by Ashley Carter
Share
Data entry can be both time consuming and potentially problematic for laboratories. Typos and entering the wrong data can result in sending the wrong or failing material to your customer. A LIMS system can help reduce these risks while making the process much faster utilizing automatic data entry as well as helpful grids. In this article we’ll go over the most common methods for populating test data into a LIMS.
Instrument Interfacing
Does this sound familiar?
- Enter data about the test into the equipment.
- Run the test.
- Print the results.
- Walk to a computer
- Search for and load the test ran.
- Type in each result.
- Repeat for every test.

Maybe data entry happens for a stack of results at once, but how often do the results end up on the wrong test? Or the result numbers get flipped? Or the decimal place ends up in the wrong spot? Instrument interfacing can reduce this process to:
- Pull data from LIMS to equipment.
- Run the test.
Instrument interfacing can automatically send data about the test (sample ID, measured pre-test dimensions, test temperature, etc.) to the equipment, and then send the results of a completed test to LIMS and populate the results into the correct sample; thus eliminating typos and the risk of entering results into the wrong samples.
Data Entry in LIMS through Grids
However fantastic automatic import of results from instrument interfacing is, inevitably, there are tests that can’t be configured to set up to interface directly to a LIMS, and the data will need to be entered manually. For these situations, making the process as seamless as possible helps to reduce those data entry errors. Some LIMS providers, such as Wavefront, provide grids so a user can load the tests they are working on and enter them on one page, reducing clicking around the system and saving time.
Methods of Review
As mentioned above, manual data entry may be inevitable for a lot of laboratories. So the next step in reducing errors is making sure there are robust review steps in place to ensure the data is as accurate as can be.
This may be an area where some LIMS providers stand apart. Wavefront LIMS has worked hard to develop configurable automation methods, live SPC analyses, assignment of warning limits, all in an effort to ensure that the processes within the laboratory operate as accurately and efficiently as possible. For more information about these, and more, features Wavefront LIMS offers, Schedule a Demo today!
STAY IN THE LOOP
Subscribe to our Free Content
Learning about LIMS is a monthly article series where Wavefront shares questions that have come up throughout our interactions with a range of individuals and customers. We do our best to provide information about each topic to help people learn more about LIMS.
Sign up here to be added to our mailing list and receive these articles directly in your inbox.
Keeping track of instrument calibrations in LIMS can be a powerful tool. You can streamline the process of tracking calibrations to always be sure that there are no surprise expired instruments just when you need them, but also integrating with tests to quickly see what instrument and calibration was used.
Choosing a LIMS provider can be a daunting task. There are many out there, so where to start? How about here! Read through this article to outline ten things to consider when choosing which LIMS provider will be the best fit for your laboratory.
Barcodes are extremely useful in laboratories and integrating with your LIMS will streamline their use even more. Find out how you can leverage barcodes in your LIMS.
Logging work into LIMS doesn't have to be a manual process. Avoid typos and reduce time, use one of these helpful methods to set up your work in LIMS.