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Laboratory information management systems have come a long way. With the advancement in technology, the LIMS also gets advanced. Laboratories progressed by leap and bounce since the LIMS came into existence. Gone are the days when laboratorians managed the data using an excel sheet. LIMS has changed the operation of labs. These days you can’t even imagine a lab without a LIMS. Now a question arises, what would happen in case your LIMS provider stops the service? This article discusses the same. Find out the tips that show what you need to do in that case right below:
Identify The Urgency Of LIMS
The importance of each phase in your laboratory data management process varies based on the industry you work in. Keeping consistent and complete records of sample analysis is crucial from a business perspective, as it helps build consumer confidence and trust in your operations, which can be determined by reviewing previous records.
What to do if your LIMS supplier informs you that they will no longer be providing support for your system? How long will your laboratory be able to function without the help of your LIMS provider? Can you make the necessary resources available to transition to a new lab software within this time frame? You’ll also need to consider how quickly you need to make the move based on how essential your LIMS is to your lab.
Ask Your LIMS Provider About Deactivation Process
Find out what the deactivation procedure entails if your LIMS supplier is still in contact with you after they stopped assisting. Is it possible for you to export your data, and in what format? A new LIMS supplier should be contacted as soon as feasible if you haven’t done so previously. You may require data exported in a certain format for simple uploading into a new lab software if you decide to switch.
Finding out what the LIMS provider will do with your data after you have switched systems is crucial, in addition to data export. You’ll want to make sure they can demonstrate that your data was properly disposed of and that they can offer proof that this was done in a compliant way. If you have sensitive or secret data on your system, you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t end up in the wrong hands and is appropriately disposed of.
Look For Better Service Provider
While you’re considering a new LIMS system, you may use this as a chance to make changes. Perhaps your former information management system provider failed to incorporate new features or didn’t listen to your input, and you’ve been relying on workarounds for years. This might be the ideal time to address those concerns and include those needs in your move.
It is most effective to map out your present process to find areas for improvement. Using paper worksheets to record data that cannot be collected by your existing LIMS? Because your information management system lacks the functionality upfront, do you double-check data for accuracy? There are several possibilities to enhance a process, including feedback loops and duplication of operations. The main data inputs and outputs of each stage may be identified, which will aid you in the selection process.
Take Business Continuity Measures
Business continuity measures should always be considered while implementing any system. If you are considering a new LIMS supplier, ask them about their business continuity processes and safeguards in case of tragedy or insolvency. This is usually outlined in the terms and conditions of the service, or your service contract or service level agreement, depending on the circumstances. If you’re considering switching to a hosted system, you should think about redundancy, data security, and what to do if access is restricted.
Different risks must be addressed when it comes to company continuity. There are issues that your laboratory can readily handle and others that your LIMS supplier should be able to mitigate through actions and processes.
It might be upsetting to learn that your LIMS supplier is ceasing service, but there is always a silver lining to every cloud. The key is to make the worst situation into a positive one by updating your system and implementing lab improvements in your lab. This is especially true if you’ve been relying on workarounds to make up for a lack of capability.
Bottomline
If you are thinking of leaving LIMS once your provider stops service, then you will make a big mistake. LIMS should be your go-to system. Connect with Labscion where you will get features-packed Cloud-based LIMS of the highest quality.