What is a LIMS System?
A laboratory information management system (LIMS), is a software-based solution with features that support a modern laboratory’s operations. Key features include sample management, stability studies, workflow management, sample tracking, and data quality support. The features and uses of a LIMS have evolved over the years from simple sample tracking to an enterprise resource planning tool that manages multiple aspects of laboratory informatics.
Historically the term “LIMS” has tended to refer to informatics systems targeted for environmental, research, or commercial analysis such as pharmaceutical or petrochemical work. “LIS” has tended to refer to laboratory informatics systems in the forensics and clinical markets, which often required special case management tools.

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Laboratory teams are continually looking for ways to better improve their productivity and maximize the long-term value of their testing work.  Many companies are now choosing laboratory automation solutions to boost their work and maximize the efficiency of their testing processes.  Our team at AB Controls has many years of experience building and integrating the latest laboratory automation solutions, and in this post (which is more up-to-date and revised version of an older popular post), we’ll explore more on their benefits and practical applications on : (more…)

Investopedia defines ROI as a performance measure for evaluating efficiency of an investment.

ROI = (Gain from Investment – Cost of Investment)/Cost of Investment.

However, I must say that this might be an oversimplification.

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After covering how automation can increase efficiency and decrease costs, we will now be looking at how automation can decrease injuries in factories, laboratories, and hospitals. According to a 1997 study titled “Cost of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses”, there were 13 million work related injuries that cost approximately $132 billion dollars. Although this number is down from 1992 it could still be reduced significantly.

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Being a company that specializes in Automation, AB Controls, Inc. realizes that there are many benefits to using automation in your laboratory, manufacturing plant, hospital, and etc. So over the next week and a half we are going to focus on three key topics surrounding automation, efficiency, repeatability, and injury prevention. This is part 1: How Automation Increases Efficiency and Decreases Costs.

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When I began this job a few months ago I found myself hearing the words pharmaceutical and biotech quite often.  Not a science person by any means, so these words didn’t mean too much.  I knew they referred to companies that deal with drugs but that was the extent of it.  I decided today that I was going to find out what those companies actually do and the difference, if any, between the two.

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