LES (Laboratory Execution System) One Size Fits None

In a previous blog post I broached the idea of the LES to define all the systems incorporated in your Laboratory Informatics environment.  Since I wrote that blog, I have received numerous comments (*thanks for the comments and thanks for reading!*) asking me what my opinion is on the optimal LES setup.

This is the age old question – and my answer remains as ambiguous as ever!  What may be optimal for one, may not be optimal for another.  It really comes down to the means in which your organization is run, the skill sets that you have on hand (or those that are readily available to you) and the requirements that you have for your systems.

I have heard some recent case studies about companies going to a two-tier LES (basically an ERP and ELN) and eliminating a LIMS altogether.  There are also numerous examples of companies that are deploying a “Thin-LIMS” or “LIMS-LITE” in addition to an ELN and an ERP system.  Other companies are deploying a full throttle LIMS that incorporates an ELN, Lot Management, Instrument Calibration, Sample Chain of Custody, etc.

There may be benefits to minimizing the number of vendors that you deal with and there may also be benefits from cherry picking the best systems for the functions that you want to perform.  The best recommendation that I have is to consistently review your LES portfolio and to look at the strategic means of deploying the best LES possible for your organization.  Think about what you may try and do if you had access to unlimited funds and then how you can get as close to that as possible when you look at things realistically.

Thanks again for the feedback and I would be more than willing to discuss what options and systems may help you and your LES achieve optimality sooner and cheaper!