Whitepaper: LIMS DIY: Is a Home-Grown or a Purchased LIMS Right For Your Laboratory?

Most laboratories today now have some form of LIMS to help manage their workflow. There are many types of LIMS, ranging in complexity from spreadsheets to intelligent programs that manage nearly every lab function.

The term “LIMS” (laboratory information management system) itself is very general, essentially meaning any kind of software tool with implemented features that support processes conducted in modern laboratories.¹ These may be purchased from a company that specializes in developing software for just this purpose, or may be cobbled together by employees in the laboratory using other pre-existing data management programs.

Whether a laboratory is in need of a LIMS, or is using a home-grown LIMS and considering implementing a purchased one, there are several factors to consider. Here, we will discuss the needs of laboratories and their employees, the role of LIMS in meeting these needs, and some advantages and disadvantages of home-grown and purchased LIMS to help decide which would be best for specific laboratories.