Small Businesses Depend on LIMS Software

Take for example this small water testing laboratory servicing the southern portions of New England, Hydro Technologies. They have been testing these 'Colonial' waters if you will for the past 20 years. Here is what they have to say about the advantages of a LIMS System:

	"We've been using a LIMS product for the last nine years, going on ten. I can remember back when we used to have to do everything on 'virtual paper' via Excel spreadsheets and notebook paper, and yes, sticky notes... We still use paper for hard copy but we can easily print out worklists & results via our LIMS reporting software. It has paid for itself several times over as respects man hours, so that we can get back to doing our real job, testing water. Another great advantage is that since it saves us time in the long term and even short term, when we get those frequent 'rush' jobs, we can facilitate a much more rapid turn over time with the available man power at the given time. We love out LIMS and would be lost without it!"
	- Beth Dunn, Hydro Technologies
	"I've been with Hydro since day one. I work in the lab every single day and I rely heavily on our LIMS system. I could NEVER EVER keep up with the workload that is heaped upon me with out some kind of program. Because I have been here so long, I get alot of the tougher tests. Without a LIMS I'd be lost. I can't believe how we used to do QC with a pen and notebook!"
	- Robert Schellhorn, Hydro Technologies

To find out which LIMS product is being used by these analysts quoted above please see the article Does Hydro Technologies utilize an Enterprise LIMS Solution?

Is there any doubt at all about the value of a LIMS System? When any software product can automate dozens of tasks and create a more fluid and efficient work environment, improve communications between various departments and save you money, it is a necessity.

So what are the key components in a LIMS package that you should look for? Well, if it costs the most it must be the best right? Well maybe that's true for art and sportscars. But for a LIMS implementation? A lot depends on the needs of the business/municipality that is in the market for a LIMS. There are several considerations, and yes, if you can afford it, go for the most comprehensive package that money can buy. But if not, like most organizations that are looking to purchase a LIMS system, you may need to shop around.

To narrow the search for the right LIMS package please see the article Important LIMS Software Features.