When to Replatform

Most labs are still running on legacy LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems). These systems were groundbreaking when they first rolled out. They’ve kept labs organized, compliant, and productive for decades. But here’s the thing: times have changed. Technology is moving fast, lab workflows are evolving, and regulations are stricter than ever. If your LIMS is stuck in the past, it might be holding you back more than you realize.

Replatforming—switching to a new LIMS platform—is a big decision. It takes time, money, and a lot of effort. But staying put? That comes with its own set of hidden costs. Let’s dig into why, when, and how to make the leap, and consider some reasons to replatform that might surprise you.

The DNA of a Legacy LIMS: Strengths and Weaknesses

First, let’s give credit where it’s due. Legacy LIMS have some real strengths:

• Stability and familiarity: They’re the devil you know. Everyone on your team knows how to use them (even if they complain about it).
• Extensive documentation: With years of use, there’s probably a wealth of manuals, FAQs, and workarounds you’ve already figured out.

But let’s not ignore the weaknesses:

• Outdated design: These systems were built for regulations and technologies from a different era. They can’t keep up with today’s needs.
• Missing features: Modern labs need real-time data access, powerful APIs for integrations, and scalability for growth. Most legacy LIMS just can’t deliver.
• High customization costs: Want to tweak the system? Be ready to sink a lot of time and money into it.

Signs It’s Time to Replatform

Some reasons to replatform are obvious, but others might catch you off guard.

Traditional Pain Points:

• Workflow bottlenecks: Is your LIMS slowing you down instead of speeding things up? A system that creates more work than it saves isn’t doing its job.
• Maintenance woes: If patches are expensive or vendor support is dwindling, it’s a sign your LIMS might be nearing the end of its lifespan.
• Data silos: Struggling to integrate with modern lab tools or external systems? That’s a big problem in an interconnected world.

Uncommon Triggers (Think Outside the Box):

• Regulatory readiness gap: New standards, like ALCOA+ for data integrity, are here to stay. If your LIMS can’t meet them, you’re at risk.
• Missed revenue opportunities: Can your LIMS support contract lab work or advanced analytics? If not, it’s costing you money.
• Employee retention issues: Frustrated employees don’t stick around. Outdated, clunky systems can drive your best people away.
• Innovation bottleneck: AI, predictive analytics, automation—if your LIMS can’t support cutting-edge techniques, it’s holding you back.

The Hidden Costs of Inaction

Choosing to “stick it out” with an old system can seem easier, but it’s not without its own costs:

• Compliance risks: Outdated systems can leave you vulnerable to audit findings or even legal penalties.
• Opportunity costs: Every year you stick with “what works” is a year you’re missing out on new efficiencies, revenue streams, and capabilities.
• Cultural stagnation: A legacy LIMS doesn’t just hold back your workflows—it can hold back your team’s ability to adapt and innovate.

How to Know You’re Ready

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to make the leap, here are some steps to help you decide:

• Objective assessment: What key performance indicators (KPIs) are being hurt by your current system? Look at sample throughput, error rates, and system downtime.
• Strategic alignment: Does your LIMS align with where you want your lab to be in 3–5 years?
• Employee feedback: Ask your team. What frustrates them most about your LIMS? What features do they wish it had?
• Technical audit: How much are you spending on maintenance, workarounds, and training? Add it all up—it might shock you.

Preparing for the Leap

Replatforming isn’t just about picking a new system. It’s about setting yourself up for success:

• Change management: People resist change. Start by explaining the benefits and involving your team in the process.
• Pilot projects: Test a new platform with a small team or workflow first. Iron out the kinks before rolling it out lab-wide.
• Implementation roadmap: Break the process into milestones. Track your progress and measure your return on investment (ROI).

The Future is Built on Better Systems

Replatforming isn’t just about fixing what’s broken. It’s about unlocking potential—streamlining workflows, boosting productivity, and opening up new opportunities for growth.

If your LIMS feels like it’s stuck in the past, maybe it’s time to start looking forward. Assess your system, talk to your team, and take that first step toward the future of your lab. After all, the best time to replatform might not be when everything’s falling apart—it might be when you realize there’s a better way