LIMS and ELN what is the difference?
In a LIMS system, the sample and its processing are the focus of the work, i.e. a defined workflow is usually assigned and processed when the sample is received.
An ELN (Electronic Laboratory Notebook) focuses on the efficient planning and management of experiments in the form of an electronic laboratory notebook. The ELN focus is often on the management of unstructured data or results of experiments or syntheses, but also of recipes. These can be, for example, an extract from a book, results and images generated by laboratory instruments or a report generated by instruments, which are not always structured in the same way and thus cannot be converted into structured data by machine. Dialog forms are supported, which support and enable input in customized forms, tables or large free text fields as well as the capture of chemical structures, reaction equations or images. An ELN is not only a substitute for a classic laboratory journal. It can also be the basis for exchanging large amounts of data in global collaborations.
Possible areas of application
While a LIMS system often supports proof of correct processing in the regulated sector, ELN is an important part of research and development laboratories to ensure traceability and reproducibility of results. In an ELN system, all steps leading to methods are documented and results are recorded in a central location.
Infrastructure
ELN and LIMS have the same infrastructure requirements, often the ELN is also closely coupled with a LIMS.
Typical functions of an ELN
- Documentation of test preparations and procedures incl. results and partial results
- Documentation ideas and observations
- Sample management (partly also with connection from other systems)
- Inventory management (partly also with connection from other systems)
- Reporting and evaluation
- Master data management
- Raw data management
- Data Analytics / Visualization
ELNs contain a lot of unstructured data. In this respect, the assignability, the long-term storage as well as the quick and easy searchability of the data is very important to enable later use. An ELN usually contains functions in the environment of full text searches or for searching with chemical formulas.
ELN out of the box?
Like a LIMS, an ELN cannot be purchased as a standard solution ready to use. Every laboratory has different equipment and different instructions. In this respect, a conception and implementation phase must also be provided for when introducing an ELN.