| Operating a laboratory is certainly not something | | | | That instills the harmony needed to make the |
| that is easy. There are many different facets to | | | | whole experience much more effective than it |
| lab operation that need to be taken into | | | | would be without such advanced and enhanced |
| consideration. This includes the coordination of the | | | | information systems integration. That, in turn, |
| actual function of the lab as well as maintaining a | | | | improves the potential for the laboratory to |
| sense of harmony among all the employees | | | | deliver on all expectations with limited problems. |
| associated with the operation of the lab. This does | | | | Considering how important some of the prime |
| raise questions regarding how such harmony can | | | | functions of the lab are this is not a small |
| be effective engaged. There are a variety of | | | | improvement. |
| ways such a result can be achieved and they all | | | | Additionally, a quality LIMS system will provide |
| begin and end with effective LIMS - Laboratory | | | | reports that can be effectively reviews by |
| Information Management Systems. | | | | management or an IT specialist. Such reports will |
| What is LIMS? This would be a form of | | | | clearly detail all the components of the LIMS |
| information management that has been specifically | | | | system. This way the problems that occur can be |
| devised for the operation in an analytical | | | | addressed properly and in a timely manner. And, |
| laboratory. Traditional information systems that | | | | on the flipside, it may be possible to examine |
| would work in an office environment may not | | | | those components that are operating effectively. |
| make an effective transition to a laboratory. That | | | | This way, one can continue on the path of proper |
| means their lack of effectiveness would | | | | and effective lab management based on the |
| undermine the ability to coherently deliver info to | | | | reports that have been provided. |
| those working in the lab. This increases the | | | | However, it is also important to point out that |
| chances for errors, work stoppages, and other | | | | working with this type of system is not always |
| problems that can damage testing, research, and | | | | something that is easy. There needs to be |
| other prime functions of the particular lab. Why | | | | effective training provided in the operation and |
| should a laboratory and its personnel take such | | | | management of such a system. This is not to |
| risks when there are LIMS systems available to | | | | infer that such systems are not user-friendly but |
| reverse such potential problems? | | | | they are specialized items that do require a solid |
| In terms of the way most LIMS systems work, | | | | understanding in order to operate effectively. |
| it is not uncommon for a LIMS program to link | | | | Bringing in a reliable trainer to inform participants |
| various information systems in the lab into one | | | | how to effectively operate and manage LIMS |
| network. For example, advanced lab equipment | | | | systems is certainly advised for labs integrating |
| could be effectively networked into traditional PC | | | | the component. And, with the proper training, |
| workstations. This can enhance the effective | | | | effective operation of these systems can be |
| operation of the lab with little or no confusion. | | | | attained. |