LIMS Project Pitfall #3
“My lab has a small number of users. Our LIMS project budget would be way less than a large lab.”
The number of end-users has no direct correlation with the overall LIMS project cost. The number one driver that determines the overall cost of a LIMS project is complexity.
"Our mega-manufacturing plant has 100 end-users, we test 20 parameters frequently, have a simple CoA, and we have no specific compliance requirements." The license portion of this project is a substantial amount of the total project cost however, the total project cost is quite low due to less configuration needs.
"Our mini-microbiology lab has 2 end-users, all chemistry samples are contracted out, our lab is TNI accredited, ISO 17025 accredited, and performs testing for clients who are FDA registered." While the license portion of this project is quite low, the total cost of this project is quite high due to the large amount of configuration needed to meet both micro and chemistry processes, handle data from outside entities, comply with all of the documentation and reporting requirements, and to validate the LIMS system.
To Avoid this LIMS Project Pitfall Remember:
- The number of end-users does NOT determine the overall project cost.
- Complexity determines the overall project cost.
- Complexity is determined by:
- Compliance and accreditation requirements.
- Number of different sample types/processes.
- Integration with instruments and systems.
- Report requirements.
- Validation requirements.
- Multi-site deployment.