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laboratory information management system (LIMS).
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A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is software designed to electronically store laboratory data. It is the accepted standard for data storage and retrieval throughout the analytical laboratory industry. Though each commercially available LIMS has different features, in general a LIMS allows you to "log" a sample into the system, and record and retrieve test results electronically.
"Paper records are easy to manipulate", but soon even the smallest lab accumulates a vast amount of records. Maintaining extensive data may be no problem UNTIL...
...then your staff expends hours searching, compiling and formatting reports from a stack of paper records. MSC-LIMS is a secure database. All of your lab's data - even historic data - is immediately accessible and can be reported in graph or tabular form. Now that's efficient.
"Paper records in hand are reassuring", UNTIL...
Fortunately, MSC-LIMS data can be backed up periodically onto portable media, such as CD-ROMs or tapes, and stored in a safe location of your choosing, away from theft or fire. Now that's secure.
When your most efficient data entry expert is manually duplicating entries or cutting-and-pasting from place to place, you know that their valuable time is being squandered. And even the most meticulous data entry expert finds that increased duplication creates a corresponding, increased risk of error.
With MSC-LIMS, you enter each piece of information only ONCE. Because it is a "relational database" the software itself references information from the original entry to other screens where it is required. Even corrections are only made once. This reduces the risk of error and the time spent on data entry. Your employees can turn their valuable talents to better use.
Many labs' Excel workbooks require repetitive data entry to get from sample login, to results entry, to reporting, to invoicing. Even the most thorough workbooks require manual compilation for trending and reporting across active spreadsheets and historic or unusual data.
Still, Excel is an excellent tool, and MSC-LIMS is a useful enhancement. With its unique integrated Excel interface, MSC-LIMS data can be immediately exported to your existing Excel templates for reporting in any format. You can keep all of your Excel report formats, and still reap the benefits of a tried-and-true LIMS.
Even the smallest lab can afford a single-user Annual Subscription license. It's a low-cost no-risk solution when MSC-LIMS meets your needs "out of the box."
MSC-LIMS consists of five "modules" that are accessed from a tab-style Main Menu: Samples, Notebook, QC, Setup and Admin. Click on a tab; each menu is organized by topic. A simple mouse-click selects an option from the Data Entry/Inquiry, Reports, or Action/Other submenus.
Use options on the Samples menu to progress logically from sample login, to results entry, to reporting.
Like all other MSC-LIMS data entry screens, the Sample Login screen features data entry fields and pull-down pick lists populated with YOUR lab's data. Enter your sample. Click Save Sample, and MSC-LIMS presents the analyses you've assigned to the Project, and a unique Sample ID Number. Now print bar-coded containers labels, or go to the Notebook tab to print Work Sheets or Bench Sheets for the Sample. It's that easy.
You can enter results by Sample or by Analyte. To locate your sample or samples, query by Sample ID, Project, Location, Sample Type, Date, or any combination of sample characteristics.
Enter results by tabbing into the active fields and typing. MSC-LIMS alerts you if your result exceeds the limits you've set for each analyte. Then, click to print a Sample Summary or other report in the format of your choice.
MSC-LIMS Version 3.0 includes a detailed, step-by-step Quick Start chapter. Quick Start accompanies the new user on a painless tour of MSC-LIMS, taking the mystery out of the system and introducing the highlights of day-to-day data entry and reporting. Using a "here's what you do next and here's why" approach, Quick Start guides a series of examples from login to logical conclusion.
Loaded with Notes, Tips and techniques, and numerous hyper-linked cross-references to the User's Guide text, Quick Start is a valuable tool to all users of MSC-LIMS.
All normal lab procedures may be accomplished within MSC-LIMS: single sample or batch log-in, results entry by sample or analyte, sample summary reports and other reporting options such as Excel reports, invoicing, scheduling instrument maintenance, and recording employee certifications.
Current MSC-LIMS installations include water and wastewater, commercial environmental, food testing, and petrochemical applications. Configure options in MSC-LIMS' Setup Menu to achieve optimal performance for your lab. MSC-LIMS adapts to meet your needs.
MSC-LIMS is available under either a Full System license, which includes all source code, or a low-cost non-source code Annual Subscription license. Both licenses are available in single- or multi-user versions, and may be purchased with optional on-site installation and training. See the price list for details.
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