Omnant Blog

Investing in a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) can be a game-changer for geotechnical firms to enhance their operational efficiency, streamline data management, and improve reporting accuracy.

Selecting the right LIMS can be complex and requires careful consideration. Here’s a guide to help your geotechnical firm make an informed decision when purchasing a LIMS.

Core Features to Look For:

• Sample Tracking: Ability to track samples through every stage of testing, from receipt to reporting.
• Data Management: Robust data storage and management capabilities to handle large volumes of test results.
• Reporting: Tools for generating comprehensive and accurate reports.
• Workflow Automation: Automation of repetitive tasks to increase efficiency and reduce manual errors.

Omnant offers all of these core features for your lab technicians -- and more.

Integration with Existing Systems:

When selecting a LIMS, consider how well it integrates with your existing systems:

• Integration: Ensure the LIMS can integrate with other software tools to facilitate data sharing and reduce manual data entry.
• Compatibility: Check compatibility with existing hardware and software platforms to avoid additional costs or technical challenges.
• APIs and Data Import/Export: Look for a LIMS with robust APIs for integrating with other systems, and that can easily import data from and export data to other formats or systems.

Omnant can integrate directly with your lab testing equipment, and can facilitate the transfer of data into and out of Omnant.

Regulatory Compliance:

Geotechnical laboratories must often adhere to industry standards and regulations:

• Compliance Standards: Verify that the LIMS complies with relevant standards (ASTM, AASHTO, etc.)
• Audit Trails: Check for features that provide detailed audit trails for tracking changes and ensuring data integrity.

Omnant is built to support your lab accreditation reviews by providing you with a detailed chain of custody from sample creation to processing, and full data capture all in one place.

Scalability & Flexibility:

As your firm grows, your LIMS should be able to scale with you, and adapt to changes in your workflows and requirements:

• Growth Potential: Evaluate the system’s capacity to handle increasing volumes of samples and data.
• Modular Approach: Consider a LIMS with a modular design that allows you to add features or capabilities as needed.
• Customization Options: Assess how easily the system can be customized to accommodate different types of tests and workflows.
• Regular Updates: Ensure the LIMS provider offers regular updates and upgrades to keep the system current.

Omnant adapts as your lab needs evolve.

Cost of Ownership:

Understanding the total cost of ownership is crucial:

• Initial Costs: Evaluate the upfront costs, including software licensing, installation, and initial training.
• Ongoing Costs: Consider ongoing expenses such as maintenance fees, support, and potential upgrades.

Omnant charges the same regardless of how much lab data you store in your system and how many clients your firm works with.

Ease of Use:

A LIMS should be intuitive and user-friendly to ensure that your team can quickly adapt to the new system. Consider the following:

• Interface Design: Evaluate the user interface for ease of navigation and usability.
• Customization: Check if the LIMS can be customized to fit your specific workflows and requirements.

Omnant offers a straightforward approach to entering and generating lab data that follows the workflows your lab is used to, and can be adapted or customized as needed.

We invite you to consider Omnant as your LIMS solution. Omnant is positioned to enhance your material testing processes, scale to your lab's needs, and align with your organization’s goals.

If you have specific needs or questions about selecting a LIMS, feel free to reach out for further assistance or consultation.