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.
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