Definition: The LIMS Hierarchy of Needs is a framework for implementing and improving a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), starting with foundational infrastructure and ending with advanced insights and continuous improvement. Much like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, each layer builds on the one below it. Skipping ahead without a
LIMS implementations don’t succeed because someone followed a step-by-step manual. They succeed because the people involved bring the right mindsets and practice the right habits. Day in and day out. Systems can be complex. Teams are cross-functional. Priorities shift. And no two labs are exactly the same. What makes
Ever sit through a requirements gathering session in a LIMS implementation where someone says: “We just want a dropdown for analyst selection.” Seems reasonable. But it’s not a requirement. It’s a leftover from how they used to do things. A habit disguised as a need. This is one
“You don’t get to quality by aiming for it. You get there through quantity.” Everyone has heard the phrase: “Quality over quantity.” Sounds wise. Sure. In a world full of noise, we want signal. In complex systems, we want fewer, better solutions. But in my experience with LIMS implementations,
Patience in a LIMS implementation isn’t just a virtue. It’s a strategy. And if misapplied, it becomes a liability. LIMS implementations are full of paradoxes. One of the biggest? Patience. You need patience to let the right solution emerge. You also need urgency to hit deadlines and keep
Securing executive approval for implementing a new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) in your lab can be challenging. It's not just about showcasing the features of LIMS but demonstrating tangible benefits in the language of return on investment (ROI) and strategic alignment. This guide provides lab managers with
Many labs invest months into selecting the perfect Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)—only to end up frustrated when the system doesn’t work the way they expected. The reason? A LIMS is only as good as the people implementing it. Even the most powerful, feature-rich system can fail if
A LIMS implementation is not just rolling out software—you’re launching a start-up. Subscribe While the comparison may not seem obvious at first, consider the parallels: a high-stakes project with ambitious goals, limited resources, a diverse team, and a critical need to "sell" the vision to ensure
If you’re coming from a wet lab background and considering a move into the world of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), you’re not alone. Many scientists reach a point where they want to leverage their technical expertise in a new way—one that involves technology, data management, and
Choosing the right informatics system is one of the most critical decisions a lab can make. For many labs, the default choice is a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). However, there are situations where a Laboratory Execution System (LES) might be a better fit—or a necessary addition to the
When implementing a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), few concepts are as crucial—or as misunderstood—as the relationship between out-of-the-box (OOTB) functionality, configuration, and customization. These terms don’t just define technical choices; they embody strategic trade-offs that can determine the success or failure of a LIMS project. While
If you're waiting for the "perfect" LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), you might be waiting forever. Many labs fall into the trap of overthinking their LIMS implementation, hoping to plan for every possible detail before getting started. But here's the reality: the sooner you