What Are the Benefits of Moving Your LIMS to the Cloud?

Moving your LIMS to the cloud is the new trend among laboratories. But what are the benefits of moving to the cloud?

Cloud computing has permeated all industries, and the research and design (R&D) sector is no exception. The digital revolution has increased the pace of global activity, hence the pressure on all laboratories to automate processes. In addition, as laboratories continue to collect more data, there’s a growing need for systems that reduce workflow complexity. Cloud-hosted Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) help modern laboratories improve operational efficiency while reducing costs and staying competitive.

7 Benefits of moving LIMS to the Cloud

1. Lower IT Costs

Traditionally, informatics such as LIMS are hosted on-premise architecture; however, technological advancements have made the traditional approach inefficient and costly. The money spent on an internal IT department, servers, software, integrations and upgrades quickly adds up.

It now costs less for laboratories to host operations, including data management and compliance, over internet-based platforms. With SaaS LIMS, your laboratory does not have to purchase disparate software systems, manage upgrades, or handle complex cybersecurity details.

Cloud-based LIMS enables minimal installation costs, reduced or no maintenance costs, zero upgrade costs, and minimal license costs. Once you become a LIMS user, you have access to professionally crafted software designed for your lab without the need for in-house servers and data lakes.

2. Rapid Implementation

SaaS LIMS such as Labwise XD can be implemented within two weeks. There is no need to acquire servers or pay for extensive configuration. Since Labwise XD is built on a low-code platform that enables laboratories to have rapid customization and configuration, implementation time to the exact specifications of each lab is significantly reduced. Furthermore, there is no substantial initial capital expense for software implementation costs because you only pay for what you need or what you consume.

3. Become Agile

Traditional LIMS are often fixed in capacity, slow, and difficult or impossible to access outside the laboratory. The limitations in flexibility slow your pace and restrict agility. With cloud-based LIMS, you can easily scale-up or scale-back your laboratory needs depending on your current demand.

Cloud based LIMS allows you to add new laboratory users to the system and remove them just as quickly. All the information and controls are accessible to you at the touch of a button. As you boost your agility, you will gain a significant competitive advantage allowing you to stay ahead of the competition.

4. Automatic Software Updates

Software updates can be time consuming and lead to catastrophic failures of existing processes. Reduced productivity, errors, and confusion often occur with manual updates. It’s also easy to forget important updates, which reduces operational efficiencies or creates vulnerabilities. With a SaaS LIMS such as Labwise XD, all updates are automatically deployed as you use the software. Automated software updates not only save your time but reduce the workload for your IT team.

5. Data Backup and Recovery

Most laboratories process large volumes of data, which requires storage and redundant backup. On-device storage is susceptible to permanent deletion, especially when hardware or software crashes. On the other hand, cloud backups automatically copy your data to different servers to give you a reliable backup for all data.

Recovery after incidents such as cyber-attacks, fire, or natural hazards is relatively easy when you can access your information online. You don’t have to make initial investments or wait extensive periods to access storage. Furthermore, your LIMS service provider manages the storage and security of your data backups affordable, often include with standard licensing.

LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter

6. Improved Collaboration

On-premise software limits collaboration outside the lab, making it challenging to stay competitive. Cloud-based LIMS supports easy accessibility and collaboration. Lab partners and users can access data and systems across various devices, inside and outside the lab. You can collaborate on projects, share information, and rely on a central database for your laboratory needs.

It’s easier for your laboratory to collaborate with across departments, organizations, and third parties. You can also integrate with existing operating systems and enjoy access across various devices.

7. Data Security

Data security is a growing concern across all sectors, including research and development. It’s crucial to protect sensitive data from malicious hackers that seek to steal or manipulate your data.

Xybion LIMS encrypts your data and provides excellent security for your backups. Authentication procedures ensure that only verified users log in, and that all logins are tracked for simplified security audits.

Find the Right Cloud-Based LIMS for You

Scientific research and development, preclinical trials, and pharmaceutical manufacturing are complex tasks that require critical analysis, accurate data, and around-the-clock monitoring. You can achieve optimum lab efficiency with Labwise XD, a cloud-based LIMS that helps you manage activities in your lab, manage your facility, with embedded 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance. You can also automate data processing, streamline your lab processes, improve laboratory throughput, and simplify reporting in your lab with regulatory compliance. At Xybion, our digital unified lab operations with cloud-based LIMS, Quality Management, and ELN enables your lab to be competitive and efficient in the next generation of digital lab management.

Look for these four criteria, while selecting your LIMS vendor:

Four Criteria for selecting LIMS Vendor
  1. Usability: At the very basic core level, the LIMS solution must meet your lab needs. Think beyond the paradigm for sample/analysis and ensure that you select a LIMS that contains all the components necessary to handle your laboratory needs both today and in future. Think beyond the paradigm for sample/analysis and ensure that you select a LIMS that contains all the components necessary to handle your laboratory needs both today and in future.

  2. User Interface: A robust LIMS should give you options on how the applications interacts on-site, SaaS, host/cloud or desktop-based way, web browser and mobile device. It is strongly recommended that the cloud solution is considered since it can be set up quickly. It is generally less costly than internal IT resources. It minimizes burden on existing IT resources.

  3. Flexibility: A robust LIMS should give you options on how the applications interacts on-site, SaaS, host/cloud or desktop-based way, web browser and mobile device. It is strongly recommended that the cloud solution is considered since it can be set up quickly. It is generally less costly than internal IT resources. It minimizes burden on existing IT resources. The cost of maintenance, updated and change log is expensive for customized solutions.

  4. Team behind the LIMS Software: While there are many players, ‘big’ and ‘small’ in the LIMS Software space. Look for options where you find it easy to communicate with the team. Make sure the company you are working with is stable, has credentials and other list of clients to support the rationale.

Contact us for a free demo and learn how you can benefit from LIMS on the cloud.

Xybion XDP Preconfigured Apps

Ready to learn more? Book a free demo.