LIMS Market Overview 2026
Numerous vendors are showcasing their laboratory information and management systems.
Knowledge
NOMAD Catalysis App: FAIR data structure for catalysis research
The Catalysis app provides a solution that enables data to be managed in a unified…
DAkkS Promotes Digital Data Exchange in Drinking Water Hygiene
The XWasser data standard enables the complete and seamless transmission of test reports in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025…
CFCs found in archived air quality measurements from 1951
A research team detected chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) for the first time in atmospheric measurements from 1951—and thus…
Roundtable for Laboratory Managers: From Excel Chaos to Networked, Audit-Ready Laboratories
Join an exclusive small-group roundtable discussion—featuring professional exchanges on…
AI tool "Helixer" identifies genes in unknown organisms
Researchers have developed a tool that could significantly transform genetic research: “Helixer” identifies genes directly…
Comprehensive platform for research and organization
Instead of isolated, specialized solutions, a comprehensive platform offers a central environment—thanks to its broad range of functions—that…
Laboratory of the Future
The book serves as an essential source of information and practical guidance on topics such as…
analytica 2026: AI as a Driver of Digital Transformation
analytica will open its doors from March 24 to 27, 2026. The world’s leading trade fair for laboratory technology,…
Chemistry AI systems don't need to understand chemistry
A study examines how AI algorithms work in chemistry and concludes that…
11 Stories from the Digital Transformation of Laboratories
This 30-page report explores the various aspects of Laboratory 4.0 and uses practical examples to show how…
The Brain of Laboratory Digitization: A Market Overview of LIMS
What sets a modern LIMS apart? What trends are shaping the market? And what should users…
When will the AI revolution reach the lab?
The LIMS Forum 2024 provided the ideal platform for addressing key questions about the future of laboratory digitization…
Digital Transformation in Accredited Laboratories: Current Status, Challenges, and Opportunities
Everyone is talking about digitalization, and it hasn't stopped at the labs either. But…
A search engine for DNA
MetaGraph allows for quick searching of DNA sequences.
LIMS Demo Days: Speed Up Your System Selection
The event, taking place on January 13–14, 2026, serves as the digital extension of the LIMS Forum and…
Digital Laboratory Management System for Greater Sustainability
The research project “ηNet – Cyber-Physical and Data Managed System” is designed to help reduce energy and resource consumption…
Record number of exhibitors at the LIMS Forum 2025 in Mainz
The user and expert conference on laboratory software, taking place on October 28 and 29 in Mainz, has attracted…
Researchers are comparing artificial intelligence to human chemists
A study has used a newly developed testing method to evaluate the performance of modern AI models such as GPT-4 in…
Digitalization, AI, and Quantum Computing: The Future of Analytical and Laboratory Technology
A recent study by the FutureManagementGroup, in collaboration with the German industry association SPECTARIS, has found that…
On Digitalization, Standards, and the Laboratory of the Future
In an interview with LABO, Dr. Janina Bolling of the SPECTARIS trade association spoke about…
The Lab of the Future Under the Microscope: Between Test Tubes and Algorithms
A recent study by BearingPoint shows that, despite its high potential, the life sciences industry is struggling to implement…
The 10 Most Important Questions About LIMS
Choosing the right Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) can be a complex task, as there are many factors…
AI, the Cloud, and Traditional LIMS Topics: A Look Back at the LIMS Forum
25 LIMS providers showcased products for various fields of application, while the presentations also covered new technologies such as artificial…
“Chemical ChatGPT” for new drugs
Researchers have trained an AI model to predict potential active compounds with specific properties…
Groundbreaking Catalysis Research: Data Practices for the Success of Tomorrow’s Science
Scientists at the Fritz Haber Institute have made a groundbreaking advance in the field of data management for catalysis research.…
How can we protect data when using open-source AI?
The use of freely available AI solutions poses a major data protection risk for German companies. This is demonstrated by a…
Bassetti Group Acquires Maqsima
As part of its comprehensive growth and internationalization strategy, the Bassetti Group has acquired the German…
Artificial Intelligence in the Lab: Prospects and Fears
A survey by laboratory supplies manufacturer Starlab reveals how employees in the laboratory sector view the topic of AI, which…
Planning and Implementing LIMS and IT Projects
The implementation of a new LIMS—whether as an initial implementation or to replace an outdated one…
FutureLab.NRW Opens
A digital model laboratory for the analytics of the future: On February 19, 2024, the Minister of… for North Rhine-Westphalia opened…
ELN Finder
The ELN Finder helps researchers and staff at research infrastructure facilities select the appropriate software…
Embracing Greater Digitalization – Barriers and Drivers of the Digital Lab
Digitization in the laboratory offers benefits such as comprehensive documentation, data integrity, and efficient use of resources. Nevertheless, it lags behind…
VUP President Highlights Opportunities for Digital Transformation in the Laboratory Industry
VUP President Raimund Föhrenbacher spoke at the most recent Future Lab Day hosted by Dr. Klinkner und Partner…
A Look Back at the 2023 LIMS Forum – A Backend Solution as a Best Practice for LIMS Integration
If you can't get enough of interfaces, data standards, and laboratory information management systems, check out Klinkner's LIMS Forum…
Are you having trouble balancing laboratory automation, science, and IT?
What starts as a simple idea for improvement can turn into a major project spanning multiple disciplines,…
Digital accreditation symbol and official emblems of DAkkS and PTB
At the DAkkS accreditation conference “AKKKO 2023,” the digital accreditation symbol was unveiled, which allows…
LIMS Forum 2023: Expertise and Discussion on Digitalization in the Laboratory of the Future
Expertise in laboratory information management systems is the focus of the annual event organized by Dr. Klinkner &…
Electronic Signatures in Laboratory Systems – Are the Legal Requirements Sufficient?
In an industry that relies heavily on precise documentation, strict compliance, and rigorous regulatory oversight…
Data Security in the Laboratory: ISO 27001 Certification for the Laboratory Database
Labordatenbank, a leading provider of laboratory software solutions, announces the successful completion of its ISO 27001 audit,…
LIMS Forum 2023 in Cologne – The program is set!
In 2023, the LIMS Forum in Cologne will once again be the premier event, taking place from November 13 to 14…
Why is it necessary to automate software testing for user requirements?
At wega, there are many activities related to software validation. The focus is on…
Determining chromatography instrument utilization in real time
Following the positive feedback on the last post regarding how to determine device utilization using Chromeleon data containers,...
Sustainable and digital – a spirit of optimism at LABVOLUTION
After three eventful days at the trade show, LABVOLUTION 2023 closed its doors on May 11, 2023. Exhibitors, visitors, and…
Determining Chromatography Instrument Utilization
Are you interested in finding out how much your laboratory’s chromatography equipment is being used? In…
Open-source development of scientific software
Have you ever stopped to think that the technology we use every day is based mainly on…
GENII Software Group Acquires Laboratory Specialist iVention
GSG GENII Software Group (GENII) announced today that it has acquired iVention. The company…
Added Value Through Connectivity in the Lab
Networking in laboratories is crucial today for optimizing processes and making decisions…
Bio-IT Conference & Expo
Date: May 19–21, 2026, Boston, U.S.A.
The Power of AI in the Lab – Introduction and Benefits
June 2, 2026, Online
Lab Supply Berlin
Date: June 16, 2026, Berlin
AI in the Lab – Efficiently Managing Laboratory and Analytical Data and Creating Added Value
Date: June 15, 2026, Online
Data Integrity in a Regulated Laboratory
Date: June 17, 2026, Online
Data Formats and Interfaces in the Digital Laboratory
Date: June 23–24, 2026, Online
AI in the Lab – Effective Use of LLMs in the Lab and Quality Management
Date: June 24, 2026, Online
AI in the Lab – A Crash Course in Prompting
June 29, 2026, Online
Sample Management Symposium – Basel 2026
Date: September 15–16, 2026, Novartis Campus, Basel, Switzerland
Efficient Laboratory Organization Through LIMS
Date: September 18, 2026, Online
LAB-SUPPLY Leverkusen
Date: September 24, 2026, Leverkusen
GxP in the Digital Environment – Electronic Good Laboratory Practice (eGLP)
Date: September 23, 2026, Online
IT Security in the Laboratory
Date: October 8, 2026, Online
Lab Supply Freiburg
Date: October 21, 2026, Freiburg
19th GCC – German Conference on Cheminformatics
Dates: November 8–11, 2026, Bad Soden
LIMS Forum 2026
Date: November 11–12, 2026, Mannheim
Effective Data Utilization Through Structured Databases
Date: November 26–27, 2026, Online
Computer System Validation (CSV)
Date: November 24–25, 2026, Online
LIMS Demo Days
Date: January 27–28, 2027, online
Electronic signatures
Date: February 16, 2027, Online
Treat research data with care
This year, various organizations have joined forces to participate in the international campaign week “Love…
New version of ISO/IEC 27001 for improved information and cybersecurity
Cyber threats are everywhere and have become one of the biggest risks facing businesses. The international…
Information helps counter the misconception that digitalization is a job killer
Is digitalization a job killer? Most studies do not suggest that…
What is a LIMS?
The opening presentation for the LIMS Forum 2022, available as a video.
LIMS Market in 2022 with a 10.95% annual growth rate
The size of the global market for laboratory information management systems was estimated at $790.36 million in 2021…
LIMS Forum 2022: A gathering of users and experts on laboratory software
All LIMS users and those interested in becoming users should mark October 11 and 12 on their calendars…
From paper to the cloud
The author also describes the benefits of a cloud platform in terms of the exchange of various research...
Sample Management: No More Peering into Test Tubes
From paper slips to mainframe computers—sample management in the laboratory sector has changed dramatically. Today, it is possible to…
LIMS Market Overview
LABO provides an up-to-date market overview where numerous vendors showcase their Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Click here…
LADS do IT: A Communication Standard for the Networked Laboratory
Network connectivity in the lab—seamless, device- and system-independent; that’s the goal. A Spectaris working group has…
Beyond the Lab: The LIMS as a Central Data Hub
Although originally designed for processes within a laboratory, the functionalities of LIM systems now extend…
The Digital Lab Blog
Provider: iVention B.V. You can find the blog here.
Standardization in Laboratory Automation (SiLA)
We are pleased to highlight this highly relevant article by Daniel Juchli, published by Wiley…
Sample Labeling and Management in Research via App
In research laboratories, samples are often still labeled by hand, and this is quite a complex and also…
LIMS Survey: What Do Laboratory Professionals Expect from a LIMS?
What do users consider most important in a LIMS? And how well-known are the various providers…
Chromatography Data Systems (CDS)
CDS systems serve as an interface between the instruments and, for example, a LIMS system.
Digital Lab at a Glance
A demo showcase to illustrate what a digital lab might look like and how it might work.
ELN Basics
LIMS and ELN: What's the difference? In a LIMS system, the focus is on the sample and…
User Experience Report: Implementing a LIMS
Implementing a LIMS often poses a major challenge for smaller laboratories. What about…
Laboratory Informatics Guide 2021
Scientific Computing World, Europa Science Ltd. (2018) You can find this issue as a PDF document here.
Laboratory Management Information Systems
Anastasius Moumtzoglou, Anastasia Kastania, Stavros Archondakis 2014, 335 pages, $276.95, Idea Group, U.S. (publisher), ISBN…
Basics of Laboratory Automation
What are the current challenges and trends? What topics are in the spotlight right now?
Laboratory Information Management Systems
Positioning, LIMS Applications, and Trends: A Technical Article by Rainer Jonak, GIT Laboratory Journal, 2015 You can find the article…
LIMS Blog
Provider: LabVantage Solutions Inc. You can find the blog here.
LIMS Basics
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Laboratories vary in terms of their areas of responsibility and often also in their…
Market Overview: An Overview of LIM Systems
Numerous vendors are showcasing their laboratory information management systems. You can find the market overview here. Source: LABO 02/2021
21 CFR 11
Title 21 CFR Part 11 is part of the Code of Federal Regulations. It contains the regulations…
Active Directory (AD)
Active Directory: A program for logging in to the network. Many LIMS systems use the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) for this login process,…
Agile Approach
Agile methodologies (from the Latin *agilis*, meaning “nimble, agile”) refer to approaches that emphasize transparency and…
ALCOA (+)
The original ALCOA stands for “Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, and Accurate” (attributable, legible, contemporaneous, original…
Allotrope Foundation Allotrope Data Format (ADF)
The Allotrope Foundation develops the Allotrope Framework and the Allotrope Data Format. The Allotrope Foundation…
AnIML
Analytical Information Markup Language: An open and freely available data standard for scientists and analysts designed to…
Annex 11
The section of the regulations governing medicinal products in the European Union that relates to computerized systems…
Application Service Provider (ASP)
An external service provider that delivers IT services using applications hosted on-premises…
Workflow
A sequence of tasks, steps, processes, or other activities that serve to perform a function.
Workstation computer
Workstation computers, i.e., PC systems that are usually connected to the server system via a local network. The…
Laboratory digitization
Laboratory digitization transforms manual processes in the lab into a networked, data-driven system designed to ensure…
Archived data
See transaction data
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
-> Artificial Intelligence
Audit Trail
Audit Trail: The audit trail function in data systems such as LIMS ensures the traceability of…
Augmented Reality (AR)
Computer-assisted enhancement of reality perception. Often visual representations of additions that are displayed as overlays or superimposed on…
Barcode
A barcode is an optoelectronically readable code that…
Batch processing
Batch processing is a term used in data processing that refers to the way in which…
Inventory data
See transaction data
Operating system
An operating system is a collection of computer programs that manage a computer's system resources, such as RAM, hard drives,…
Motion data
Transaction data is information that—unlike master data—changes rapidly over time. For example…
BI systems
Business intelligence systems: Software solutions for collecting, processing, and analyzing operational data in order to use the insights gained…
Blockchain
A set of data records managed by a group of computers. All data blocks are…
C++
Object-oriented programming language – an evolution of the C language. It is an ISO/IEC-standardized language and, thanks to its power…
CAQ
Computer-Aided Quality Assurance: A software system for computer-aided quality management. CAQ systems are primarily used in the manufacturing industry to…
CDS
Chromatography Data System: An IT system designed to support chromatographic analyses, with the ability to control the chromatograph and…
Cloud Computing
Use of computer resources that are not located on-site but are provided as a service via a network or Internet connection…
Comma-Separated Values (CSV)
Comma-Separated Values: A text file format commonly used for data exchange, e.g., between analytical instruments and LIMS…
Computerized Systems Validation (CSV)
Computer Systems Validation (CSV) is a documented validation process that consistently and reproducibly demonstrates that a…
Continuous Delivery (CD)
A software development approach in which software is developed in short cycles. This ensures that it…
Continuous Integration (CI)
Continuous integration is a development practice in which code changes made by multiple contributors are frequently merged into a single…
COTS
Commercial off-the-shelf: Preconfigured software applications that provide the relevant functionality for a specific purpose in…
CRM
Customer Relationship Management: An IT system for managing customer relationships. In addition to managing customers and prospects…
CSP
Cloud Service Provider: A cloud service provider is a third-party company that offers a cloud-based platform, infrastructure, application, or…
Dashboard
Graphical representation of the overall performance and availability of IT services. Dashboard views can be updated in real time and also…
Data Lake
A data lake is a central repository where large amounts of data can be stored.…
Data Mining
Systematic analysis of data to gain insights and identify patterns using…
Data Silo
A collection of information within an organization that is isolated from other parts of the organization…
Data Warehouse
A data warehouse (DW or DWH) is a repository containing data from one or more…
Data Archiving
Secure storage of data suitable for long-term archiving. During the archiving period…
Database
A database, also known as a database system (DBS), is a system for electronic data management. The goal is…
Data integrity
Maintaining and ensuring the accuracy and consistency of data throughout its entire lifecycle.
Data model
A data model is a model of the data to be described and processed within a specific domain (e.g., data…
Digital Transformation (DT)
The process by which companies use technology and data to build a business ecosystem in order to mitigate risks…
Digital signature
An electronic signature based on cryptographic methods used to verify the signer's identity…
DMS
Document Management System: An IT system for the structured management and delivery of electronic documents in a database.…
Electronic signature
An electronic signature (e-signature) is an electronic symbol or mark used by a person to…
ELN
Electronic Laboratory Notebook: An IT system designed to support the conduct of experiments or complex investigations.…
ELN (Electronic Laboratory Notebook)
A database system for planning and managing experiments in the form of an electronic laboratory notebook. The ELN focuses on…
Entity
In data modeling, an entity (also known as an information object) is a uniquely identifiable…
ERP systems
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems: IT systems designed for planning and business management that are aligned with operational business processes. Key areas may include…
FAIR Data
FAIR stands for Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. The FAIR principles are aimed at…
Feature Toggle
A programming technique used in modern software development in which a feature currently under development or a…
Firewall
A firewall is a network security device that monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and enforces security rules,…
FS
Functional specification: In software projects, this document specifies in detail how the functionality required by the user is to be implemented through…
GUI
Graphical User Interface (GUI): A graphical user interface is a software component that provides the user of a…
HTML
Hypertext Markup Language is a markup language used to define the structure and meaning of the content of a…
IaaS
Infrastructure as a Service: a cloud service that allows an IT service provider to deliver virtual infrastructure components on demand. In…
Infrastructure
The computer framework within which an IT system operates. The IT infrastructure includes physical or virtualized servers, networks,…
IoT (Internet of Things)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a collection of physical or virtual…
IR
Incident Report: A report on events such as a system or function failure. An incident…
Java
An object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems (Oracle). Java can be used to develop software programs that are platform-independent…
Node
Any system or device connected to a network.
Artificial Intelligence / AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is generally used to describe machines (or computers) that learn,…
LADS
See -> OPC LADS
LAN
Local Area Network: A computer network that connects workstation PCs, servers, and other network-enabled IT components locally, i.e., typically at…
LDAP
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol: A protocol that enables single sign-on (SSO).
READ
Laboratory Execution System: a software application designed specifically for quality control laboratories that guides users in the lab through predefined…
LES (Laboratory Execution System)
Software application designed to support the systematic, documented performance of analyses, preparatory steps, or reagent preparation in the laboratory.…
LIMS
Laboratory Information and Management System: A database-driven IT system designed to support and manage laboratory processes as well as handle data management. This…
LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)
LIMS stands for Laboratory Information Management System. LIMS systems support the administrative and coordination tasks involved in sample processing as well as…
LIMS Applications
The user who employs the LIMS in their laboratory focuses less on the technology than…
LIS
Laboratory Information System: A data system designed primarily for use in medical laboratories. Functionally, it corresponds in many ways…
Machine Learning
The use of algorithms and statistical models by computers to perform a specific task in the absence of…
MES
Manufacturing Execution System: An IT system for production control, e.g., in the chemical industry, which functions as a control system…
Metadata
Additional information associated with a test or an individual result.
MS SQL Server
A relational database management system from Microsoft (Microsoft SQL Server). Available in various versions. Often used for LIMS…
MySQL
MySQL is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) based on the Structured Query Language…
Negative Testing
Testing a requirement to ensure that it handles invalid or unexpected uses or handles errors appropriately…
Network Computing
Computers or nodes that work together over a network. This can refer to cloud computing, distributed…
Network infrastructure
Network infrastructure, i.e., local and sometimes wide-area networks (LAN, WAN), primarily based on Ethernet. As…
NoSQL
Non-relational database. See also RDBMS
OLE
Object Linking and Embedding (OLE): A Microsoft technology for sharing data across multiple Windows programs…
OPC LADS
OPC Foundation Laboratory and Analytical Device Standard, a standard currently under development, whose…
Oracle
Oracle Database is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Oracle Corporation. A powerful database that…
PaaS
Platform as a Service: A cloud service that provides a computing platform for web application developers.…
PHP
A scripting language with a syntax modeled after C and Perl, used primarily for creating dynamic web pages…
PLS
Process control system: An IT system designed to support production processes, with a focus on process engineering operations, e.g., in a…
Pass
Testing to ensure that a requirement has been met. For example, if a requirement is to create a…
PPS system
Production Planning and Control System: PPS solutions are often available as software modules integrated into an ERP system…
Process Owner
The person responsible for the business process or processes to be managed. In connection with…
QR code
QR (Quick Response) codes are 2D codes that can be scanned and read by cell phones, smartphones, and tablets and…
RDBMS
Relational Database Management System (RDBMS): A relational database management system is a…
Relational database
A relational database is used for electronic data management in computer systems and is based on a table-based relational…
Repository
A repository is a managed directory for storing and describing digital…
RFID
Radio Frequency Identification: A technology for the contactless identification of objects via radio waves, in which a transmitter (transponder)…
RS-232
A serial, asynchronous hardware interface for data exchange between two electronic devices. It is designed as a voltage interface,…
SaaS
Software as a Service: A model for providing users with software applications via the Internet for a fee…
Layered architecture
A commonly used structuring principle for the architecture of software systems. In this approach, individual aspects of the software system…
SCRUM
Scrum (from the English word "scrum," meaning "scrum") is a project and product management methodology, particularly for…
SDMS
Scientific document management system: A document management system designed for scientific data and related documents. In addition to standard…
SDMS (Scientific Data Management System)
Database application for managing scientific laboratory data (raw data, results files, documents). The software applications are often designed for the organized…
server system
A server system that hosts the LIMS database and on which the LIMS application software is also installed. Often…
SiLA
Standardization in Lab Automation: An open communication standard for networking software systems and laboratory equipment. The…
Meeting
A session is a logical connection between two addressable units on the network, used to…
SOA
Service-Oriented Architecture: SOA is a concept for designing software architecture with the goal of separating program functionalities…
SOAP
Simple Object Access Protocol: A standardized network protocol for exchanging data between software applications in different IT systems. The transport protocol used is…
SQL
Structured Query Language: SQL is a database language used to define data structures in relational databases, or…
SSO
Single Sign-On: Log in to the network once and automatically log in to all other applications at…
Master data
Master data consists of basic information (e.g., description and price, discount agreements, names and addresses, start date, etc.) about business…
Master Data Definition Package
A collection of documents, reports, or signatures required to create the master data…
Batch processing
See Batch Processing
System owner
The system administrator is the person responsible for a system, including its support,…
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) / Internet Protocol (IP): TCP/IP is a family of standardized network protocols,…
Thick client
In terms of software, thick-client LIMS systems implement their own functions locally and require a full installation…
Thin client
In the context of software, thin-client LIMS are primarily designed to communicate with a…
URS
User Requirements Specification: URS refers to a document commonly used in software development.…
USB
Universal Serial Bus: USB is a standardized hardware interface designed as a serial bus system to…
Validation
Validation involves providing documented evidence that the delivered LIMS system meets the user requirements of the…
VB
Visual Basic: An object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft that includes a graphical development environment for use on Windows.…
Verification
Verification is a process in which documented evidence is provided through observation and inspection…
V-Model
A process model designed for IT projects focused on software development. It defines all project phases…
On-site (also known as on-premises)
Software that is installed and run on computers located on the organization’s premises…
VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) extends a private network over a public network and enables…
WAN
Wide Area Network (WAN): A computer network that connects IT components such as PCs, servers, etc., across geographical locations at various…
Waterfall
-> V-Model
Web service
A service provided by one electronic device to another electronic device via…
Wi-Fi
Wireless Local Area Network: a wireless local network in which computers communicate via radio waves using the…
XML
Extensible Markup Language: A markup language used to define and structure data in order to...