It is difficult to imagine life in the Laboratory without a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Without a LIMS, the scheduling and reporting of analyses would be a labor-intensive nightmare. That is why computer tracking and reporting software is found even in a very small laboratory. LIMS has become an essential element in a laboratory's strategy to remain competitive. Once the basic functions required to run a laboratory are taken care of by a LIMS, management staff now has the time to not only think of ways to improve productivity but also to think of ways of improving the service provided to the laboratory's clients. A fully functional LIMS should give the means to provide enhanced services to clients. It is now possible and common to offer clients customized reports, automated outlier email notifications, electronic reporting, electronic invoicing, and client web access for sample tracking and data mining. Other enhancements include electronic chain-of-custody and field data upload as an integral part of sample check-in. How is this all done and how does the Laboratory translate client needs into a functional LIMS? It certainly requires a dedicated, talented, and energetic laboratory and programming staff. Of equal importance, however, a good LIMS is the product of a disciplined approach to formulating laboratory and client needs as well as effective communication channels between the laboratory and the programming staffs. Includes extended abstract only.
