Integrating LIMS with the enterprise: for process optimization and effective resource management
Author: Pharmaceutical Technology

Laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are evolving from laboratory-centric sample-and-report management tools into strategic solutions that play a key role in integrating and distributing scientific information throughout the global enterprise.

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The process by which pharmaceutical companies acquire and deploy mission-critical software applications such as laboratory information management systems (LIMS) has changed significantly in recent years. Since the commercial introduction of LIMS in the early 1980s, LIMS implementation has focused on addressing the needs of individual laboratories. In large life-sciences organizations, the emphasis is now on business process harmonization within and across multiple laboratories, as well as sharing knowledge throughout the enterprise. These companies are deploying LIMS in an increasingly stringent regulatory environment, and finding that mergers and acquisitions leave them with a proliferation of installed LIMS solutions.

As changing economic conditions drive companies to curb expenses, reduce errors, and improve quality, they are closely examining how they can harmonize LIMS products with business processes. From a business perspective, a standard global solution provides easier access to data around the organization by eliminating incompatible file formats and facilitating better, more uniform reporting.