A COMPREHENSIVE

BUYER’S GUIDE FOR

SELECTING THE
RIGHT LIMS
Selecting the right Laboratory Information
Management System (LIMS) is crucial to
enhance efficiency, streamline laboratory
processes, and manage data effectively.
This buyer’s guide aims to provide laboratory
professionals and decision-makers with a
comprehensive overview of the key factors to
consider when selecting a LIMS.

btsoft.com
 IDENTIFYING YOUR
LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS
Before selecting a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), it’s crucial to understand
and identify your laboratory requirements.

Evaluate Identify regulatory Evaluate

laboratory and compliance integration with
processes and requirements existing systems
workflows Assess data Consider user Determine
management requirements and customization
needs interface and scalability
requirements

BTSOFT | LIMS Buyers Guide

 CHOOSING THE RIGHT LIMS TYPE
When selecting a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), it’s important to consider
the different types available and understand their pros and cons.
Here are some key points to consider:

CLOUD-BASED LIMS

PROS: CONS:
• Accessible from anywhere with an • Dependence on internet connectivity for
internet connection. system access and performance.

• Eliminates the need for on-site servers • Potential concerns about data security
and infrastructure maintenance. and compliance with regulations.

• Automatic software updates and backups • Limited customization options compared

managed by the vendor. to on-premise systems.

• Scalable and flexible pricing options

based on usage.

BTSOFT | LIMS Buyers Guide

 CHOOSING THE RIGHT LIMS TYPE
Continued...

ON-PREMISES LIMS:

PROS: CONS:
• Allows complete control over data • Requires upfront investment in servers,
storage and security. infrastructure, and IT personnel.

• Offers more flexibility for system • Internal IT support needed for

customization and integration. maintenance, upgrades, and backups.

• No reliance on internet connectivity. • Longer implementation time compared to

cloud-based options.
• Potential cost savings in the long run for
stable user bases. • Limited accessibility outside of the
laboratory.

BTSOFT | LIMS Buyers Guide

 CRITICAL LIMS FEATURES
When evaluating LIMS options, several critical features should be considered. These include:

SAMPLE MANAGEMENT AND TRACKING SYSTEM

Look for a LIMS that allows efficient tracking, storage, and retrieval of samples, including
functionalities like barcoding and sample lifecycle management.

DATA IMPORT/EXPORT CAPABILITIES

Ensure that the LIMS can seamlessly import and export data from various file formats
and integrate with other systems for data exchange.

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES AND AUDIT TRAILS

Verify that the LIMS provides electronic signature capabilities to ensure data integrity
and compliance with regulatory requirements. An audit trail feature should also track
all actions performed on the system.

RESULTS REPORTING AND WORKFLOWS

Look for a LIMS that offers robust reporting capabilities, customizable workflows, and
the ability to generate automated reports based on predefined templates.

INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
Consider a LIMS with inventory management features to track and manage laboratory
reagents, supplies, and equipment efficiently.

BTSOFT | LIMS Buyers Guide

 CRITICAL LIMS FEATURES
Continued...

EXPERIMENT AND DATA STORAGE FUNCTIONALITIES

Ensure the LIMS provides a secure and centralized repository for storing experimental
data, methods, protocols, and associated files.

SECURITY FEATURES
Choose a LIMS with strong security mechanisms, including role-based access
controls, data encryption, and user authentication protocols, to protect sensitive and
confidential data.

INSTRUMENT INTEGRATION
Check if the LIMS will integrate with laboratory instruments, enabling automated data
capture and reducing manual data entry errors.

DATA ANALYTICS AND REPORTING

Look for data analysis tools within the LIMS that offer visualization and statistical
analysis capabilities to extract valuable insights from your data.

AUTOMATED ALERTS AND NOTIFICATIONS

Consider a LIMS that allows you to set up automatic notifications and alerts for specific
events, such as completion of tasks or abnormal results.

BTSOFT | LIMS Buyers Guide

 FOUR KEY FACTORS TO EVALUATE
WHEN SELECTING A LIMS

USER-FRIENDLINESS LIMS VENDOR SUPPORT INTEGRATION WITH CUSTOMIZATION AND

User-friendliness is a AND TRAINING
crucial aspect to consider Comprehensive vendor
when selecting a LIMS. support is essential to
Look for systems that are ensure the successful
intuitive and easy to use, implementation
as this will contribute and utilization of the
to the adoption and selected LIMS. Evaluate
efficiency of your staff. the support services
Consider the availability of offered by vendors,
staff training and ongoing including implementation
maintenance support assistance, and training
to ensure a smooth processes. Adequate
transition and optimal staff training is crucial to
utilization of the LIMS. ensure that your team
maximizes the benefits of
the LIMS.
OTHER SYSTEMS SCALABILITY
Consider the Evaluate the LIMS’s
compatibility and ability to customize
integration capabilities features according to
of the LIMS with your your specific laboratory
current laboratory needs, and its scalability
systems. This includes to support laboratory
integration with analysis growth. It’s essential to
instruments and other balance customization
software applications and standardization to
used in your laboratory. ensure future proofing of
Seamless integration is the LIMS. Consider vendor
necessary for efficient support for customization
data exchange and and scalability to
interoperability among accommodate potential
different systems. growth in laboratory
operations.

BTSOFT | LIMS Buyers Guide

 SCHEDULE A DEMO WITH BTSOFT
Selecting the right LIMS is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on laboratory operations
and data management. By evaluating the benefits and four key factors outlined in this buyer’s guide,
laboratory professionals and decision-makers can make an informed choice that aligns with their
laboratory’s specific needs.

To further aid in your decision-making process, we invite you to schedule a demo with BTSOFT, a leading
LIMS provider renowned for its user-friendly and customizable solutions. Experience firsthand how
BTSOFT’s LIMS can streamline your laboratory workflows and improve data accuracy and traceability.

1801 Main Street Suite 1300

Houston, TX 77002
Tel: (713) 675 1100

Email: info@btsoft.com