- Free Version: Available for teams of up to 10
- Pricing: Premium plan $24/seat/month (with free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why Use SafetyCulture?
As a laboratory information management system, SafetyCulture allows organizations to bring their information management practices, records, and historical data to the digital world. Doing this makes it easier to access laboratory data, improving overall operational efficiency within laboratories of all shapes and sizes. The platform can gather, store, analyze, and process laboratory information while also offering mobile support, enabling teams to access important data whenever and wherever. Upload forms, inspection checklists, reports, and documents alongside laboratory monitoring sensors’ data into the cloud in real-time, ensuring all workers are updated with all laboratory changes and events as they happen.
Features:
- Stay connected with the team by sending memos, announcements, and more directly on the platform and notifying them of important updates.
- Gather accurate information on different tests, experiments, and other laboratory processes using digital checklists that you can customize to your needs.
- Report issues spotted during laboratory inspections and allow teams to designate them the necessary corrective actions right away.
- Easily gather information about laboratory assets, laboratory temperature and air quality readings, and other equipment through the use of monitoring sensors, QR codes, and RFID tags.
- Integrate the platform with other apps designed to manage laboratories for a smoother workflow.
Why Use Qbench?
QBench is a flexible, cloud-based laboratory information management system designed for labs of all sizes, offering seamless integrations and workflow automation. It provides real-time data tracking and compliance support, making it ideal for those involve in highly regulated industries.
Features:
- Sample tracking
- Instrument syncing
- Control charts
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Starts at $300/month, billed annually
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why Use LabVantage?
LabVantage is a powerful information management system for laboratories with a user-friendly interface and robust data analytics. It supports a wide range of industries such as the oil industry and the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring regulatory compliance and efficient lab operations.
Features:
- Scalable for enterprises
- Work assignment planning
- Industry-specific modules
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why Use Thermo Fisher?
Thermo Fisher provides end-to-end data management capabilities, integrating seamlessly with various laboratory instruments and enterprise systems. It enhances lab efficiency with automation and regulatory compliance support.
Features:
- Instrument integration
- Data archiving
- Automation tools
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why Use Labware?
LabWare offers a highly configurable information management system tailored to various laboratories, combining flexibility with strong data security. Its modular design allows labs from different industries to scale and optimize workflows efficiently.
Features:
- Portal for external stakeholders
- Result management
- Batch and lot management tools
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why Use Labguru?
Labguru combines a laboratory information management system with Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) functionalities, offering an all-in-one solution for research and lab management. It streamlines data organization, collaboration, and inventory tracking, helping labs grow in a unified manner.
Features:
- Certification analysis tools
- Inventory management
- Collaboration tools
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why Use Benchling?
Benchling is a cloud-based laboratory information management system built for biotech and life sciences, featuring intuitive tools for data management and collaboration. It enables real-time tracking of experiments and seamless team coordination, improving the speed of research and development teams at work.
Features:
- Molecule tracking
- Biotech-focused tools
- Multiple sites support
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
What is a Laboratory Information Management System?
A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a digital tool designed to manage laboratory data, workflows, and processes efficiently. It helps labs track samples, ensure regulatory compliance, automate reporting, and improve overall productivity. Unlike a Laboratory Inventory Management System, which primarily focuses on tracking lab supplies and reagents, a LIMS is geared toward managing scientific data, sample lifecycles, and experiment documentation. Modern LIMS platforms often integrate with laboratory instruments and enterprise systems to enhance data accuracy and collaboration.
Importance
A LIMS plays a crucial role in ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance in laboratory operations. By automating data entry, sample tracking, and reporting, it reduces human errors and enhances workflow efficiency. This allows laboratories to focus on research and testing rather than administrative tasks, ultimately improving productivity.
Additionally, a LIMS supports data security, audit trails, and industry-specific compliance requirements, which are critical for regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and environmental testing. The ability to centralize and standardize data improves collaboration across teams, making it easier to analyze results, share findings, and maintain quality control in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
Key Features
While it’s best to look for options that fit the team’s needs, there are some key features that you must have when using a LIMS. These features include the following:
- Sample management
- Workflow automation
- Data security and access controls
- Compliance management
- Reporting and analytics
- Inventory management
- Integration with monitoring sensors
- Pre-made customizable work order templates
- Mobile access
How to Choose the Right Laboratory Information Management System
Each organization has their own needs and preferences, which is why finding the right LIMS can be a difficult task. It’s always best to compare your options before choosing, so here’s a quick look at all the platforms featured above. Check out the table below to compare platforms and find the right one for your needs:
| Laboratory Information Management System | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
| SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/seat/month* | Yes |
| Qbench | No | $300/month* | No |
| LabVantage | No | Contact vendor for pricing | No |
| Thermo Fisher | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| Labware | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| Labguru | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| Benchling | No | Contact vendor for pricing | No |
* billed annually
Leon Altomonte