Leveraging Diagnostic Lab Management Software for Business Growth

Increased efficiency is one of the crucial factors that every business people require. When there is a business running efficiently, it indicates a decrease in waste and an increase in profits, and this results in a healthy bottom line. There are different types of diagnostic lab management software tools that small business owners can use to enhance the efficiency of their operations. 

Whether you are an accountant, who is looking for QuickBooks in the belief that it holds the right software to make a more significant difference for a better business outcome or an engineer who is in search of trying out the PCB design software, below are the 5 best ways in which the software will help the small business owners to take their business to the topper level. 

Five ways to grow your business through Diagnostic software: 

Here are some ways through which you can improve your small business with the diagnostic software. 

Maintaining a healthy relationship with the customers:

The software solutions for small businesses enable you to manage a healthy relationship with the customers and also enhance your sales process dramatically in a better way. You can form prospects and customer databases and also acquire the right to update them in the right and real-time when you gather more information about every contact. The software business tools also help in providing the ability to send emails to the connection, so it's easy to keep up with the marketing. It also provides the capability to send emails to customers and prospects and also track how many times you keep in contact or communicate with your contacts or customers. 

Creating invoices and quotes: 

You will be able to create invoices and quotes and attach them to particular contacts or customers so that there is no chance for valuable documents to be missed. Apart from this, all details and orders are captured in real-time in case your invoices and quotes are integrated with the platform of your business. You can also stay aware of all the products and services your contacts or customers asked to purchase, which will help you to sell more and keep organized in the future leading to higher revenue. 

Follow sales leads:

With the help of the right sales management software, you will be able to follow sales leads accurately and quickly, and you need to contact your prospects who have requested a quote before. If you are ready with sound strategies that can reach your end-of-year sales goals, people who are interested once in the offer you place but have not purchased with you can start with it. 

Project creation and tracking:

It's easy to build and track projects at every process stage easily through reputed small business management software. If you have different types of systems to manage your works and projects, there is no possibility of linking with the costs or customers. In case you have a single system, then it's easy and quick to view expenses or link with any project or customers and also send the invoice for the appropriate projects. 

Shortening the task of the employees:

With the help of time tracking software, the employees can efficiently finish their timesheets and also can be easily accessed by owners and managers. This enables a streamlined system, especially for calculating all types of wages. With the help of small business software, you can also use shared calendars to track how much human capital is present for any project. 

Apart from this, there are many kinds of software available that offer you the capability to combine any process in your organization or company. Also, it is 100% assured that your small business runs easily when there is just one solution that acts as a one-stop solution for project management, marketing, sales, and invoicing.
 
It's easy to select the right laboratory software for your small business to increase your revenue by researching the best diagnostic software online. You need to focus on all the advantages, and essential specifications available to make the software more efficient and better for your small business before choosing the best small business software for you.




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The healthcare industry, like any other industry, is not self-reliant. Since this is an ever-evolving industry there's no stopping for the challenges that arise or the solutions for it. One such healthcare solution is the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The Laboratory management system has been providing healthcare solutions for the industry, over the past couple of decades: but what it is?

LIMS Software And What Does It Do?


The Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Software started as a system to keep a record of test samples, their results, and all other particulars of donor and patient samples.  From the point of its inception, the laboratory management system followed the traditional methods of manual labelling and record-keeping; it was followed only until the introduction of computers to healthcare solutions.

Ever since the Laboratory Information Management System has been on a course of upward trajectory.

As the computers evolved so did software. Dedicated LIMS software packages began appearing with tweaks and new features every time. The LIMS software today is so reliable that once a test sample is collected in the lab or patient's house, it is taken to a pathology laboratory and given a tag, it is almost impossible to lose track of it. The LIMS software packages can manage and update the progress in tests and can also update the results of the tests to the database in real-time.

To put it in simple words:


A laboratory Information management system, shortly known as LIMS, is a software that is used to help lab faculties in collecting samples, processing, and delivering reports to patients. It acts as an interface between the lab faculties and the database where all the information and essential details are stored. This includes all the tests conducted under a particular facility.

LIMS Network:


In its early days, the laboratory management system was an isolated off-network system. But as technology paved the way for more advanced secure networking, the Laboratory Information Management System stepped into the next-gen of healthcare solutions.

Standalone LIMS Software:


Even though the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Software provides easy access to the information from the database, it isn't enough. Its information resource was limited to that one particular facility alone. The limitations of a standalone laboratory management system include:

  • Limitations in the storage capacity of the database servers.
  • The maintenance of servers at the healthcare facility itself involves difficulties.
  • Medical procedures that involve referral to different locations will require the carrying of physical records; which is an inconvenience again.
  • However the chances are less: if the servers go down it is almost impossible to recover the data unless there is a backup, which will require additional servers.
  • Since standalone laboratory management systems are not cloud-based, sharing patient reports via App, SMS, or Email is restricted.

Since there are technologies developed already to overcome these limitations, they should be employed immediately.

LIMS Software on the Cloud:


Cloud storage is a powerful technology than it sounds. Cloud storage has virtually no limits on the storage capacity, thereby immensely supporting the laboratory information management system and other healthcare solutions.

  • The data centres provide a larger bandwidth to access the servers. That is more than enough to provide trafficless access.
  • Since the cloud servers have multiple redundant systems, there is always a backup, and data loss is not a thing to worry about.
  • The centralized data centre for the laboratory management system makes it possible to access data from anywhere in the world with authorization.
  • The maintenance of these servers is extremely cost-effective compared to the standalone LIMS Software.
  • As LIMS is cloud-based, it can connect multiple stakeholders. You can also have control over sample tracking, processing, and delivery. And there is easy scalability in business.

Patient Accessibility:


The interconnection of LIMS software servers also introduces the patients to the inside of the Laboratory Information Management System. Since the LIMS software made the information easily accessible, the patients can easily keep track of their records. This also helps patients to keep their health records up to date with no effort.  

LIMS Beyond Limits:


The LIMS software, even though started as a record-keeping and managing healthcare solution, has now evolved into a state of complete management solution. It has given a massive boost to the administration of healthcare facilities and also the financial management of healthcare centres.

Machine Interfacing in LIMS:


The LIMS software acts as an interface between the laboratory equipment and other devices. The Laboratory Information Management System is capable of interfacing with the database in real-time to import and export data. It also acts as an interface between multiple devices within the lab for better coordination.

For instance, an MRI scanner is only a scanning machine with an image display unit and a control unit. But, with the LIMS software machine interface, the data from the scanner can be stored directly in the database to the respective patient name. It helps the doctors to analyze the data whenever required.

Time Management:


Time management is one of the most challenging objectives of management. The LIMS software used in today's healthcare facilities provides day-to-day management solutions besides healthcare solutions.  

  • The LIMS software can make schedules for doctors and specialists. It also helps in scheduling follow-ups and cancellations of appointments at the request of patients through IVRs and websites.
  • Since there is always a demand for time slots to access laboratory equipment and devices, including high-cost scanners which are a rare resource, LIMS software can schedule their time slots most effectively.

In addition to these, the Laboratory Information Management System also has the in-house pharmacy records maintained, notifying the maintenance of laboratory equipment and other services.

The AI of LIMS and its future:


The future of the Laboratory Information Management System has already shown us a glimpse of what it is capable of over the years.

AI is the future of every field and the Laboratory Information Management System is no exception. The introduction of LIMS software to artificial intelligence can automate pretty much everything in the laboratory management system and improve the quality of healthcare solutions. Smart labs will be the newest addition to the list of healthcare solutions by the LIMS software.

The advancements in various supporting fields such as microfluidics, biometrics, lab-on-a-chip technologies, and their automation have ensured the steady progress of the Laboratory Information Management system. The day is not far when the AI Laboratory Information Management System (AI LIMS) will be working along with humans and serving humanity.

The Role of Laboratory Informa...

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Every modern industry laboratories are under intense pressure to enhance operational efficiency and to decrease costs, while at the same time controlling regulatory compliance and improves quality. 

LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is adopted across various verticals to meet the challenges. The on-premises system fails most of the time to offer the flexibility which is required to stay competitive in today's economic environment; therefore, an on-premise system is not agile, connected, or responsive. 


Advantages of the cloud-based LIMS:

Integration, upgrades & implementation of the on-premise system indicate that the in-house  IT workers have less time to work on improved innovation systems & this can also be a time-consuming process. There are plenty of advantages for your organization in case you move to a SaaS LIMS. 

Rapid LIMS implementation: 

You need not invest your time to set up servers or install the software. Most of the works are done already if you are using the SaaS LIMS. Apart from that, your lab can run on the unique LIMS quickly and also help your lab to be up.  

Scalability:  

Online-based LIMS are best for enterprises with inconsistent user requirements. With SaaS, it's simple to balance your works either up or down, based on what is happening on your business, and it's enough to spend money on what you make use. New features, services, and a user can be added anywhere by just with the click of the button. The skill that SaaS offers can provide organizations using cloud computing a straight edge over the competitors.  

Accessibility and Collaboration:  

Online based LIMS allows hassle-free, and easy access to your data anytime and anywhere from different locations, multiple branches, and various systems with a secure login ID. This accelerates enhances collaboration within laboratories in organizations globally. Apart from that, the ability to access workflows and data from where you hold an online connection.  

Cloud services are providing mobile applications, and there are no restrictions for specific devices to establish the system.  

Levels the playing field:  

An online-based LIMS System enables every type of small business to possess the ability to provide the organization-level features and functionalities on a pay as you reach the top. This results in, the small business running a LIMS can be more agile and nimble when compared to the large companies which are still making use of the on-premise legacy system.  

Decreased costs: 

By using the SaaS LIMS, there is no license cost, just a minimal installation fee, and no need for any databanks or in-house servers, no IT maintenance costs for software or hardware. You can only pay as your subscription you need to choose, and you can pay for the functionalities you need. The funds can be used to invest in essential businesses as there is no higher expense based on the Saas LIMS, and this can fuel the creations that are required to keep your company competitive.  

Automatic Software Updates:  

When you are using SaaS LIMS, the service providers take responsibility for security or software updates and patches to keep the system up-to-date. This indicates you get enough effort and time from your IT department, enabling them to put efforts over other initiatives of the laboratories that add business value.  

Disaster Recovery and Backup services:  

Any business needs a perfect disaster recovery plan, and the recovery solutions & the cloud-based backup solutions which come along with the SaaS LIMS are offered without the requirements for a more significant investment, making this vital protection of data services enabling every business in the verticals.  


Why is cloud-based LIMS the best option for your laboratory? 

When a SaaS LIMS provides the prospects for essential advantages, it is not the right option for any laboratory. One harmful functionality of SaaS LIMS is that it is tedious to modify the system based on the company's supported design options. Executing a SaaS LIMS in a more prominent company that already possesses a higher developing on-premise function.  

Below are some of the factors that need to be considered when you choose to work with a SaaS LIMS provider.

Security:  

You rely on the company to secure your sensitive data when it moves to the cloud and when you work with SaaS LIMS. Most of the providers in the cloud perform an excellent job of offering a secure environment for your information, which are the highest vulnerabilities that are probably related to human nature.  

Validation:  

The vital responsibility for regulatory compliance always is based on the manufacturers. Few providers lease an online-based LIMS focus on a prevalence system, and this refers to the system of the cloud provider. Apart from this, the providers of SaaS LIMS handle any software patches and upgrades to make sure that you run the most crucial system version.  

Integration:  

You need to make sure that your SaaS LIMS has the scope to validate the informatics systems and LIMS instruments.  

Service level agreement:  

It's essential to create an SLA with your vendors that addresses any concerned areas and more. One of the best SLA can make the variations between the rollout of your SaaS time & cost and smooth execution along with the unexpected expenses made down the road.  

Hosting options:  

Some of the vendors provide a private cloud option that is facilitated within the facility. The opportunity offers different advantages of SaaS LIMS but with controlled and decreased security risks. A cloud can be single-tenant, multi-tenant, private, or public. A single-tenant cloud is simpler to less prone and validated to intrusion or data leakage.  

Data integrity and audit trails:

An audit trail is vital to address various concerns of data integrities, both from product quality and regulatory perspectives. You also need to ensure that your LIMS online-based SaaS has a detailed and reliable audit trail for any data, and also make sure it's controlled on two different servers when compared to the data.  

Simplifying certain things can add complications to the business processes when you move to the cloud. The decision to distribute SaaS LIMS will be presented by a mix of regulatory, operational, and security concerns that are unique to any laboratory. Working with the best online-based LIMS consultant is an excellent way to make sure that your enterprises require the best value from laboratory information management to new SaaS approaches.

Why only online-based LIMS wil...

Every modern industry laboratories are under inten.....  Read more

                                            

An Introduction to LIMS Software:

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is software that is used in labs for data management and to process a large number of lab samples to manage laboratory workflow. With LIMS, the lab can automate workflows, integrate instruments, and manage samples and associated information. Additionally, labs can produce valid results quickly and can track data across experiments to improve efficiency.

LIMS that are commonly used in clinical labs fall under the following categories:


The benefits of using LIMS Software in your lab are:

  • Workflow automation
  • Integrate instruments or other in-lab systems
  • Centralize access and storage of data
  • Track data from sequencing runs
  • Initiate downstream data analysis

The Efficiency of LIMS System:

The main purpose of using the LIMS System in a lab is to improve the efficiency of sample processing and management. Using LIMS would cut down on the need for manual tasks thereby increasing the accuracy of sample analysis. LIMS captures data automatically, gets processed, and is stored for future reference. The LIMs vendor you choose will define the proceeding process of the software.

Generally, the process of a LIMS is divided into five stages:

  • The sample is logged in after reception.
  • Assignment, scheduling, and tracking of the sample and the analytical workload.
  • Processing and quality control associated with the sample.
  • Storage of data associated with the sample analysis.
  • Inspection, approval, and compilation of the sample data for report generation and further analysis.

Types of LIS Modules Used In Clinical Laboratory:

The features of Laboratory Information System (LIS) have seen evolutionary growth over the years from sample tracking to enterprise resource planning for clinical and specialty laboratories.

A typical workflow pattern of a LIS in a clinical lab flows through three phases:

  • Pre-analytical: Specimen collection.
  • Analytical: testing of the specimens.
  • Post-analytical: Result review.

The LIS modules are used by various laboratory departments like:

  • Blood Bank
  • Immunology
  • Hematology
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical chemistry
  • Histopathology

Various Common Functionalities Used In LIMS:

With the progress in technology, the functions of a LIMS progress too. LIMS software is built in a way to support any upcoming progress while effectively working on a basic set of definite functionalities like the collection of data, tracking of samples, processing, data storage, and report generation.

Some of the core functionalities of LIMS are explained below:

Sample Management:

LIMS was created to help in the process of sample management systems occurring in laboratories. This system gets initiated when a sample is received in a laboratory and gets registered in a LIMS. Since a large number of samples are collected and analyzed in a day, it would be difficult to record the samples without the chance of being confused with other analyses. With LIMS, It would be easier to track the sample if it is labeled and assigned correctly by using RFID on the samples or barcodes.

The information collected and stored via a LIMS would fall under the following criteria:

  • Details about the person whose sample is taken.
  • Details of the doctor/clinic who recommended an analysis.
  • The tests/analysis needed to be taken on the sample.
  • Stages of the sample and destination.
  • Storing procedures.
  • Expected report generation date.
  • Record creation for future purposes.

Workflow Management:

The need for workflow management using a LIMS is as important as Sample management and record-holding. The accuracy of a working system does not just depend on the data; it needs an on-point process assessment where a LIMS system can be used. As the name indicates, workflow management helps automate workflows and assign work if delegated precisely in the software.

All you would have to do for better workflow management using LIMS is:

  • Enter proper codes to direct the LIMS system for a work assignment.
  • Configure the process flow of the work for sample analysis.
  • Assign exact instruments for the particular work.

Workflow management using a LIMS saves time and conducts the job with precision.

EMR/EHR Software:

Electronic Medical Record (EMR) / Electronic Health Record (EHR) is software that collects and stores information on the patient’s medical history in the form of records that can be shared via different healthcare mediums. Many LIMS have this EMR/EHR Software functionality built-in in their system. Using a LIMS with an EHR function will be a huge asset to your lab as the real-time data exchange can be made possible easily.

What is laboratory information...

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Save time on complex machines at your lab with MocDoc’s laboratory information management system integration.  

We are excited to share with you the news that MocDoc LIMS software has now enabled the integration of Myla software, Siemens Advia centaur CP, Siemens Advia centaur XP, and Helena SAS-3/Helena SAS-4 machine interfacing. This news comes big as labs had it challenging with minimum LIMS software options globally to integrate with these machines, and the MocDoc laboratory information management system is now one of the few LIMS software providers to achieve this milestone.

So what are the Problems the lab faced and why did they want this?
Laboratories, big or small, have all their machines and instruments integrated into a laboratory management system which automates larger parts of their workflow. Machine interfacing helps the labs to 

  • Reduce the manual intervention of technicians, 
  • Reduce the time taken to complete every testing process
  • Improve the quality of data
  • Handle large amounts of samples and more

However, with few complex machines where LIMS integration was a hurdle, labs noticed that they were not achieving their maximum efficiency. The quality of data was affected, and only a few samples were completely analyzed in the given time, not making it possible for labs to handle large amounts of samples, which made it challenging for the labs with minimum laboratory information management system options to integrate with the machines.


Machines and the challenges they posed for MocDoc:

Helena SAS-3/Helena SAS-4 Machine interfacing: This machine is quite an intriguing one. Why? Well, unlike other machines that give results in the form of points or negative or positive, Helena SAS rolls out a gel image on a transparent sheet which is then scanned to get results that are still hard to interpret. 

With no option to interface the software with LIMS, lab technicians had to manually record data and enter it into the laboratory management system every time!“laboratory information management system interfacing for Helena SAS-3/Helena SAS-4 is quite challenging. Most LIMS software providers have tried and failed at it.” Says Lab In-charge in Malabar Cancer Center.

This Intrigued the interest of MocDoc’s tech-savvy developers, who accepted the challenge and have achieved and Onboarded Helena SAS-3/Helena SAS-4 machine integration into the MocDoc laboratory management system. 

Myla software interfacing: Myla software in labs is interfaced with three machines- Bact/Alert, Vitek 2, and Vitek MS, each performing a stage in the culture testing process. Myla consolidates data from these machines at every stage and streamlines the culture workflow. With MocDoc integrating with Myla software, lab technicians no longer have to manually record data from Myla and enter it into the laboratory management system.

Siemens lab Machine interfacing: Siemens Advia Centaur CP and Siemens Advia Centaur XP are high throughput immunoassay analyzers that deliver improved efficiency in laboratories. These machines demand a high-performance laboratory management system for interfacing. MocDoc using its highly efficient and powerful interfacing engine has completed the interfacing of these machines.


MocDoc laboratory information management system has so far completed 500+ machine integrations and continues to add more!

Complex machine integration wi...

Save time on complex machines at your lab with Moc.....  Read more