Getting around the pitfalls of QC with your new LIMS

If you've been working with a LIMS for any length of time then you either love or hate the way that your LIMS software handles QC. This topic can be very polarizing.

Think about it: The best LIMS is not necessarily the same thing as the most sophisticated LIMS, unless that is what you want.

Also, the most sophisticated LIMS may not necessarily be the same as the easiest LIMS to set up, so again, it depends what you need.

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So how do you go about auditing your own needs prior to LIMS shopping?

Do you just line up a few online demos and then listen and see what sounds good, and then make a decision based on price?  That may work for a gym membership, but what about a new car? Wouldn't you tend to research the different car choices with a little more effort than you would for a one year gym membership?

The same goes for purchasing a new instrument for the lab. You better believe that you are going to do the research and shop for the best deal, and ten haggle on top of it, just on general principle.

So, um, why wouldn't you use the same intelligent approach to shopping for your next LIMS? It might be because this is only your first or second time shopping for one.

Here's an idea: Why not make a list of your "must have" features that you are not willing to compromise on. Then, you will be able to quickly eliminate any products that don't meet all of your "must have" items. After that, other bells and whistles are nice, but can in no way make up for a deficit in the "must have" department.

For example, when it comes to using QC, do you need the ability to create charts and graphs of results over a period of time? Would you rather this be exhaustively complicated or as easy as a few mouse clicks?

No one stops to think about these things until after they by an inferior LIMS product that will be the bane of their existence for several years. Once bitten twice shy.

How easy should it be to set up a QC run? How easy should it be to set up a QC run template for a specific method, with a specific standard?

If you must have these things be easy (and who wouldn't?) then if you see a demo where these common activities are difficult, no amount of other features will make up for this. Would you be happy with a five dollar cappuccino if they gave you an extra shot of espresso for free, but the cup was leaking? No way!

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The reason why QC is so important for testing labs is because QC is how you defend your data.

When in inspector steps in, what do they care about the most? Isn't it QC, I mean, after the selection of donuts.

One lab owner had this to say: QC Graphing is a must!

Does your current LIMS offer quick and robust QC graphing, with enough bells and whistles to appease even the grumpiest of inspectors?

What really is the best LIMS for small lab personnel when it comes to how the QC component is handled? Feel free to leave a reply below.