Look, I'll be the first to admit that laboratories don't pay for a LIMS using the change they dig out from between the couch pillows at reception. LIMS systems are designed to increase a lab's productivity and profit, which makes it a worthwhile, albeit expensive, investment.
Of course you can cut a few corners by buying an off the shelf LIMS. To me this is like walking into a store, taking the first pair of shoes you see and expecting it to fit. Different labs have different processes. No standardised software solution can possibly cater for all kinds of laboratories.
Many labs find that simple processes become harder because of an off the shelf LIMS system. A decrease in productivity and profit due to new software is more often than not the result of miscommunication between the laboratory and the vendor.
Although it's true that laboratory software exists to increase turnaround time, productivity and profit, standardised software can have the opposite effect. It is therefore very important to look for LIMS software that delivers on its promises.
The key to finding a good LIMS lies in finding a good supplier. It's wise to interview potential vendors before deciding on the LIMS best suited to your lab. When interviewing potential vendors, look out for the following:
1. Your needs
It is a salesman's job to make his product seem ideal for you, so be careful not to buy a pitch that is worth more than the system you're buying. Have a list of your greatest challenges on hand. Be sure to ask the vendor how his LIMS system can be customised to address these challenges.
2. Pre-installation research
A good LIMS vendor will spend some time getting to know your business before installing software. If a vendor offers to do an installation before looking at your current business processes, chances are the system will not be the business solution you were looking for.
3. Revision
After your vendor spent some time at your business, it is important to relook your needs before you give the installation the green light. A good vendor will identify setbacks in your current system that you might have overlooked. The problem areas identified by your vendor, together with the frustrations you face in the day to day running of your lab should become the foundations your LIMS system is built on.
4. Integration
If you already have a software system and a database, your new LIMS should be integrated with the existing data to ensure that your daily activities can continue with little or no interruption. Ask your vendor how he plans to integrate the new LIMS with your existing software and how he plans to preserve data integrity.
5. Draw up a plan
Draw up a contract listing all the functionalities your vendor promises. Make sure that the system can do what you agreed on before you regard the installation as complete.
It's unlikely that you'll buy an expensive pair of shoes without trying them on first. By the same token it's unwise to spend hundreds of thousands on an LIMS that hurts your toes - metaphorically speaking, of course.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
My dad's stronger than yours... Mostly
I spend a lot of time on Lab-i, as you may have noticed from my sporadic blog entries. I am all for technology and progress and customisation. However, despite my near-fanatical dedication to technological innovation, I wasn't too excited by the idea of integrating Lab-i with business intelligence (BI) tool EasyAsk.
I guess it's a my-dad-is-stronger-than-your-dad frame of mind. As far as I was concerned, Lab-i could do anything a BI tool could do. Turns out, my opinion wasn't exactly accurate. I attended a presentation on the integration of EasyAsk with Lab-i, and I had to admit that EasyAsk's dad might be just as strong as mine, metaphorically speaking.
Now, I don't mean to suggest that Lab-i is not a force unto itself. I mean: it's a software solution that can automate an entire laboratory. If that's the coolest thing I've done today, I'm okay with it.
To laboratory technicians, having a good LIMS is the answer to a prayer whispered while donning the white coat in the morning. To laboratory managers, keeping track of how many samples are being tested, what tests are being performed and which analysts are working on which batch is equally valuable. A LIMS like Lab-i therefore takes care of the actual laboratory. Pretty neat, right?
However, a laboratory remains a business. To make sound business decisions is as important to the success of a laboratory as a good LIMS. Good decisions are based on comprehensive data, which is automatically recorded by Lab-i. By integrating EasyAsk, decision makers can gain instant access to all available data by typing a question - get this - in natural English.
It's kind of like talking to a family member. "Hey, grandma, how many samples did we analyse between two and three in the afternoon on Tuesday two weeks ago?" The only difference is, your grandma knows. Immediately.
So, you take the Lab-i database, link EasyAsk to it and let EasyAsk analyse the available data to enable you to make better business decisions. What's more, EasyAsk has a righteous dashboard feature that updates in real time, so you can see exactly what's going on in your laboratory as it happens.
I think I might owe EasyAsk's dad an apology.
I guess it's a my-dad-is-stronger-than-your-dad frame of mind. As far as I was concerned, Lab-i could do anything a BI tool could do. Turns out, my opinion wasn't exactly accurate. I attended a presentation on the integration of EasyAsk with Lab-i, and I had to admit that EasyAsk's dad might be just as strong as mine, metaphorically speaking.
Now, I don't mean to suggest that Lab-i is not a force unto itself. I mean: it's a software solution that can automate an entire laboratory. If that's the coolest thing I've done today, I'm okay with it.
To laboratory technicians, having a good LIMS is the answer to a prayer whispered while donning the white coat in the morning. To laboratory managers, keeping track of how many samples are being tested, what tests are being performed and which analysts are working on which batch is equally valuable. A LIMS like Lab-i therefore takes care of the actual laboratory. Pretty neat, right?
However, a laboratory remains a business. To make sound business decisions is as important to the success of a laboratory as a good LIMS. Good decisions are based on comprehensive data, which is automatically recorded by Lab-i. By integrating EasyAsk, decision makers can gain instant access to all available data by typing a question - get this - in natural English.
It's kind of like talking to a family member. "Hey, grandma, how many samples did we analyse between two and three in the afternoon on Tuesday two weeks ago?" The only difference is, your grandma knows. Immediately.
So, you take the Lab-i database, link EasyAsk to it and let EasyAsk analyse the available data to enable you to make better business decisions. What's more, EasyAsk has a righteous dashboard feature that updates in real time, so you can see exactly what's going on in your laboratory as it happens.
I think I might owe EasyAsk's dad an apology.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Is web based sofware the answer?
I found a software development company looking at developing and supporting a web based application for laboratories. The company was doing an online poll to determine the demand for this kind of service in the laboratory environment.
This company custom develops laboratory information management systems (LIMS) that should theoretically be able to automate all processes and include a sample-tracking module. However, as the entire world keeps telling us, we are facing an economic crisis. Lower implementation and development costs seem to be the driving forces behind the planned new product.
This got me thinking about the kind of relationship software vendors have with their clients. Things have changed since the 1990s. Many companies have the know-how and legions of geek armies at their disposal. Getting good software solutions for your money is a lot easier than it used to be. This means that software development companies need to provide business solutions, not just develop and implement software.
Offering web based applications could provide a short-term solution, but it simply isn't sustainable. It is the responsibility of the vendor to communicate the downsides of this software solution, even if it means losing a couple of bucks per month in subscription fees.
In a perfect world (where software vendors deliver on promises and the economy isn't going up in flames), software should make things easier. In a laboratory there should be a simple and effective system to track samples, monitor who worked on each sample and automate reporting and invoicing. When all these aspects are taken care of, laboratory staff can focus on their most important task: analysing samples. This will automatically increase productivity and therefore profit.
Unfortunately we don't live in a perfect world, the economy is going up in flames and laboratories need sample tracking software. Investing hundreds of thousands in a LIMS might not be a viable option for many laboratories at the moment, but renting a software solution on a monthly basis is throwing money into the water.
It takes as much effort to implement a custom-made sample tracking LIMS module as it does to implement a web based software programme. With a LIMS module the laboratory stays in control of its data and the module can serve as a platform for other models to be added at a later stage. Implementing a LIMS module is a once-off investment, with no additional monthly expenses. Furthermore, the vendor will be sure to be attentive to the laboratory's needs to ensure the implementation of more models in the future.
Desperate times don't always call for desperate measures. Spending time and energy to implement a web based model in tough economic times could end up costing your laboratory more than the initial LIMS investment.
This company custom develops laboratory information management systems (LIMS) that should theoretically be able to automate all processes and include a sample-tracking module. However, as the entire world keeps telling us, we are facing an economic crisis. Lower implementation and development costs seem to be the driving forces behind the planned new product.
This got me thinking about the kind of relationship software vendors have with their clients. Things have changed since the 1990s. Many companies have the know-how and legions of geek armies at their disposal. Getting good software solutions for your money is a lot easier than it used to be. This means that software development companies need to provide business solutions, not just develop and implement software.
Offering web based applications could provide a short-term solution, but it simply isn't sustainable. It is the responsibility of the vendor to communicate the downsides of this software solution, even if it means losing a couple of bucks per month in subscription fees.
In a perfect world (where software vendors deliver on promises and the economy isn't going up in flames), software should make things easier. In a laboratory there should be a simple and effective system to track samples, monitor who worked on each sample and automate reporting and invoicing. When all these aspects are taken care of, laboratory staff can focus on their most important task: analysing samples. This will automatically increase productivity and therefore profit.
Unfortunately we don't live in a perfect world, the economy is going up in flames and laboratories need sample tracking software. Investing hundreds of thousands in a LIMS might not be a viable option for many laboratories at the moment, but renting a software solution on a monthly basis is throwing money into the water.
It takes as much effort to implement a custom-made sample tracking LIMS module as it does to implement a web based software programme. With a LIMS module the laboratory stays in control of its data and the module can serve as a platform for other models to be added at a later stage. Implementing a LIMS module is a once-off investment, with no additional monthly expenses. Furthermore, the vendor will be sure to be attentive to the laboratory's needs to ensure the implementation of more models in the future.
Desperate times don't always call for desperate measures. Spending time and energy to implement a web based model in tough economic times could end up costing your laboratory more than the initial LIMS investment.
Monday, August 3, 2009
South Africa needs a different approach
I recently stumbled (actually it was more like a virtual stumble) upon an article on managing modern laboratories by Joe Liscouski of Scientific Computing. The article contains a wealth of information on laboratory information management systems (LIMS). The focus is on the integration of existing LIMS software with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
The integration of a LIMS with an ERP system seems an obvious evolution to any developer. What really intrigues me is how the entire article is based on the assumption that all laboratories use LIMS software:
We recently installed Lab-i at the Food and Drugs Assurance (FDA) laboratory in Pretoria. The system was fully customised to adapt to FDA's unique environment and to ensure as little disruption to the business process as possible. The laboratory's existing financial software was kept in place and Lab-i was built around it.
Of course it would make sense for a laboratory that's responsible for the safety of products that end up on our dinner plates to have a software system that automates time-consuming processes. The system frees up staff to focus on tests instead of paperwork. What bothers me is that FDA is one laboratory out of hundreds that realises that automation is important.
We are in the process of pitching a Lab-i to a local branch of a major international pharmaceutical company. I find it astonishing that a company with five laboratories across South Africa is still without a LIMS.
What I'm getting at is: LIMS articles and information available on the Internet is an extremely useful tool for vendors to understand the potential of the systems, but to the South African consumer it is virtually worthless.
In South Africa the key to reaching laboratories lies in education on basic technology. There is such an untapped market for LIMS systems, but this market will remain largely untapped until South African software developers start communicating the value or automation. Only once laboratories start to realise the value of the basic automation processes can more advanced integrations be considered.
The integration of a LIMS with an ERP system seems an obvious evolution to any developer. What really intrigues me is how the entire article is based on the assumption that all laboratories use LIMS software:
"Managing laboratories in this age of informatics encompass not only science and scientists, but also systems that assist people in doing their work — work that has expanded to support the legal and regulatory requirements of modern research, development and testing."
Internationally this may be the case, but many South African laboratories still rely on the good ol' paper trail to get the job done. I've always been curious about this. I wonder how much longer it takes to get a sample and a report back to clients in a laboratory where everything has to be done manually?We recently installed Lab-i at the Food and Drugs Assurance (FDA) laboratory in Pretoria. The system was fully customised to adapt to FDA's unique environment and to ensure as little disruption to the business process as possible. The laboratory's existing financial software was kept in place and Lab-i was built around it.
Of course it would make sense for a laboratory that's responsible for the safety of products that end up on our dinner plates to have a software system that automates time-consuming processes. The system frees up staff to focus on tests instead of paperwork. What bothers me is that FDA is one laboratory out of hundreds that realises that automation is important.
We are in the process of pitching a Lab-i to a local branch of a major international pharmaceutical company. I find it astonishing that a company with five laboratories across South Africa is still without a LIMS.
What I'm getting at is: LIMS articles and information available on the Internet is an extremely useful tool for vendors to understand the potential of the systems, but to the South African consumer it is virtually worthless.
In South Africa the key to reaching laboratories lies in education on basic technology. There is such an untapped market for LIMS systems, but this market will remain largely untapped until South African software developers start communicating the value or automation. Only once laboratories start to realise the value of the basic automation processes can more advanced integrations be considered.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Why customisation is important
A good laboratory information management system (LIMS) will aid in the automation of most of a laboratory's processes, saving time and increasing the profit margin. Although some LIMS systems look good on paper, they often offer functions that aren't relevant to many laboratories.
Business solution provider QBCon realised that each laboratory is different and developed Lab-i. Lab-i has all the great features of a normal LIMS system and more. The difference lies in the implementation of Lab-i.
Customisation is an important part of QBCon's software development. We realise that no one knows your laboratory better than you. Therefore, we spend a lot of time at your laboratory, talking to everyone from the clerk at reception to the most qualified laboratory staff members. Based on your laboratory's unique needs, QBCon can combine features and functions or create new features and functions to benefit your laboratory.
Lab-i will make reporting in your laboratory easy and eliminate manual intervention to a large degree, leaving less space for human error. Lab-i will do away with the time consuming paper trail almost entirely.
Lab-i also offers functions like a biometric login system. With fingerprint recognition, the staff members involved in each test can be identified, resulting in full accountability.
A bar-coding option is one of Lab-i's standard features. You can generate and print a bar code for each sample in your laboratory at the touch of the button. When scanning the barcode all the information regarding the sample, including tests done and tests that need to be done are displayed.
Lab-i can further be integrated with new age business intelligence (BI) tool EasyAsk. EasyAsk allows everyone in the laboratory to draw reports or recall results by typing a question in natural English. With Lab-i, customers can track the progress of their sample in close to real time.
Don't bind your laboratory to a LIMS system that contributes very little to the functioning of your laboratory. Lab-i is an investment in the future of your laboratory.
Business solution provider QBCon realised that each laboratory is different and developed Lab-i. Lab-i has all the great features of a normal LIMS system and more. The difference lies in the implementation of Lab-i.
Customisation is an important part of QBCon's software development. We realise that no one knows your laboratory better than you. Therefore, we spend a lot of time at your laboratory, talking to everyone from the clerk at reception to the most qualified laboratory staff members. Based on your laboratory's unique needs, QBCon can combine features and functions or create new features and functions to benefit your laboratory.
Lab-i will make reporting in your laboratory easy and eliminate manual intervention to a large degree, leaving less space for human error. Lab-i will do away with the time consuming paper trail almost entirely.
Lab-i also offers functions like a biometric login system. With fingerprint recognition, the staff members involved in each test can be identified, resulting in full accountability.
A bar-coding option is one of Lab-i's standard features. You can generate and print a bar code for each sample in your laboratory at the touch of the button. When scanning the barcode all the information regarding the sample, including tests done and tests that need to be done are displayed.
Lab-i can further be integrated with new age business intelligence (BI) tool EasyAsk. EasyAsk allows everyone in the laboratory to draw reports or recall results by typing a question in natural English. With Lab-i, customers can track the progress of their sample in close to real time.
Don't bind your laboratory to a LIMS system that contributes very little to the functioning of your laboratory. Lab-i is an investment in the future of your laboratory.
Monday, July 20, 2009
LIMS and user specs
The most important part of any laboratory information management system (LIMS) is the user specification. Many people think a user spec is nothing but a plan, part of avoiding the mistakes that are inevitable if you do not prepare properly.
For me a user spec is much more. It is a set of ground rules that ensure the client knows what they are buying and the supplier knows what the client expects. We recently started the implementation process with a new client and found that the client had a different understanding of how the reporting module of QBCon Lab-i would work.
A good spec by the team helped QBCon understand that the client wanted non-standard reporting that was not previously mentioned. By understanding the client’s expectation early, QBCon was able to plan for the required customisation and make sure that the end product matches the client’s expectations.
The incident may seem trivial but it has far reaching implications. The client's satisfaction with the product is guaranteed, and future development work is now a possibility.
For me a user spec is much more. It is a set of ground rules that ensure the client knows what they are buying and the supplier knows what the client expects. We recently started the implementation process with a new client and found that the client had a different understanding of how the reporting module of QBCon Lab-i would work.
A good spec by the team helped QBCon understand that the client wanted non-standard reporting that was not previously mentioned. By understanding the client’s expectation early, QBCon was able to plan for the required customisation and make sure that the end product matches the client’s expectations.
The incident may seem trivial but it has far reaching implications. The client's satisfaction with the product is guaranteed, and future development work is now a possibility.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
So it begins
Everything seems to be about social networking these days. One would think, as a software developer and computer geek galore, I would be the first to create a Facebook account, a Twitter account, a LinkedIn account, a Flickr account, a MySpace account, a YouTube account and a blog.
I was quite offended when a friend pointed out that my lack of social networking is ludicrous because I exist, as she so delicately put it, "exclusively for my computer". I tried to retort with a clever remark about my raging and legendary social life, but then I realised she had a point.
I am proud to report that this blog is the final step in an aggressive social networking campaign. My beloved laboratory information management system (LIMS), Lab-i, can now be found on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. I know there's about a thousand more social networking applications that I should get involved in, but Rome wasn't built in a day.
Lab-i is an awesome programme. I should know, I wrote it and I work on it all day, every day. The trick, I realised in the week past, is to convince others that this programme is much more than my passion project. Lab-i is a business tool. It can double turnaround time in a laboratory, it can increase profit and generally boost business for a laboratory.
I hope to spread the gospel of Lab-i through social networking.
Here's to Lab-i, and to the future!
Look for QLims on Twitter
Search for the QBCon LIMS group on LinkedIn
Join the Lab-i Facebook group.
Visit the QBCon website for more information.
I was quite offended when a friend pointed out that my lack of social networking is ludicrous because I exist, as she so delicately put it, "exclusively for my computer". I tried to retort with a clever remark about my raging and legendary social life, but then I realised she had a point.
I am proud to report that this blog is the final step in an aggressive social networking campaign. My beloved laboratory information management system (LIMS), Lab-i, can now be found on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. I know there's about a thousand more social networking applications that I should get involved in, but Rome wasn't built in a day.
Lab-i is an awesome programme. I should know, I wrote it and I work on it all day, every day. The trick, I realised in the week past, is to convince others that this programme is much more than my passion project. Lab-i is a business tool. It can double turnaround time in a laboratory, it can increase profit and generally boost business for a laboratory.
I hope to spread the gospel of Lab-i through social networking.
Here's to Lab-i, and to the future!
Look for QLims on Twitter
Search for the QBCon LIMS group on LinkedIn
Join the Lab-i Facebook group.
Visit the QBCon website for more information.
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