.
Home-Grown “LIMS”
Many laboratories today have some form of “laboratory information management system” to help manage their workflows. The term “LIMS” has been used to encompass a wide range of tools, technologies, and systems designed to streamline lab activities, but the complexity of these systems may vary, from simple spreadsheets to sophisticated programs that manage nearly every lab function.
Newer or smaller labs might piece together a functional “LIMS” from other general software programs. These solutions often focus on supporting just a couple of the capabilities that a robust LIMS solution offers. More established organizations that process hundreds of thousands of samples and tests weekly often require a more comprehensive solution.
So, if the aforementioned software are what a LIMS is not…
What is a LIMS?
A LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)—sometimes called a “LIMS system” is a software solution that supports productivity and efficiency in labs in R&D, quality assurance, quality control, manufacturing, and more across a wide range of industries.
With a LIMS, laboratories can streamline their data, effectively manage samples, and minimize manual record keeping. LIMS also interface with lab instruments, equipment, and systems to help lab teams oversee and manage complex laboratory processes. Organizations may also be able to connect the LIMS with enterprise software, such as ERP platforms.
Manufacturing labs that embrace the use of LIMS have the opportunity to…
- Automate redundant workflows in the laboratory and reduce the burden of manual record keeping
- Implement rigorous quality control protocols and SOPs to help outputs meet the highest standards of excellence
- Improve traceability with full audit trails and electronic signatures
What results is a holistic view of lab operations that enables manufacturing teams to get their products to market faster.
Read the Ultimate Guide to LIMS
If you liked this blog, we have more for you to read! This was just one of the chapters of the new STARLIMS ebook. We’re thrilled to deliver to the quality community: The Ultimate Guide to LIMS for Manufacturers.
This is our definitive guide for mastering LIMS, how to select the best LIMS for your quality and manufacturing laboratories, and best practices for the LIMS implementation process.