Laboratory Information System for Engineering & Manufacturing Testing Labs

A laboratory information system (LIS) is software that manages and tracks all aspects of laboratory operations, from sample submission to final reporting. Also called a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), this technology automates workflows, reduces manual errors, and provides complete visibility into testing processes. LIMSey’s laboratory information system is specifically designed for engineering, manufacturing, and physical testing labs to streamline operations and ensure quality results.

Choosing the best Lab Information System requires evaluating several key factors to ensure the software matches your lab’s specific needs and workflows. Here’s what to consider:

Key Selection Criteria to Include:

1. Industry Specialization “Look for a Lab Information System that’s familiar with your specific lab type. Engineering and manufacturing labs handle samples very differently than clinical or research labs – samples are distinct physical items that may undergo multiple rounds of testing, may be connected with one another for testing, require destructive and non-destructive analysis, and need flexible workflows. Generic LIMS systems built for high-volume, standardized testing often can’t accommodate the variability and complexity of physical product testing.”

2. Essential Features “Identify must-have capabilities: sample tracking, workflow automation, equipment management, reporting, and compliance features. Create a checklist of your non-negotiable requirements.”

3. Integration Capabilities “Ensure the LIMS system integrates with your existing equipment, software, and business systems. Consider Microsoft Office integration if your lab relies on Word, Excel, or OneDrive”

4. Implementation Timeline “Evaluate how quickly you can get up and running. Some LIMS systems take months to implement, while others like LIMSey can be operational within weeks.”

5. User Experience “Choose software your team will actually use. Complex, outdated interfaces reduce adoption and productivity.”

6. Vendor Support “Evaluate the vendor’s implementation support, training programs, and ongoing customer service. Poor vendor support can turn a good LIMS system into a frustrating experience. Your LIMS partner should respond quickly to issues, provide thorough training, and offer expert guidance during implementation and beyond. Choose a vendor who treats you as a long-term partner, not just a sale.”

7. Total Cost of Ownership “Look beyond initial licensing to include implementation, training, maintenance, and upgrade costs over time. Some vendors charge extra for additional modules, integrations, or feature upgrades that should be standard. Choose a LIMS system with transparent, all-inclusive pricing that won’t surprise you with hidden fees as your lab grows.”

Lab Information System implementation typically takes 2-6 weeks for standard deployments, but the timeline depends on how quickly we can define your workflows and complete training. LIMSey is designed for rapid implementation – if your team can dedicate time to workflow mapping and training sessions early in the process, you can be operational within a few weeks.

However, we often customize features based on your specific needs and feedback during implementation. Depending on the complexity of these customizations, the timeline may extend to a few months. The advantage is that you get a system truly tailored to your lab’s unique requirements rather than forcing your processes to fit generic software.

Our implementation approach prioritizes getting your core operations running quickly, then adding enhanced features as needed. This means you start seeing value immediately while we perfect the system for your specific workflows.

The ROI of implementing a lab information system typically ranges from 200-400% within the first year, with most labs seeing payback within 6-12 months. The exact return depends on your lab’s size and current processes, but common savings include:

Time Savings: Reduce administrative work by 60-80% through automated sample tracking, workflow management, and report generation. Labs often save 10-20 hours per week on reduced paperwork.

Error Reduction: Eliminate costly testing errors and rework by standardizing procedures and automating workflows. Even preventing one major error can justify the entire LIMS system investment.

Faster Turnaround Times: Complete testing 25-40% faster with optimized scheduling, automated workflows, and real-time visibility into bottlenecks.

Compliance Benefits: Avoid audit findings and regulatory issues with automated documentation, audit trails, and compliance reporting that would otherwise require dedicated staff time.

Resource Optimization: Better equipment utilization and staff scheduling can increase lab capacity by 15-25% without adding resources.

Many engineering and manufacturing labs report that their lab information system pays for itself through time savings alone, with error reduction and improved efficiency providing additional value. LIMSey’s rapid implementation means you start realizing these benefits within weeks, not months.

Yes, LIMSey can completely replace your spreadsheet-based project management system. You’ll no longer need Excel files to track samples, manage workflows, or coordinate testing schedules – LIMSey handles all of this with automated tracking, real-time updates, and comprehensive reporting.

However, spreadsheets can still provide value for specific tasks like complex data analysis or for use as working files during certain types of data capture.

LIMSey doesn’t require elimination of spreadsheets if you still get value from them – it just removes the burden of using them for project management. When you do need spreadsheets for analysis or calculations, you can:

• Store Excel files directly in LIMSey linked to specific samples or tests
• Access files through our OneDrive integration for seamless collaboration
• Export data from LIMSey to Excel when needed for specialized analysis

The key difference is that your spreadsheets become tools for analysis rather than the backbone of your lab management system. No more version control issues, lost files, or manual updates across multiple sheets. LIMSey becomes your single source of truth for lab operations, while spreadsheets serve their intended purpose – data analysis and calculations.

Most labs find this approach gives them the best of both worlds: robust project management without spreadsheet headaches, plus the flexibility to use Excel when it’s truly the right tool for the job.

Your laboratory data is protected through multiple layers of security and backup systems designed specifically for sensitive business information.

Data Storage & Infrastructure:
LIMSey stores all data on servers located in the United States which provide enterprise-grade security including:

• ISO 27001 certified data centers
• 24/7 physical security and monitoring
• Redundant power and network infrastructure
• Advanced fire suppression and climate control
• Regular security audits and compliance certifications

Comprehensive Backup Protection:

• Full daily backups automatically stored for 3 months
• Monthly backups retained indefinitely for long-term data protection
• Multiple backup locations ensure data recovery even in disaster scenarios
• Regular backup testing to verify data integrity and restoration capabilities

Complete Audit Trail:
Every change to records within LIMSey is automatically logged and tracked, including:

• User identification for all modifications
• Timestamp of when changes occurred
• Before and after values for all data changes
• Complete activity history that meets regulatory audit requirements

This multi-layered approach ensures your laboratory data is not only secure from unauthorized access, but also protected against data loss and fully traceable for compliance purposes. Your information receives the same level of protection as enterprise-level financial and healthcare systems.