The importance of good planning when implementing a LIMS
Table of contents
What you need to know before undertaking a successful LIMS implementation
The first thing to know is that good planning and the dedication of time and resources are directly proportional to future success and good work.
Another important point is to select the right LIMS provider that allows for perfect planning, successful execution, and continuous support. A LIMS provider you can trust and who is always there for any solution that needs to be implemented or problem that needs to be solved. That is why it is very important that the LIMS provider has in-depth knowledge of the laboratory sector and has expert staff who can provide solutions from an analytical and technological point of view.
In short, a successful implementation comes from an appropriate and meticulous strategy.
Learn about SLCLAB's experience implementing LIMS in laboratories in more than 40 countries across 5 continents, demonstrating Zendo Lims' knowledge and adaptability to any sector and work environment.
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Steps for defining a successful implementation strategy
Definition of objectives, areas of impact and implementation planning
Define clear objectives and areas of impact: it will be necessary to identify what you want to achieve with the implementation of the new LIMS and in which areas it will have an impact. Determining whether it is to improve operational efficiency, to comply with regulations and quality standards, or to manage inventory and equipment will help you plan effectively.
Definir el alcance de la implantación: será preciso determinar los procesos que se integrarán y el nivel de automatización que se logrará en cada flujo de trabajo.
Define the scope of implementation: it will be necessary to determine the processes to be integrated and the level of automation to be achieved in each workflow.
Plan the necessary infrastructure: ensure that the technical infrastructure is adequate and sufficient for implementation and allows for scalability if the company grows.
Staff involvement and validation of implementation
User involvement: is essential to involve users during the planning and implementation process in order to ensure that their needs are met.
Testing and validation: It is essential to carry out exhaustive testing to ensure that the LIMS works as expected and complies with all defined workflows and regulations.
Training and technical support: An implementation may require resources, additional training for users, and ongoing technical support for incident resolution or the implementation of new features or workflows.
Descubra cómo es el Zendo Lims support and why customers rate it 4.8 out of 5.
Proper change management
Change and update management: A plan must be defined to address any changes in the objectives or specifications that the LIMS must meet without affecting the established planning.
Change management within the organisation:: An integration can alter the organisation's workflows and processes. It is important to embrace and manage this change effectively and with a clear communication strategy for the employees involved. It is also important to know how to evaluate the investment made and the benefits achieved.
LIMS implementation: Error-free automation
Challenges of a LIMS implementation
Bringing together different data formats and standards
System compatibility: Compatibility between the LIMS and the systems or devices that form part of the laboratory ecosystem must be taken into account.
Data integration: Each system with which the LIMS must integrate may have data formats that are not easily compatible, so it will be necessary to ensure that the LIMS synchronises the information correctly while maintaining data quality and consistency.
Customisation and Adaptation Process: Sometimes LIMS do not exactly meet a company's requirements, and the adaptation process can be lengthy and rigid.
Initial costs: The associated cost must be taken into account, as it may require a significant initial investment in terms of implementation, customisation, and training. It is important that these systems are flexible so that they can be adapted as much as possible to these requirements
Ensure the integrability of the LIMS with the entire laboratory environment.
Change in workflows: user adaptability to possible changes in workflow is an issue to consider, although it is easily resolved.
Data security and regulatory compliance: LIMS must guarantee data security and privacy, as well as regulatory compliance.
Interruption of Operations During Implementation: Accept and mitigate the impact of the interruption on workflows during the implementation process so that it does not affect productivity. Likewise, the testing and validation process must be exhaustive so that the launch is completely efficient.
Real-life testimony of a successful implementation of Zendo Lims
Zendo Lims has been successfully implemented in the Duero Hydrographic Confederation. The Duero Hydrographic Confederation is the body, under the Spanish Government's Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, responsible for water management in the Duero basin.
Milagros Acítores is the director of the water laboratory at the Duero Hydrographic Confederation and wanted to explain how Zendo Lims has been implemented and what advantages it offers compared to the previous system they were working with.
Milagros says that they have managed to optimise and automate the management of the samples received by the laboratory (wastewater, continental waters and discharges), the security of the internal process and the speed of delivery of results.
One of the things that has most surprised the entire laboratory team is the speed of implementation and the minimal impact it has had on their daily work. The time spent on implementation has been much less than indicated in the tender specifications.
The security of the data entered, the double validation process, the uploading of images, and the tracking of sampling points with visualisation on Google Maps are other aspects that contribute greatly to the day-to-day work of the laboratory.
