LIMS product round-up
Among the LIMS solutions on the market are those from Applied Biosystems, which develops laboratory information management solutions that improve business performance, and reduce operational costs. Supported by an experienced professional services team, its enterprise LIMS solutions address the complete laboratory process lifecycle and help laboratories reduce their total cost of ownership. The SQL*LIMS suite consists of a web-based family of LIMS solutions supporting manufacturing operations in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, chemical and petrochemical, and many other industries.
For example, SQL*LIMS Forensic Navigator is a comprehensive information management tool for the forensic laboratory, while SQL*LIMS P4 plug-and-play solution for Pharma QA/QC, can, it is claimed, save up to 85 per cent in cost and 75 per cent in time of implementation versus traditional commercial-off-the-shelf LIMS products. It provides hardware and software, USP testing and ICH guideline templates.
A selection of other SQL*LIMS functions includes: a totally paperless environmental monitoring solution; stability workflow and data analysis including shelf life prediction and poolability testing; deviation tracking, CAPAs, and quality event management; web-based laboratory worksheets and procedural execution (ELN) capabilities; lot/batch data management and quality disposition; vendor neutral instrument integration and data capture capabilities; and certified integration connectors for SAP and other ERP, PIMS, MES applications.
www.sqllims.com
Accelerated Technology Laboratories provides the Sample Master product line, which is a total laboratory automation and data management solution, using Windows-based, point-and-click operability. The latest enhancements include Sample Master Windows PDA Mobile Integration and a new DMR reporting package.
The Windows PDA Mobile package will run on any device that supports Microsoft Windows mobile technology, including hand-held PDAs and smart phones. ATL’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) Creator allows users to rapidly generate the NPDES DMR form from data that is already stored in the LIMS and exported from Sample Master Pro and includes functions to collect and collate all data associated with the NPDES permit number into a final report format that is ready to send via hardcopy, fax or e-mail.
Sample Master Result Point provides users with instant access to real-time statuses and results via the internet and intranet. Users also have access to XML web reports and downloadable reports in formats such as PDF, MS Excel and MS Word.
www.atlab.com
The Matrix Gemini LIMS, from Autoscribe, is an advanced .NET LIMS offering one-time configuration tools that automatically and uniquely create a unified configuration for both desktop and web use. Users are not restricted to web-only implementations and can deploy LIMS over LANs and WANs.
Matrix Gemini’s easy-to-use configuration tools include a ‘configuration wizard’ that allows completely configurable screen and menu designs. The visual workflow user graphic interface allows the sample or batch process to be easily followed by simply clicking on an icon. Business workflows, such as quotation, order/invoice management, are also easily configured.
Matrix Gemini facilitates regulatory compliance by including audit trails, time and date stamping of all actions, version control of all reference data, such as test definitions, and extensive features to help with 21CFR Part 11 compliance.
Matrix Gemini is suitable for any laboratory in any industry. Installations include multi-site systems with more than 500 users and single-user, single-PC systems. The system may be used with a variety of databases including Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server.
www.autoscribe.co.uk
BioRails, from the Edge Software Consultancy, is one of a new breed of Web 2.0 applications and one of the first commercial Web 2.0 scientific LIMS available on the market. BioRails is a unique enterprise application supporting information management within biological disciplines from in vitro screening to late stage in vivo safety assessment. Unlike traditional LIMS BioRails supports the organisation and execution of drug discovery projects, from request for results through to delivery to project teams. It is accessible from anywhere within the organisation that has access to a web browser.
The Edge is offering BioRails as a commercial open-source product. This delivers a low cost of ownership, with an emphasis on service and partnership rather than license sales. Flexible enough to support data management for a broad range of activities, BioRails is used by leading pharmaceutical companies in CNS and other therapeutic areas to support their research.
www.biorails.com
Core Informatics produces Core LIMS, a web-based product built with a special focus on the life sciences. The system was designed from the onset with customisation in mind. Prior to delivering a quotation, members of the lab, management and IT are interviewed to identify the needs of each group. As part of these interviews the lab’s workflows are documented and the company determines how the software can be customised to suit each scientist. All the data flows are identified and Core Informatics strives to capture as much information as possible in the Core LIMS. The Core LIMS is available via three modes of delivery to match any set of user requirements and budget including: LIMS Appliances, LIMS Hosting, and Enterprise LIMS.
www.coreinformatics.com
Freezerworks Unlimited, from Dataworks Development is a fully user-configurable program that ensures sample inventory management and tracking is safe, secure, and time efficient. Flexible and user-smart tools allow the movement of samples in and out of freezers according to the lab’s specific workflow requirements.
Written according to FDA guidelines, the software offers user and group configurability and confidentiality in freezers, screens, fields and batch processes. Fields can be configured to be interrelated, with entries defaulted, calculated, coloured, restricted or expanded based on entries in other fields. Batch entry allows for quick login and aliquot processing of multiple samples. Shipping features allow easy pulling and tracking of aliquots to other sites. It is possible to search and report on any combination of fields. Other features include import/export, a web services/SOAP module for remote data access and integration, audit trail, cryo-safe bar code labelling, and QC freezer check features. It is configurable for all freezers and tanks.
www.freezerworks.com
eBioSys produces eLab, a protocol-driven, off-the-shelf LIMS that improves sample throughput and reduces IT costs in an industry-compliant solution. Priced and targeted towards small to medium sized laboratories it is a comprehensive, cost-effective solution for laboratory information management. An intuitive streamlined workspace and contextually aware menu system reduces the time and expense of training users, and simplifies the management of laboratory processes. Workflow designers facilitate good laboratory practices by enforcing business rules through the graphical construction of protocols and processes. Virtual representations of containers aid sample management, and enhanced sample search capabilities mean samples are never more than a few keystrokes away. eLab can be implemented as a simple sample storage system or a powerful information management solution. A fully functional trial version, together with a simple installation wizard, means deployment is easy and instant.
www.ebiosys.com
Genologics has two major LIMS products, Geneus and Proteus. Geneus is an informatics solution developed to address the needs of the genomics market, and is both an integrating LIMS and a data management solution that interconnects all of the genomics instruments, software and platforms in a lab and allows them to communicate with each other, streamlining lab operations. It functions like the backbone of the lab, providing lab and experiment management, automation and data archiving, data integration and holistic analytics, reporting, querying and data mining, to improve and accelerate lab operations.
Geneus offers purposed gene expression and genotyping application modules built specifically to enable seamless connectivity to instruments, software and platforms used for common genomics processes including, but not limited to, the Affymetrix and Taqman platforms. Geneus will also include a new module to provide seamless connectivity to Illumina platforms in 2008.
Proteus is aimed at the proteomics market and is built on a robust enterprise lab informatics platform that is scalable to service many different labs across one organisation. This underlying informatics platform provides broad LIMS functionality in addition to all the science specific functionality that Proteus offers. For example, a core component of the platform is LabLink, a web-interface built for collaboration and data sharing. GenoLogics’ informatics platform is configurable through user-defined fields and types.
www.genologics.com
IDBS provides ActivityBase, an efficient and effective drug discovery data management platform for the capture, analysis, visualisation and storage of contextually rich biological and chemical data. Providing secure, consistent and accessible data management, ActivityBase enables scientists to work more productively, saving life science organisations valuable time and money. ActivityBase is designed primarily for R&D research, allowing scientists to easily capture and manage their data in order to make informed decisions.
ActivityBase provides a comprehensive laboratory data management solution that is fully integrated with other IDBS products to provide a complete data management solution. It is a scaleable data management system for more than 200 laboratories worldwide, within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrochemical, cosmetic, and food and beverage industries, as well as in academic research.
www.idbs.com
JusticeTrax produces LIMS-plus, a powerful, secure, database case management system, which includes six analytical modules geared to the unique disciplines of forensic laboratories. Advantages include: reduced time for product turnaround, efficient analysis, reliable and secure chain of custody, and speedy delivery of reports. The lab management information and statistics are always available. LIMS-plus is scalable and is suitable for forensic laboratories of any size.
www.justicetrax.com
The Sapphire LIMS, from LabVantage combines functionality, flexibility and technology in one platform. Spanning discovery, development and quality management, Sapphire is a zero-footprint and configurable out-of-the-box solution consolidating functionality typically found in multiple laboratory information management systems. With its combination of modules and M18N and Unicode support, Sapphire delivers a complete and versatile, multi-site, and multi-language laboratory informatics solution.
It encompasses enterprise-wide information management and tracking for any laboratory item, including samples, reagents, compounds, specifications, experiments, tasks, projects, studies, subjects, protocols and so on. It allows intuitive data entry from virtually any internet or intranet access device, and easy integration to third-party instruments and systems. Workflow design and process automation is possible through graphical user interfaces, and it offers compliance with internal standards and government regulations through programming rules and electronic signature.
www.labvantage.com
Labtronics produces LimsLink, a fully configurable instrument-to-LIMS interfacing solution that helps laboratories speed up delivery of sample results, reduce the cost of sample data management and improve the accuracy of reported data.
Automated creation of worklists and sequence files, automated calculations and real-time limit checking all help to reduce analysts’ workload, eliminate errors and speed up delivery of results to LIMS.
LimsLink interfaces provide a high level of automation while still giving analysts the control and input they need when managing sample data. Analysts can review and evaluate results in LimsLink or results can be transparently transferred directly to LIMS, with little or no user interaction.
Password protection, electronic signatures, audit trails and archiving ensure the highest level of security for sample data and assist in meeting regulatory compliance requirements. LimsLink simplifies the development and implementation of highly automated interfaces between any laboratory instrument and LIMS.
www.labtronics.com
LabWare LIMS is an award-winning product used in more than 65 countries worldwide. The product includes an enormous library of features, functions and modules. The software can be deployed to end-users via a zero-footprint web browser interface, Windows and PDA. LabWare’s LabStation embedded, point-and-click data acquisition system allows instruments to be seamlessly connected to the LIMS without the need to purchase third-party products.
LabWare LIMS serves some of the world’s largest organisations across a range of industries in both research and manufacturing. The software is highly scalable and is especially well adapted for organisations that wish to deploy a centralised LIMS to multiple laboratories located in different countries and time-zones. LabWare LIMS provides extensive ‘out-of-the-box’ functionality and a library of pre-configured templates is available to fast-track installations in pharmaceutical, contract analysis, forensic, petrochemical and other industries.
www.labware.com
Ocimum Biosolutions supplies Biotracker, an information management system for improving lab performance in integrated life science facilities that handle multifarious tasks, such as inventory management, sample tracking, instrument interfacing, experiment validation and personnel management. Biotracker has been trained by mapping diverse life science processes handled at sequencing labs, genotypying, biospecimen and biobanking facilities. Biotracker is a GLP and US FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant LIMS, and provides audit trail and electronic signatures with multi-level security and privileges for all operations.
All samples and sample properties are accessioned via the Request Management module. A unique barcode ID is assigned, and sample laboratory conditions or locations simulated and managed in the Biospecimen Management module. Samples can be associated to different SOP-driven workflows, such as genotyping and gene expression, executed from the Project Management module. A barcode reader further eases input and output handling.
To further map diverse work flows and niche processes in the sector, the company has started a process consultation initiative, which is currently offered without any charge to leading integrated core-facilities, centres and units of allied biotech firms looking at improving laboratory management approaches in their facility.
www.ocimumbio.com
Porter Lee supplies the Crime Fighter BEAST (Bar coded Evidence Analysis Statistical Tracking), a LIMS designed for forensic crime laboratories and medical examiners. Configuration of the system allows the LIMS to reach into every section of the lab and links the lab to submitting agencies.
Major features include active barcoding, an ironclad chain-of-custody and an easy interface to analytical instruments. The database is available on all commonly available server platforms. Further features include integrated image management and DNA workflow automation, as well as robust auditing with an integrated Audit Log application. Modules include those for Laboratory Asset Management and Convicted Offender Database, alongside automated MS-Word templates for analytical reporting.
Electronic signature and biometric identification is included, and the whole product is highly customisable to fit your workflow. It is scalable from single workstations to wide-area implementations, and there is a suite of extensive web tools for case creation, evidence submission, report distribution and case inquiry.
www.porterlee.com
Simatic IT Unilab LIMS, from Siemens is a solid and mature QMS. It is fully integrated with ERP, MES, PLM and lab equipment, bridging the gap between lab and production. Simatic IT Unilab manages the lab workflow, optimises the quality test definition and execution process and the collection, analysis and reporting of all quality data in the lab and production, and supports full compliance with 21 CFR Part 11.
Simatic IT Unilab includes instrument connections, equipment and qualification management and a stability module to set up and manage stability studies. Also included are a certified SAP-QM interface, reporting, advanced web functionality and integration with Simatic IT (MES) and third party systems. Simatic IT Unilab is applicable from single-site implementations with a few users to multi-site, multi-language licenses for companies with thousands of users.
Simatic IT Unilab coordinates quality activities at HQ level with those of multiple plants and R&D labs, and enforces the use of common QA/QC methods and procedures. The product generates time and cost savings by improving lab efficiency, reducing administration, errors, scrap and rework, offering better decision support and management by exception, reducing the cost of regulatory compliance, enforcing corporate QA/QC procedures, and offering easy and fast roll-out to other plants.
www.siemens.com/simaticit-unilab
Thermo Scientific has a range of LIMS products built for the most demanding data management needs. The purpose-built solutions are designed to reduce implementation risk and total cost of ownership. More than 1,500 systems have been sold to a wide range of industries, including those in the pharmaceutical, petrochemical, chemical, food and beverage and environmental sectors.
Products include: SampleManager LIMS, for enterprise industrial applications; Nautilus LIMS, for discovery, research and high throughput applications; Galileo LIMS, for preclinical in-vitro studies; Watson LIMS, for CRO and clinical/bioanalytical DMPK studies; Darwin LIMS, for pharmaceutical manufacturing R&D QA/QC; Atlas CDS, which supports all industrial and pharmaceutical applications; and EP/Kinetica, a database analytical tool for PK/PD.
www.thermo.com/informatics
iStudyReporter (iSR), from Up To Data Professional Services, is a regulatory standards-based pharmaceutical stability reporting tool to be used with any existing stability LIMS. The supplied MS-Word templates cover different regulated targets like the well-defined stability tables and shelf life calculations, certificate of analysis, in depth batch analysis, the Annual Product Review (FDA) and the Product Quality Review (EMEA).
Based on user-defined filters, iSR extracts regulatory and statistical data from LIMS and batch management systems, creates protected but amendable MS-Word documents and controls the life-cycle of these documents with, for example, audits and electronic signatures. The filters allow specification of the included time points, testing methods and so on, as well as specification assignment and identification of parameters. Based on a filter, iStudyReporter creates an MS-Word document and allows the user to amend this document. At any point, the document can be updated with the most current LIMS information without losing the manual amendments by applying its progressive reporting technology. To increase productivity, the data included in any document can be exported either to Excel or as an HL7 stability data file.
Up To Data also offers iSR LabOne, a pharmaceutical stability data management and reporting tool based on regulatory standards. It is positioned for labs that need regulatory data management, but don’t want to introduce a LIMS.
www.uptodata.de
Waters (www.waters.com) delivers a most comprehensive integrated electronic solution, combining workflow and information management with instrument control and secure data archiving, and covering all steps of a typical analytical workflow. The Waters Analytical Workflow Manager Software serves as a single point of access to track samples and results, present instrument and results information online, and provide integrated instrument support & data collection. The Waters Analytical Workflow Manager maps the complete data flow in the course of a sample life cycle supporting the analytical laboratory in the most flexible way, so non-routine tasks can also be handled. The analyst can decide ad hoc about further necessary analysis depending on the sample and the already obtained results.
With the Analytical Workflow Manager all labs can use the same tool to accomplish their workflow. It helps users to move the chemical analysis process into an efficient, transparent online workflow.
