Ensure proper lab audit strategies

It goes without saying that data generated by environmental laboratories are used to make strategic decisions for all types of projects (investigation, remediation, compliance, and more).

Auditing is done for many reasons: regulatory, budgetary, operationally and more. Among the goals of an audit is to reduce the need to resample and eliminate budget overruns. When properly managed a laboratory audit ensures that the laboratory has quality systems in place, follows good laboratory practices, and generates data of integrity and quality.  

A good LIMS system can help ensure this as well. Consider the types of options your LIMS should be able to manage: 

• DOD lab, ISO, other certifications
• Documenting activities that produce data
• Scientific validity, legally defensible
• Reducing timeline to finalize
• Paperless systems 

Check back for more tips on auditing your lab in the next few weeks!

Choosing the LIMS solution to meet your needs, Part 3

Our last post highlighted industry knowledge and cost structure as two important considerations when researching LIMS. Here are three more:

1.     Ease of configurability

LIMS clients should be more interested in configurability than custom software products. Custom products can lead to issues if the software provider changes its mix of products or goes out of business. An off-the-shelf product also helps to cut down on software costs, keeping your solution more affordable. But configurability can be highly beneficial:

·         It can be used in your lab regardless of the “language” or nomenclature you use

·         It can meet the needs of your workflow requirements

·         Reporting capabilities meet your needs and provide a wealth of information

2.     Talk to your peers

The best information about LIMS solutions can be gleaned from other laboratories. So call labs in your area, state or even 3,000 miles away. Ask what LIMS they have used in the past and what they use now, and any great, good or negative experiences.

Specifically you may want to ask:

·         Did the LIMS solution provide them with great value?

·         Is it flexible enough to meet your needs?

·         How was the level of customer service you have received?

·         Was the implementation process a positive one?

3.     Focus on productivity and profitability

The amount of information that you can input into a LIMS solution is virtually limitless. With a best-of-breed solution, your information will be properly organized. When organized, you may find that such issues as multiple redos resulting from high batch failures and process constraints simply fade away.

The most productive LIMS solutions allow you to automate the many processes that need to be completed within your lab environment. That automation must not include any compromises of quality or a bottleneck in timeliness. With a best-of-breed LIMS you can automate many operations that previously were manual in nature, while allowing for a capacity calculation that can identify the proper flow for streamlined efficiency. That leads to a bottom-line advantage.

Searching for a LIMS solution does take time and research. But by considering the features listed above and comparing your options, your chances of making an informed decision will be greatly improved.

Choosing the best LIMS to meet your needs...Part 2

Following up on my previous post, here is a brief list of considerations when researching LIMS solutions:

1.     Industry Knowledge

It may be an obvious point but the fact is that a LIMS solution that most specifically addresses challenges you face will be the most valuable to you. This makes it critical that the vendor you select have detailed knowledge about the laboratory environment.

You will want to ask questions of the vendor about how many of their professionals have worked in labs or possibly have managed or owned them. The software end is important but you don’t want software people making decisions on the features your LIMS solution should have. That should come from lab professionals who have been in your shoes.

2.     Cost Structure

Once you make an investment in a LIMS solution it is like a marriage. Your relationship will continue to develop over time and you will want that marriage to last 10, 20 or more years. That relationship should allow you certain rights, such as the ability to get new releases at no charge. Review the service agreement and understand where and when other charges may arise so that you are not blindsided.

More to come in the following days. As always please contact me with questions.