Technological survey on LIMS and ELN in Life Sciences - Biogenouest

Computer data management system market landscape 1 -­‐ Data management solutions A R&D-driven company might rely on hundreds of different ways to acquire, storeand analyze data, some of them requiring “homemade” solutions to match differentscientific processes. These different data management processes often forcescientists to handle different type of files and transfer data from one program intoanother, an error-prone process that leads to inefficiencies and productivity losses.Because the R&D process is focused on innovation, there is no single way thatscientists, chemists, engineers look at, manipulate, and analyze their data. Thus, aflexible approach that empowers scientists to apply their research in a way thatworks best for them is required. This approach must accommodate the success ofR&D initiatives, and at the same time, provide a framework for improved decisionmaking,enhanced results, shorter time to market and ideally decrease costs.During the <strong>survey</strong> conducted by ShareBiotech in 2010, two different types ofelectronic data management systems were identified: the Electronic LaboratoryNotebook (ELN) and the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).ELN is the computer-based version of the paper laboratory notebook that keeps trackof experimental data, procedures and document research performed in a laboratory.The ELN is designed for the same purpose as the paper laboratory notebook andallows connection between scientists, instruments and software in regulated andnon-regulated environments (see Figure 2).Structure searching File storage Publishing Instruments Data mining Compund inventory WorkSlow Health & safety IP Chemical purchasing Figure 2 – ELN applications7