The Software Matters—But the People Matter More

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 the implementation team doesn’t understand your lab’s needs. On the flip side, a strong implementation team can make an average LIMS work seamlessly for your lab.

Yet, most labs put far more effort into choosing a LIMS vendor than they do selecting their LIMS implementation partner—a mistake that can lead to wasted time, budget overruns, and a system that doesn’t fit your workflows.

When a LIMS Fails, It’s Usually Not the Software’s Fault

A sub par implementation partner won't take the time to understand your workflows. They'll make assumptions and cut corners and try to apply a one-size-fits-all approach.

The result?

• Your lab staff may have to manually track half their work in Excel.
• The LIMS will constantly require reconfiguration.
• You won't get the full value from your investment.

This is why choosing the right LIMS professional services team is just as important as choosing the software itself.

What to Look for in a LIMS Implementation Team

If you want your LIMS project to succeed, don’t just evaluate the software—evaluate the team implementing it. Here’s what to look for:

Industry-Specific Experience

A team that understands your type of lab (whether it’s pharma, environmental, or clinical) will implement your LIMS faster and with fewer missteps.

A Clear Implementation Process

Ask potential vendors:

• What does your typical LIMS implementation process look like?
• How do you ensure our workflows are accurately captured?
• How do you handle unexpected issues?

If they can’t answer confidently, that’s a red flag.

Proven Track Record

Don’t just take their word for it. Ask for case studies or references from labs similar to yours.

Post-Go-Live Support

A LIMS isn’t something you set up once and forget about. You need an implementation team that will stick around to help with training, troubleshooting, and system updates.

Avoiding Common LIMS Implementation Pitfalls

Many LIMS projects struggle because of common but avoidable mistakes, such as:

• Skipping the discovery phase – If your implementation team rushes into detailed configuration of the system before fully understanding your lab’s workflows, expect problems down the road.
• Over-customizing too early – Many labs make the mistake of heavily customizing their LIMS before using it in real-world conditions. A better approach? Start with a Minimum Viable LIMS and expand from there. (Learn more about this approach).
• Ignoring change management – Even the best LIMS won’t succeed if your staff doesn’t know how to use it. Training and communication are just as important as system configuration.

Final Thoughts: The People Matter More Than the Software

It’s easy to get caught up comparing LIMS features, but a great LIMS in the wrong hands will fail.

When evaluating LIMS vendors, don’t just ask about the software. Ask: Who will be implementing it? How will they ensure it fits our lab? What happens if things go wrong?