Blog

We love sharing ideas, news and any handy hints!

So whether it’s the latest technology or industry news, product updates, advice or ‘gotchas’ you’ll find it here in our blogs. As well as some real-world stories from our 28+ years of creating and implementing software.

Our blogs and insights are our own opinions.

Catch up with our latest LIMS, Biobanking & CRM blogs

Jun 09
LIMS Agriculture Environmental Analysis

Cultivating Innovation: How AI-Enabled LIMS Is Transforming Agritech

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is playing a pivotal role in the evolution of agritech. As agriculture faces mounting pressures from climate instability, food insecurity, and the demand for sustainable practices, the capacity to process and act on complex data quickly is becoming... read more →
May 12
LIMS Agriculture Crop Science

Interactive Software Joins Agri-TechE to Drive Laboratory Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture

We are excited to share that Interactive Software is now a proud member of Agri-TechE, the UK’s leading agri-tech innovation network. This marks an important milestone in our commitment to supporting laboratories and organisations in the agricultural sector as they drive innovation, improve sustainability, and adapt to being an increasingly... read more →
Feb 18
Jan 27
configurable LIMS BIMS

The importance of configurable workflows in your LIMS

In today’s fast-evolving laboratory landscape, no two labs are identical. Each has its unique goals, methods, data requirements, technologies, and outputs. How your lab operates plays a critical role in delivering accurate results, maintaining efficiency, and ensuring quality and compliance. This is where workflows and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) integrated... read more →
Jan 27
Bioinformatics Scientific Research and CRM Events

Interactive Software joins GAMBICA

We are pleased to announce our membership of GAMBICA, the UK’s trade association for instrumentation, control, automation, and laboratory technology industries. This affiliation reflects our ongoing commitment to driving software-based innovations and leading the way in the development of user-focused, intuitive Laboratory Information Management Systems. GAMBICA provides a platform for... read more →
Jan 27
Dec 04
Achiever Medical LIMS in Lab

Unlocking Efficiency: The Features and Benefits of Achiever LIMS 5.7

In today’s fast-paced laboratory environments, efficiency, compliance, and data integrity are paramount. Achiever LIMS 5.7, the latest iteration of Interactive Software’s Laboratory Information Management System, is designed to meet these demands with advanced tools and features. Achiever LIMS is designed to enhance laboratory operations across various sectors, including clinical research,... read more →
Oct 29
Achiever Medical LIMS Lab Data Management

Cyber Defence in the Lab: IT’s Crucial Role in LIMS Security

In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, organisations must prioritise cybersecurity across all departments. One often-overlooked ally in this endeavour is the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). IT professionals can leverage a robust LIMS to bolster their cybersecurity strategies, ensuring that sensitive data is protected,... read more →
Oct 29
LIMS Security

Cybersecurity and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS): A Critical Intersection for Lab Managers

In today’s digital landscape, protecting sensitive data—especially in laboratories handling valuable samples—is paramount. This responsibility goes beyond practical implications; there are significant ethical considerations and financial motivations for safeguarding laboratory data and systems, whether in clinical, food, agricultural, or environmental contexts. Fundamentally, cybersecurity is about defending digital systems, networks, programs,... read more →
Jul 20
LIMS Connectivity Rack Scanner

5 Reasons to Digitally Connect Rack Scanners with LIMS

In laboratories time is of the essence. Faster turnaround and processing times help optimise vital resources as well as preserve sample integrity. Digitally connecting your rack scanner with your laboratory information management system (LIMS) accelerates your sample receipt, analysis, and dispatch processes. Instead of expending valuable resources manually transcribing data... read more →
May 15
Implementing Efficient Processes in a LIMS

5 Steps to Implementing Efficient Lab Processes in a LIMS

Laboratories, large and small, increasingly rely on technology and digital solutions, such as Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), to manage their lab processes and data efficiently, and securely. By connecting and automating processes, data, instruments and systems, a LIMS promotes improvements in data quality, integrity, compliance, and productivity across your... read more →
Sep 07
Aug 16
Modern Laboratory Challenges

Modern challenges for Laboratory Managers

Modern working practises, coupled with the ongoing threat of cyber-attacks and the increased pressure placed on laboratory professionals and biobank mangers to comply with industry regulations such as the Human Tissue Act (HTA) and MHRA have placed the onus of responsibility on LIMS software developers to ensure their systems provide... read more →
Nov 16
Laboratory Consumable Sample Processing

Advantages of Using a LIMS to Support Laboratory Consumable Management

Consumables are essential to the operation of modern laboratories. Consumable quality or absence can cause risk, delays and inefficiencies that can impact outcomes as well as reputation. This is especially significant for those carrying out time-critical processes in forensic, testing and research labs. Using a laboratory information management system (LIMS)... read more →
Oct 28
Aug 19
Jul 13
Jul 13
Jul 13
Biobank Audit Trail Value

The Value of Audit Trails in a Biobank

With biobanks, their raison d'être is to help researchers to make scientific breakthroughs using their tissue samples and the associated data. The value of the tissue samples to researchers, however, depends entirely on their profile, condition and the supporting evidence. In other words, the data. And lots of that data... read more →
Jul 05
Jun 24
Jun 07
May 24
May 13
COVID19 Managing Samples LIMS

6 Steps to Managing COVID-19 Samples and Beyond Using Achiever Medical LIMS

Sample testing capacity within the UK has increased significantly, and unbelievably rapidly, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Time and accuracy are of the essence when it comes to tracking and tracing COVID-19 samples, donors, and potential contacts. With growing volumes of samples and an ever-changing landscape as countries... read more →
Apr 29
Researcher taking test tubes from a fridge

Tired of Playing Sample Roulette? 5 Reasons Why Using Spreadsheets to Manage Sample Storage Costs More Than You Think

‘And when she got there the cupboard was bare!’* A line from a children’s nursery rhyme that may sound very familiar when it comes to looking for samples in your lab. Your spreadsheet or hand drawn diagram tells you that the sample you want is in Freezer A. When you... read more →
Apr 23
Apr 12
Mar 22
Mar 18
Mar 11
Feb 23
LIMS Training Lockdown

Training Users in Lockdown

How can I deliver training with interactive examples, effectively via a ‘live online’ format? It may seem daunting but being aware of the specific challenges this can present, and making some basic changes, you can make it work. Be aware: There will be more technical/IT challenges, especially if delegates are... read more →
Feb 19
Feb 03
Jan 28
Jan 15
Dec 09
Nov 20
Oct 06
Oct 01
Sep 24
LIMS Universities Testing Students

Achiever Medical LIMS Helping Universities Manage Onsite COVID-19 Testing for Students and Staff

With the virus increasing amongst young people, Universities are focusing on what additional measures they need to put in place to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and students returning to campuses and halls of residence. Many Universities with in-house lab facilities are considering, and even starting to conduct,... read more →
Sep 08

Turn your data into insight quickly and easily with Achiever Medical LIMS analytics and data visualisation

Turn your data into insight quickly and easily with Achiever Medical LIMS analytics and data visualisation Most laboratory information management systems (LIMS) give you some method for querying your data. Some advanced solutions provide data visualisation tools so you can display your data using graphics and gauges. While others simply... read more →
Sep 03
Aug 20
Aug 13
cloud-based LIMS and BIMS

What you need to know about web-based LIMS to help you get the benefits you want

Imagine being able to open your web-browser, navigate to a designated URL, sign-in and start working with your samples. No more wading through multiple spreadsheets or waiting for applications to load on your desktop. A web-based Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is accessible anytime and anywhere. It’s easier to deploy... read more →
Aug 03
Jul 17
Jul 07
Jul 02
Jun 25
Jun 18
Jun 08
Jun 02
May 25
May 18
May 13
May 11
Biobank Sample Requests

The Importance of Sample Request Approval and Fulfilment Processes in Biobanks

As a Biobank having high quality samples is essential for your reputation and success. You've probably defined protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that you follow when storing and processing samples. Likewise, you may use spreadsheets or dedicated systems to make sure your sample data is as complete and accurate... read more →
Apr 29
Apr 27
Apr 23
Apr 20
Apr 14
Apr 13
Apr 06
Apr 02
Mar 30
Mar 26
Researcher in lab sourcing samples using laptop

Biobanking Software and LIMS Usability and User Interface

Historically scientific software has been difficult to navigate and use. Biobanking software and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are no exception. There seems to have been a common misconception that any software handling complex lab processes must also be complicated. For many years researchers and lab managers have struggled to... read more →
Mar 23
Auditing - improving lab and sample quality

Biobanking Systems and LIMS Supporting Regulatory Compliance Changes

Legislation in any well-functioning industry evolves over time. Life sciences and clinical research are no exception. Becoming aware of those changes in good time to meet regulatory compliance is your first issue. However, regulatory bodies such as the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) issue advanced notifications about proposed changes to the... read more →
Mar 20
Mar 18
Donors as Partners in Biobank Research

Treating donors as partners in Biobank research

When people donate their tissue, they are making an important contribution to research. Research that’s developing treatments for patients for future generations. One estimate gives the percentage of donated samples actually being used for research at only 15%1. Far too many are stored and never used. Instead, they are destroyed... read more →
Mar 13
Mar 10
Mar 04
Achiever Medical LIMS Using Samples In Research

‘Make Every Sample Matter’ – How LIMS helps increase the chances of using samples in research

The difficulty of sourcing samples from the NHS is a common cry. With demands remaining unfulfilled locally and a reported 75% of samples being sourced from overseas[1]. In contrast, recent reports also highlight that only a small percentage of samples donated in the UK are actually used in research[2]. On... read more →
Feb 24
Higher Education CRM Data Migration Approach

Why your approach to data migration matters and its impact on your CRM implementation

Data quality is absolutely critical to a successful Higher Education Customer Relationship Management (CRM) implementation. It can literally make or break an implementation. On-going success is reinforced by clean and complete data. It also allows you to measure your Return on Investment (ROI) accurately, proving your success. Conversely, poor data... read more →
Feb 17
Feb 17
Feb 14
Award-winning Achiever Medical LIMS

Achiever Medical LIMS proud winners of prestigious West Midlands Medilink Healthcare and Business ‘Innovation’ award 2019

Achiever Medical LIMS proud award winners of prestigious West Midlands Medilink Healthcare and Business ‘Innovation’ award 2019 We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that our Achiever Medical laboratory information management system (LIMS) has been awarded Medilink’s West Midlands Medical and Healthcare Business ‘Innovation’ Award 2019. Congratulations to all finalists and a... read more →
Feb 13
Achiever Software on Modern Technology

Protecting what’s important – safeguarding your data in your Higher Education CRM system

Welcome to the third part in our ‘Choosing a Higher Education CRM system’ series. We’re going to be discussing ways in which you can protect your data. In recent weeks there have been several data security breaches in UK Universities. Within your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, you’re recording –... read more →
Feb 10
Feb 07
Feb 04
LIMS Technology

Building on the right foundation – understanding the technology that your LIMS is built-on

Welcome to the final part in our ‘Choosing a LIMS’ series. It’s important before you start building anything that you have a solid foundation. When it comes to Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) that foundation is the technology or platform on which the software sits. This will impact what you... read more →
Jan 28
Jan 21
Differences between LIMS and Sample Management Systems

What’s in a name? The difference between a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and a Sample Management System

Welcome to part five of our 'Choosing a LIMS' series. As the famous quote from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet goes, ‘A rose by any other name would smell as sweet’. Could you say the same for Laboratory Information Management Systems and Sample Management Software? Or Biobanking and Biobank software? Or... read more →
Jan 20
Jan 17
Jan 14
Jan 10
Jan 07
Dec 17
LIMS return on investment present

A bonus article from Secret Santa – helping you identify acceptance criteria and return on investment (ROI) measures for LIMS

You’ll typically be looking for a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to help your laboratory or Biobank save costs, improve quality, increase efficiency and increase revenues. You may already have a system in place that’s not quite working for you and you’re thinking about updating or even replacing it. Or... read more →
Dec 10
Dec 04
LIMS acceptance criteria

Avoid going out on a limb* by clearly identifying your acceptance criteria when choosing a LIMS (* pun intended!)

Welcome to blog one of the ‘Guide to Choosing a LIMS’ series. Choosing a new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) can be daunting. The process can be time-consuming and expensive - not to mention confusing. And that’s just selecting the system. You also need to add the time, money and... read more →
Dec 02
Nov 26
Software for Biobanks

Achiever Medical – the only software for Biobanks that links to the UKCRC Tissue Directory to publish your sample holdings

The competition is tough out there for Biobanks. You’re competing with commercial as well as academic Biobanks. And you need your Biobank to stand out and be noticed. You want to be the first point of call for researchers who are sourcing samples and for funders who are ready to... read more →
Nov 26
Nov 21
Nov 13
Tissue banking software

Discover why our customers say Achiever Medical is the ‘Gold Standard in Tissue Banking Software’

We're pleased to be attending the 5th Annual UK Biobanking Showcase on 19th November in Nottingham. It's the main event for anyone working in the Biobanking and human tissue sector. We're excited to be showcasing the latest version of our Achiever lab and sample management software. We know what it... read more →
Nov 12
Nov 06
Oct 30
Oct 25
Oct 18
Oct 10
Oct 03
Oct 03
Sep 19
Sep 06
Samples in Biobank Lab

Get your Biobank noticed! Achiever Medical automatically publishes your available Biobank samples to the UKCRC Tissue Directory

Want to publish your samples to UKCRC Tissue Directory but don’t have the time? If you are one of the many UK Biobanks that wants to maximise visibility of their samples, but it takes you weeks to get the data together to submit to the Directory – then Achiever Medical... read more →
Aug 16
HTA Compliant Software

The importance of collaboration in scientific research – and how your software can help

As a research lab, biobank or pharmaceutical organisation your colleagues, partners, suppliers and donors are essential to your success. Without your facilities, equipment, technology, infrastructure and resources you would be unable to carry out your valuable research.  And without your peers you would not be able to share new approaches,... read more →
Aug 09
Data Encryption and Protecting Internal Data

Protecting your data from potential internal security breaches

When it comes to protecting your data and systems you will have security in place to stop external access and attacks. But recent events show that a security breach can just as easily come from inside your own company. When thinking about your information security you should consider protecting your... read more →
Jul 26
Data encryption and protection

Protecting your information in LIMS, Sample Management and CRM systems using rules-based data encryption

This week we saw another announcement in the news where personal data had been stolen. This time it was student data from a prestigious UK University. As discussed in our last blog, some systems such as those relating to healthcare or that hold medical records, encrypt data as a matter... read more →
Jul 12
Data Encryption to Protect System Data

Why don’t all software systems encrypt sensitive or personal data?

The scientific research and healthcare sectors are constantly being reminded that they must protect sensitive and patient confidential data at all times.  These are ingrained in their standard operating procedures and they understand too well the potential consequences of any data breaches.  The need to encrypt sensitive or personal data... read more →
Jun 12
Jun 07
May 31
May 23
May 17
May 09
May 02
Apr 26
Apr 18
Using Label Scanner in the Lab

Using technology to support your laboratory sample processes

Like most laboratories, your standard operating procedures (SOPs) are probably well-documented and stored in a centralised document repository. Your researchers, lab managers and other lab personnel may also have attended training sessions on your SOPs. But how can you tell if your team have been accurately following them and your... read more →
Apr 11
Biobank Sample Management

Find solutions to your Biobank data challenges with our team at the ‘CM-Path Biobanking Workshop’ on May 14 2019 in London

‘CM-Path Biobanking Workshop - Do We Really Need Another Biobank?’ is focused on the challenges affecting new and existing Biobanks. The Biobanking Workshop will bring together experts offering real-world advice on topics ranging from funders expectations to quality and sustainability. Whether you are a new or established Biobank, our experienced... read more →
Apr 11
Apr 05
Laboratory Sample Data

Data-driven business? Is your laboratory sample data informing your decisions or is it just sat in spreadsheets or databases?

Collecting lab data can seem like a laborious administrative job. It can be perceived as taking up your team’s precious time. Your team, whose time could be better spent carrying out valuable research instead of typing in notes. However, if you are a data driven-business, your laboratory sample data is... read more →
Mar 28
Mar 21
Mar 15
University CRM Student

What a difference a day makes – the challenges of a university open-day event manager

Never has the competition amongst the UK’s leading Universities been so tough. The ripples of recent political decisions have been felt by everyone.  Compounding this are the rapid changes in technology and how best to interact with potential students. The pressure on University Marketing and Event departments to not only... read more →
Mar 08
Clinical Patient and Consent

Advantages of CRM in Biobanking and Sample Management software

Traditionally, Laboratory Information Management systems (LIMS), Biobanking software and Sample Management solutions have been seen as complicated, functional applications. These data-driven systems have focused on rigid laboratory processes with user-experience often relegated to the future. However, with the emergence of precision medicine and patient-centric approaches to research and clinical trials,... read more →
Feb 26
Feb 05
Laboratory Researcher

The benefits of sample management software in research sample selection

‘Are you aware that your selected research samples are from only 3 donors?’  We asked this question to one of our customer's after we imported their data into our lab sample management software, Achiever Medical. The import included information taken from several spreadsheets. And it was only when we imported... read more →
Jan 25
Jan 10
Dec 06
Auditing - improving lab and sample quality

‘Hello Audit!’ – A proactive approach to improving lab and sample quality

‘Audit’ – the mere mention of the word can strike fear into the heart of even the most experienced and organised of laboratory managers. You can spend hours - sometimes weeks - preparing for an external audit. You can spend time collating information, formatting documents, and ensuring your teams is... read more →
Nov 22
Sample tracking system

Using sample tracking software to manage your most valuable asset – your data

Your data is one of your most valuable assets. Without quality controls and standards in place, your data can very quickly become inaccurate, out of date and difficult to use. Although data management tools such as spreadsheets and document management systems are simple to use, they very quickly become unstructured.... read more →
Oct 18
Tissue Sample Traceability

Do you know the provenance of the tissue samples you are using in your research? The importance of tissue traceability

The validity of your research depends on the quality of the tissue samples you're using. You need to have full traceability of your tissues to really understand their quality - and viability.  This can be difficult if you are using disparate, legacy systems, and/or spreadsheets, to manage your tissues. You... read more →
Jul 29
May 20
May 07