Many labs struggle with the question whether they need an Scientific Data Management Systems, or SDMS. In this article, I will explain the benefits of an SDMS. Perhaps this will help you draw up a business case.
Compliant And Secure Storage Of Electronic Data
For the storage of raw data from the stand-alone systems in the lab, local storage or file shares are still widely used.
From the perspective of the data integrity regulations, but also because of the business risks of loss of analysis data and possible reanalysis, good administration of this data is required. A good backup strategy is needed for local storage and additional software is needed for controlled storage on the network.
Considering this process is required for all devices, this is a time-consuming solution.
In addition to stand-alone storage, the simpler systems such as balance and pH meter are directly linked to the LIMS or ELN.
More complex systems can be linked too, such as plate readers and chromatographic data management systems.
The data integrity regulations require that the original raw data be stored legible. “Legible” is a challenge eventually. For example, what do you do when replacing an outdated device with specific software?
Virtualization of the systems is a possible solution but will also be a challenge regarding storage, administration, and support of the images.
An SDMS, Scientific Data Management System, is designed to automatically transport, store and catalog laboratory data. Making the data long-term accessible, searchable and retrievable.
An SDMS keeps all versions and keeps an audit log.
Another important aspect of using an SDMS is the support for reuse of the measurement data. Most current SDMSs use FAIR principles to preserve the data. This makes it possible to provide relevant background information with the measurement data.
SDMS systems offer integration options with e.g., ELN and LIMS. As a result, adjustments or programming on the LIMS or ELN side are much more limited. After all, you only need to connect the SDMS and not each instrument separately. In addition, the link between the instrument and the SDMS is part of the package offered.
Many SDMS’s support the conversion to a certain standard. A standard format makes it possible to use generic software for calculations and visualization. This offers many additional benefits such as:
Conclusion
For many laboratories, an SDMS offers many advantages. A business case is easy to make for this. In summary, these advantages are:
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