For research laboratories, it is likely that an ELN or LIMS is high on the priority list for accurate, organised data collection and processing. The decision process for purchasing either of these systems has proved to be a lengthy and detailed one, specifically due to the variation in the offerings from each provider.
Understandably, this type of investment requires due diligence at the highest standard, which is why many providers offer a checklist of considerations when choosing a LIMS or ELN. This can include:
- Core features and customisable configurations
- Data management and security of stored data
- Regulatory compliance
- Cost, ROI and scalability
- Integration support and customer service
- Implementation timeframes and training services
- Future-proofing
Arguably one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a LIMS or ELN, however, is the integration capabilities with software and equipment. We argue this because compatibility with existing laboratory equipment and additional software and systems is at the crux of a seamless workflow.
ELN or LIMS connectivity is paramount. An undisrupted flow of synchronized, real-time data, channelling from instruments to a storage and recording platform is the only way that a laboratory can achieve traceable, reliable and quality sample information. For LIMS connectivity in particular, a lab must also consider the unbroken audit trails which are highly important for both customer delivery and maintaining accredited status.
But how does the data get there? It’s obvious, in practice, that there is often a gap between the laboratory instrument and the LIMS or ELN. That gap is also known as the data entry point.
In this blog, we’ll address our sector expertise and the obstacles our customers have faced prior to turning to Labbox; an automated data entry tool which builds an electronic data transfer between equipment and the management software. Effectively bridging the gap between instrument and ELN/LIMS:
The data dilemma
The answer: Automated data entry
An ELN (Electronic Laboratory Notebook) is typically deployed for data storage purposes. An R&D lab is likely to produce a variety of experimental research data which needs to be recorded for traceability of the research progress.
Much in the way that we record various figures and statistics in our physical notebooks, the ELN digitalises this approach to research data, recording and storing unstructured data.
A LIMS offers an alternative concept of arranging, storing and managing structured data. It provides a data-based oversight across the entire laboratory operations, streamlining large volumes of samples and all the data associated with them.
In either case, ELN or LIMS, connectivity is crucial. The data output starts at the site of the instrument and the data is only safely secured once captured and stored in the LIMS/ELN database. But, what’s in the middle of this process? How is the data transferred from one point to the next?
Manual data transfer methods
There are a lot of factors that take a toll on the possibility of seamless data transfer. The equipment in a laboratory can vary from manufacturer to data output formats, meanwhile legacy equipment typically has no-wifi or ethernet communication access at all.
This is why many laboratories turn to manual data entry and transfer to bridge the gap between the origin of data and the LIMS or ELN. In the majority of cases, however, where data is transferred using manual methods, the data is always subject to errors.
Manual handling data causes errors which can originate at two key stages of the transfer process; the transcription stage and the entry stage. Writing results into a notebook (or similar approach) is where transcriptions can become hard to read, misinterpreted or simply incorrect due to human error. Taking this transcribed data and entering it into the LIMS or ELN system then propels the lifespan of existent errors whilst also subjecting correct data to the risk of being entered incorrectly. After all, the data can only ever be as good as the individual who is entering it.
That leaves us with the question which is most important and most commonly asked by our customers: what can laboratories do to ensure that ELN and LIMS connectivity isn’t subject to data error risks, whilst also being versatile to integrate with a variety of pieces of equipment and data formats?
Here, we’ll introduce Labbox, an automated data entry software which acts as a bridge between the lab equipment and the LIMS or ELN. This piece of intermediary middleware is an innovative and effective solution to the data transfer dilemma.
An automated data entry solution for labs
The perfect ELN and LIMS connectivity interface
Labbox is configurable for any ELN or LIMS software, as well as a vast range of laboratory equipment, including legacy instruments and a variety of connectors. Translating and transforming various data streams into standardised formats for your LIMS to process, is just one of the many advantages our middleware solution offers.
By bridging the gaps in different communication protocols and data formats, Labbox connects various instruments to a chosen management software. This interconnects the entire laboratory, both at the present and in the future.
As labs expand and add new equipment and systems to their facilities, Labbox enables them to scale the data workflow without any extensive reconfiguration to their LIMS. The flexibility this offers contract Lab Managers is unmatched. Research labs can adapt to changes and accommodate increases in sample volume and service demand without needing to invest in any modifications to existing systems.
The centralised approach this provides researchers is also crucial as they can continue to produce copious amounts of experimental data in a variety of formats, with the peace of mind that their data can be validated and transformed for improved integrity. All achieved whilst reducing the development costs of individual instrument integrations with their ELN.
Find out how the Labbox works here, from connecting with your systems right through to accessing and managing your data.
Trust your peers
We’ve recently deployed a Labbox system into a customer’s facility in the UK, to connect with their existing ELN where their existing budget reserved for such software was £4,000.
We’ve recently deployed a Labbox system into a customer’s facility in the US to automate their data transfer with their existing ELN. It’s estimated that this has already saved them $4,000 on notebooks annually, without factoring in the savings made across administration and identifying and fixing data errors.
Rule out data entry mistakes and manual data administrators. Bridge the gap between ELN and LIMS connectivity and laboratory results data using Labbox!
Introduce our automated data entry device to your lab analysis equipment, let’s get them talking! Get in touch here and start designing your workflow with our technical team.
