As discussed in Part 1, LIMS implementation will be unique for each organization. However, the challenges for every company will be similar during the process, and being able to meet them will help lead to the project’s success. Part 2 will discuss Assessment & Analysis and Business Plan.

Assessment & Analysis

Assessing and analyzing your organization’s technology, policies, and procedures when considering a LIMS implementation is essential for planning. Documenting existing IT architecture and processes will create the foundation required for designing an accurate blueprint for laboratory automation when the LIMS has been installed.

After the inventory and documentation of business processes are accomplished, management should then gather ideas regarding their improvement and automation. The objective is to increase their efficiency and economy. Ultimately, an organization should aspire to design processes that mitigate the inefficiencies and bottlenecks of existing practices. This may also lead to the elimination of systems rendered superfluous by LIMS implementation.

Business Plan

Analyzing your organization’s processes and defining your new architecture will ease the development of your business plan for LIMS implementation. This document should contain an outline of success factors, dependencies, constraints, and risks. Factors that will help bring about successful LIMS implementation include strong project oversight, internal and external expertise, and consistent management sponsorship.

The commitment of management throughout the period of implementation will be crucial for a project’s success. Dividing a large LIMS project into several manageable stages will increase the possibility of a successful execution. In contrast, immense and complex projects of extended periods from commencement to conclusion are more likely to fail.

Holistic LIMS Approach

It would be advisable not to consider a LIMS implementation as only an isolated laboratory project because there will be numerous stakeholders. For many organizations this will include not only IT, but also manufacturing, quality assurance, and distribution. Even though the laboratory staff will be the chief users of the LIMS, other personnel will depend on LIMS data in order to accurately make crucial business decisions.

Alpha Engineering LIMS Implementation Alpha Engineering Associates, Inc. has been involved with the implementation of over 50 LIMS systems ranging in size from small, “off-the-shelf” software systems to very large, highly customized, multi-functional systems, including STARLIMS, for both governmental agencies and private enterprises. For affordable client-focused network consulting services and solutions, please call Alpha Engineering Associates today at (410) 295-9500.