Laboratory Information Management Archives - INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE

Interactive Software at Lab Innovations 2026 – The Future of Laboratories Stage

Sharon Williams — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 11:42:18 +0000

Two days, one exhibition stand, a spot on stage and plenty to talk about It’s nearly time to pack our bags, dust off our exhibition shoes and head to Birmingham for one of our favourite dates in the laboratory calendar. On the 4th – 5th November, the Interactive Software team will be back at Lab Innovations, NEC Birmingham, showcasing Achiever LIMS, catching up with familiar faces and meeting new ones. And this year, we are doing more than exhibiting. We’re also taking to the Future of Laboratories Stage alongside our customer, Tropic, to talk about something close to our hearts: helping laboratories make better use of their data without making life more complicated. Let’s talk about the elephant in the lab… spreadsheets… We have all been there. A spreadsheet for sample tracking. Another for results. A shared folder full of documents. Perhaps a few manual processes that have somehow become essential to keeping everything running. And, of course, that one spreadsheet everyone relies on, but nobody wants to touch. Spreadsheets have their place. They are flexible, familiar and often the starting point for laboratories finding their feet. But as sample volumes grow, workflows become more complex and demands on laboratory […]

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The Achiever LIMS Implementation Approach

Sharon Williams — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 11:59:28 +0000

Stage by Stage: Why implementing Achiever LIMS doesn’t need to disrupt your lab Changing a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is often seen as one of the most challenging projects a laboratory can undertake. Unlike replacing a single instrument or introducing a new test method, implementing a LIMS touches almost every part of the operation. Samples still need to be processed, reports still need to be issued and customers still expect the same level of service throughout the transition. It’s understandable that many laboratories worry more about the implementation process than the software itself. In reality, successful LIMS projects are rarely defined by the technology alone. They succeed because there is a clear methodology behind them, one that breaks a complex project into manageable stages, involves laboratory staff from the outset and focuses on delivering measurable improvements rather than unnecessary change. At Interactive Software, that’s exactly how every Achiever LIMS implementation is approached. A foundation built on value, not complexity Every Achiever LIMS implementation is guided by two core principles that shape the entire project. The first is a foundation-first approach. Rather than immediately configuring every possible feature, the implementation begins by understanding how the laboratory operates today and making […]

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Accelerating Agritech lab performance: How a LIMS optimises workflows

Sharon Williams — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 09:18:26 +0000

Agritech laboratories can handle large numbers of samples across a wide range of testing activities, from soil and crop analysis to seed testing and environmental monitoring. As sample volumes increase, laboratories need to maintain accurate results and reliable turnaround times while making effective use of available staff and equipment. This can become difficult where laboratory processes rely heavily on manual administration. Sample registration, worksheet preparation, instrument data entry, calculations, reporting and approval may each require relatively little time individually. However, when these tasks are repeated across hundreds or thousands of samples, they can account for a significant proportion of the working day. A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) can help laboratories manage these processes more efficiently by bringing sample information, workflows, analytical data and reporting together within a single system. Sample registration and allocation Efficient sample processing starts when a sample enters the laboratory. Samples may arrive from different customers, farms, sites, trials or research projects, with each requiring associated information to be recorded. Where this information is entered manually into spreadsheets or separate systems, registration can become time-consuming and may introduce transcription errors or incomplete records. A LIMS can provide configurable sample registration workflows that define the information required […]

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From Spreadsheets to LIMS: Building Integrated Laboratory Systems for the Future

Sharon Williams — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:02:07 +0000

Walk into a lab in the 1970s and, at first glance, it wouldn’t feel entirely unfamiliar. There would be microscopes lined along the benches, glass pipettes drying in racks, centrifuges rattling away in the corner and scientists carefully recording observations in notebooks that had almost certainly survived several chemical spills. Visit a laboratory today and it’s a different world. Instruments generate millions of data points before you’ve had chance to finish your morning coffee. Genome sequencing that once took years now happens in days. Liquid handling robots quietly work through repetitive tasks with extraordinary precision, while artificial intelligence is beginning to uncover patterns that might have taken researchers weeks, or even months, to spot. Science has advanced at a remarkable pace. However, the way many laboratories manage their information hasn’t always kept up. Despite advances in instrumentation and automation, many organisations still struggle to create truly integrated laboratory systems that connect data, workflows and people. Scratch beneath the surface and you will often uncover a fascinating ecosystem of spreadsheets, handwritten notebooks, shared network drives, emails, printed worksheets and the occasional laminated instruction sheet that nobody remembers creating but nobody dares throw away. Every laboratory seems to have developed its own […]

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Boost soil testing lab efficiency: The business case for a LIMS

Sharon Williams — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:57:51 +0000

Soil testing laboratories play a vital role in construction, infrastructure, environmental and agricultural projects. Whether assessing the suitability of land for development, determining earthworks specifications or evaluating ground conditions for major infrastructure schemes, accurate testing data is essential for informed decision-making. However, today’s soil testing laboratories are under increasing pressure to process growing volumes of samples, deliver results within demanding project timescales and meet stringent quality and compliance requirements. At the same time, they must maintain complete traceability across every stage of the testing process, often without significant increases in resources or staffing. Managing hundreds or even thousands of soil, rock and aggregate samples across multiple projects presents significant operational challenges. Samples often move through numerous stages, from receipt and logging through to preparation, testing, validation and reporting. Without effective systems in place, maintaining visibility and control becomes increasingly difficult. A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) can help soil testing laboratories manage this complexity by providing a central platform for sample tracking, workflow management, quality control and reporting. Managing complex soil testing workflows Soil testing laboratories often handle a wide variety of sample types and testing methodologies. A single project may involve classification testing, moisture content analysis, particle size distribution, […]

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Achiever LIMS 5.8: Extending laboratory automation

Sharon Williams — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:37:58 +0000

Digital transformation is no longer just about replacing paper-based processes. Today’s organisations need systems that work together seamlessly, allowing data, workflows and decisions to move securely across applications, departments and partners. With the launch of Achiever 5.8, we are taking another step towards helping organisations create truly connected digital ecosystems. Building on Achiever’s existing low-code process automation capabilities, the new API framework allows organisations to extend workflows beyond the boundaries of Achiever itself, connecting laboratory instruments, enterprise applications, healthcare systems, finance platforms and more. Why integration matters Most organisations rely on multiple systems to run their operations. Whether it’s a LIMS, CRM, ERP, finance platform, HR system, electronic lab notebook or clinical application, valuable information is often spread across different technologies. When systems cannot communicate effectively, teams are forced to manually transfer information between applications. This creates delays, increases the risk of errors and makes it harder to maintain visibility and compliance. Modern organisations require real-time access to information, automated business processes, and connected workflows that span departments, systems and locations. At the same time, they must ensure data is exchanged securely, governed appropriately and fully traceable for compliance and operational oversight. Integration is essential for organisations looking to improve […]

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10 Essential Tips for LIMS Implementation Success

Sharon Williams — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:33:57 +0000

Implementing a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is one of the most transformative steps a lab can take. Whether you are moving away from spreadsheets or replacing an outdated system, the process can feel overwhelming. But with the right preparation and a clear strategy, your lab can transition smoothly to a modern, more efficient, fully compliant workflow. Below are ten essential tips to help guide your lab through a successful LIMS implementation, from early planning to long‑term optimisation. 1. Define clear objectives from the start Before any configuration begins, take time to articulate exactly what you want your LIMS to achieve. Many labs aim to reduce manual data entry and administrative load, improve sample traceability, or strengthen audit readiness. Others want to eliminate bottlenecks, improve turnaround times, or gain better visibility of workloads. Whatever your priorities, defining them early ensures the system is designed around your real needs rather than generic assumptions. Clear objectives also help keep the project focused and aligned across teams. 2. Map existing workflows A LIMS should support the way your lab operates not force you to change processes unnecessarily. Spend time documenting how samples move through your lab today, from receipt to reporting. Identify where […]

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Why a LIMS is the backbone of growing laboratories

Sharon Williams — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:31:27 +0000

Scaling with confidence: How a LIMS enables laboratory growth In today’s laboratory environments, growth is rarely linear. Whether driven by increasing sample volumes, expanding research pipelines, or stricter regulatory demands, laboratories must constantly evolve. Yet many find themselves constrained not by scientific capability, but by systems that simply cannot keep up. This is where a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) becomes an essential tool both in day-to-day use and for future scaling of laboratory operations. The scalability challenge in modern laboratories Many laboratories begin with tools that are quick to implement, spreadsheets, standalone systems, and manual processes. While these may work in the early stages, they often create hidden inefficiencies that become increasingly problematic as operations expand. As sample volumes rise and workflows become more complex, laboratories frequently encounter: Fragmented data across multiple systems. Increased risk of manual errors. Limited traceability and audit readiness. Difficulty scaling workflows or introducing new processes. Reduced visibility across teams and projects. At a certain point, these limitations stop being manageable workarounds and start becoming barriers to growth. What does a scalable LIMS really mean? A scalable LIMS is not just about managing more data; it’s about enabling a laboratory to grow without friction. It […]

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Interactive Software: Your lab deserves more than spreadsheets and wishful thinking

Sharon Williams — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:33:50 +0000

If you’ve ever tried to wrangle spreadsheets, sticky notes, and that one mysterious Excel file called ‘FINAL_v7_ACTUAL_FINAL.xlsx’ into something resembling a laboratory information management system… this one’s for you. Let’s talk about LIMS. Specifically, choosing the right LIMS and implementation partner — because getting the software right is important, but getting the team behind it right is what truly makes the difference. First things first: LIMS isn’t just software A LIMS should make your life easier. Not ‘slightly less chaotic’, not ‘marginally improved’, but genuinely better. Faster workflows, cleaner data, fewer headaches, and ideally… fewer existential crises before your morning coffee. That’s where the team at Interactive Software quietly (and very competently) step in. We actually understand labs (really, we do) You know that moment when a software provider is nodding along but it’s clear they don’t really understand how specific and uniquely integrated your sample tracking process actually is? We don’t do that. Our team is built on real-world experience in laboratory systems and data management. Which means fewer awkward explanations, fewer mismatched solutions, and far less ‘No…that’s not quite it’ moments. Big enough to deliver. Small enough to care. Some companies are so big you need a support […]

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Unlock hidden savings: Making the ROI case for your lab’s LIMS investment

Sharon Williams — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:29:14 +0000

Let’s be honest, laboratory teams are brilliant at solving complex scientific problems. But when it comes to managing samples, data, and workflows, many labs are still juggling spreadsheets, paper notes, and systems that don’t quite speak to each other. And while that patchwork approach might feel manageable day to day, it can quietly chip away at productivity, accuracy, and ultimately the bottom line. Manual data entry: A small task with a big impact Most laboratories eventually hit a tipping point where spreadsheets multiply and processes become harder to manage. Suddenly the conversation turns to whether it’s time for something smarter and they begin exploring the LIMS ROI business case to understand whether the investment will pay off. The truth is, the ROI of a LIMS often shows up in places labs don’t initially expect, hidden in everyday inefficient processes that have simply become part of the routine. Take manual data entry. On its own, it doesn’t seem like a major issue. But multiply it across dozens of samples, multiple technicians, and repeated checks to make sure nothing has been missed. Suddenly hours disappear each week. The same goes for tracking samples across spreadsheets, chasing down missing or inconsistent data, preparing […]

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