Although Laboratory Information Management (LIMS) systems have been used for more than 25 years and have extended their functionality to address the diverse requirements of many industries, the basic LIMS concepts and workflows have not changed significantly. Typically, the user must follow a predefined rigid workflow enforced through the LIMS, allowing an organisation to track samples and compile reports of data generated against samples or batches.
However, LIMS cannot easily store relevant data alongside the test results, lacking the ability to capture 'context'.
Many organisations now require a single corporate data repository to electronically store all their scientific data, usually in LIMS, scientific data management systems, document management systems, corporate warehouses and file stores.
To accommodate this need, a new application type has emerged that some are heralding as the next generation of LIMS: electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
Initially, an ELN was simply described as a direct electronic replacement for the paper laboratory notebook: as generic as possible but with the ability to support a broad variety of scientific disciplines.
ELNs should be fully searchable in addition to integrating with other systems that exist within the organisation. While also replacing the manual 'cutting and pasting' of information into a paper notebook, the next generation of ELN is adopting a 'portal' or 'workbench' approach. By storing and searching raw data and analysed files from multiple scientific disciplines alongside text, word processing and spreadsheet documents, instrument output, images and tables, all in one place, a modern ELN offers the benefits of a paper lab notebook without the restrictions of a closed format or PDF data archive.
The perfect ELN system should:
- Capture all the information that a scientist generates and store it in an open format that enables easy, controlled access.
By providing a central searchable location to store all the information, data and intellectual property generated from a scientist's workflow, an ELN solution allows 'know how' to be disseminated through an organisation easily as new procedures are implemented centrally and viewed immediately by users. The laboratory notebooks of any organisation can become what they were intended to be: a data resource for decision making, IP security and learning.
Enter 30 or XX at www.scientistlive.com/elab
- IDBS is based in Guildford, Surrey, UK. www.idbs.com
