# What Is a Laboratory Information Management System? | Capterra > Learn what a laboratory information management system is, the reasons for using one, and how these systems can help clinical labs improve their operations. Source: https://www.capterra.com/resources/what-is-a-laboratory-information-management-system --- # What Is a Laboratory Information Management System? By Cathy Reisenwitz Cathy Reisenwitz Cathy Reisenwitz is a former Capterra analyst. [See bio & all articles](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/creisenwitz/) Published May 11, 2017 6 min read Table of Contents - [The purpose of a LIMS](#the-purpose-of-a-lims) - [Functions commonly found in a LIMS](#functions-commonly-found-in-a-lims) - [Tips for choosing the right LIMS for your lab](#tips-for-choosing-the-right-lims-for-your-lab) - [Going forward](#going-forward) A laboratory information management system (LIMS) is software designed to make labs that process large quantities of samples for research and development (R&D), manufacturing, and clinical research more efficient and effective. Every type of lab can benefit from a LIMS or a laboratory management system (LMS), but they're most often found in manufacturing and quality assurance. Some examples include: - Labs handling R&D for oil and gas companies - Industrial chemical creation and testing - Water treatment plant testing - Food safety - Environmental facilities The type of lab you run will determine which type of software you should go with. LIMSs are also used in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. And, along with laboratory information systems (LIS), LIMS is also a type of [medical lab software](https://www.capterra.com/medical-lab-software/). Nearly every top pharma lab currently uses a LIMS, according to [Gartner's 2016 Life Sciences Hype Cycle](https://www.gartner.com/doc/3389817/hype-cycle-life-sciences-) (full content available to Gartner clients). They're useful for biobanks and genomics testing facilities along with labs that research drugs and develop formulations. **In this post, I'll be focusing mainly on how LIMSs impact clinical sample analysis in medical labs.** ## The purpose of a LIMS The primary purpose of a LIMS is to improve efficiency in lab operations by cutting down on manual tasks. For example, a LIMS automatically records information that would otherwise need to be typed in or written down, thereby saving time and reducing errors. What information your LIMS automatically captures, how it enters the system, and where and how it's stored depends on which LIMS vendor you choose. Some LIMS will be better at helping certain types of labs operate more efficiently, but not be as appropriate for others. ## Functions commonly found in a LIMS Each system operates a little bit differently. I'll elaborate on some common LIMS features and functions below. **Sample management** As samples move from person to person and place to place, it's easy for them to get lost or mixed up. Accurate, detailed records are essential to making sure everything gets done and done right. For example, a good record should tell you whether a sample meets project criteria, but they can be a pain to create and maintain. When you create a sample, most LIMSs will record and store information such as: - Who or what the sample was taken from - Which researchers/providers are working with it - Where it's been, and where it needs to go next - How to store it - When it needs to move Ideally, the LIMS will automate as much of this as possible. Some use RFID to create and update audit logs and chain of custody to automatically track where the sample is in every stage of the process. Barcodes also work for this purpose. **Workflow management** You should use an LIMS to automate workflows for the same reason you should use it to automate records keeping, but instead of saving work, this function saves you time. When you codify existing methods and procedures in a LIMS, you delegate decision-making to the software. For example, it can automatically assign work to scientists and suggest instruments based on preset rules. And instead of looking up what you need to do with a sample and where it needs to go next, a good LIMS will automatically provide this information. **Reporting** It's nice to be able to quickly pull reports that can answer questions such as which instruments get used the most, how long your sample backlog is, and how long it takes your lab, on average, to process a sample. This kind of data is extremely useful for data analysis auditing and audit trail. Some LIMS will be more granular in their reporting than others. For example, one LIMS might be able to tell you what your average sample processing time is, but another might tell you your average time broken out by type of sample. It's helpful to know what kind of reporting and level of reporting you need before you begin comparing vendors. Keep in mind, just because a LIMS can run a report doesn't mean it's easy. Some reports require custom coding to set up and run. And some systems can export to Adobe PDF and Microsoft Word, but not Google Drive. **EMR/EHR** [Electronic health records](https://www.capterra.com/electronic-medical-records-software/) (EHR) is its own type of software, but some LIMSs have EHR functionality built-in, including patient check-in and billing. If you don't have a software package offering these features, choosing a LIMS with this kind of functionality can be a huge asset when managing your clinical lab. **Mobile** Gartner's Hype Cycle says that mobile LIMS offerings are limited right now. But as smartphones become more acceptable in the lab, consider whether it will be useful to you in the future to have a mobile-friendly LIMS. **ERP** ERP software helps manage inventory, and it can be very helpful to have a LIMS that performs this function. Being able to view what you have on hand at a glance, getting alerts when supplies are running low, auto-calculation of storage and freezer capacity, and location management can be extremely useful in a clinical lab. ## Tips for choosing the right LIMS for your lab Let's take a look at some key considerations for choosing a LIMS. **Choose a LIMS specifically designed for clinical labs** Because LIMSs are used across industries, some functionality is industry-specific, You don't want to pay for features that are only useful to oil and gas companies, and you don't want a LIMS that can't handle everything you need to run a clinical lab. Choose a LIMS vendor that either only serves clinical labs or at least has functionality built for your particular setting. **Data matters** Every year, our collective ability to store and analyze data cheaply and effectively improves, making data more and more valuable. The clinical lab setting is no exception. Data is one of your most important assets, so you should choose an LIMS that can help you get the most value out of that resource. Choose a LIMS with data management capabilities, including assay data management, data mining, data analysis, and strong analytics with dashboards that are easy for management to read and easy for you to glean insights from. ## Going forward To help manage your clinical lab more efficiently, check out our [medical lab software](https://www.capterra.com/medical-lab-software/) directory. * * * Looking for Medical Practice Management software?Check out Capterra's list of the [best Medical Practice Management software](https://www.capterra.com/medical-practice-management-software/) solutions. ### Was this article helpful? * * * ## About the Author [### Cathy Reisenwitz](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/creisenwitz/) Cathy Reisenwitz is a former Capterra analyst. ### RELATED READING - [Help Desk Software for IT Support: Features and Benefits 1,300+ Users Value](https://www.capterra.com/resources/it-help-desk-software-features-benefits/) - [AI in Talent Management Software: The Bridge Between Recruiting and Retention](https://www.capterra.com/resources/ai-talent-management-software/) - [Switching Accounting Software: Common Risks to Avoid in 2026](https://www.capterra.com/resources/switching-accounting-software-problems-risks/) - [Why Projects Fail, and What Actually Helps Teams Fix Them](https://www.capterra.com/resources/4-steps-to-completely-recover-from-project-failure/) - [Checklist for SMBs: How to Choose the Right Customer Service Help Desk Software for Your Business Size](https://www.capterra.com/resources/choosing-customer-support-help-desk-software/) - [E‑Filing Taxes as a Small Business: Where Software Adds Value and When It’s Necessary](https://www.capterra.com/resources/efile-tax-software-small-business-guidelines/) - [How To Choose a Manufacturing Software With Confidence: Insights From Real Buyers](https://www.capterra.com/resources/manufacturing-software-buyer-insights-report/) - [What is CRM Software and What Does a CRM System Do?](https://www.capterra.com/resources/what-is-crm-software/) - [Payroll Software vs. HR Software: What’s the Difference](https://www.capterra.com/resources/payroll-vs-hr-software-difference/)