Laboratory Information Management System / LIMS – Smart Factory Glossary

A Laboratory Information Management System, LIMS for short, is a quality management system used in the process industry. LIMS is designed for companies that work with recipes and batches, for example in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Here, the LIMS software helps to plan, control, analyze, and archive laboratory orders. The LIMS specifically ensures that all workflows are executed correctly and can be traced at all times. With the LIMS, samples are logged and clearly assigned to orders, the results are documented and evaluated, and finally released.

 

What is the difference between LIMS and MES?

A Laboratory Information and Management system as well as a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) are software solutions that are used in the production environment. Both systems optimize and automate processes and increase efficiency. However, the systems differ in their application fields and functionalities. A LIMS specializes on requirements in laboratory environments and dedicated data management, while an MES is designed to optimize manufacturing processes. The tasks of an MES are defined clearly in the VDI Guideline 5600. In contrast, the functional scope of a Laboratory Information Management System is not standardized.

• A LIMS focuses on managing samples, data, and processes in a lab environment. The system supports labs to increase efficiency and adhere to quality standards at the same time. Key functions include sample and data management, workflow automation, reporting, and the integration of lab equipment. A LIMS also supports production companies in complying with regulations such as GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) or FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

• An MES concentrates on improving production and its specific processes. It also provides transparency and controls the whole production process. The MES provides main functions for production planning and control, quality assurance, material, order and, document management as well as performance analysis. An MES aims to reduce production costs, minimize scrap, and increase efficiency.

   

LIMS functions in MES HYDRA X

Key functions of a LIMS are also mapped by the manufacturing execution system HYDRA X by MPDV with its applications in the Quality Management category. Examples of key functions:

• The Inspection Planning in MES HYDRA X enables the user to create detailed inspection plans. Upcoming inspections and inspection times are defined for each product. Inspection characteristics including permissible tolerances are stored and assigned to the respective work step. 
• In-production Inspection assures that each product complies with quality requirements. Employees are informed about pending inspection tasks and inspection equipment. User-guided dialogs lead employees through the process of checking quality features. Quality data can be directly collected in the MES and batches are classified. The system then creates a usage decision based on inspection results. This usage decision indicates whether the batch is used without restriction or is destroyed due to quality restrictions.
• Quality Analysis & Statistics is used to prepare quality data and to generate control charts or histograms for better understanding. The application calculates key figures such as process capability indices Cp and Cpk from quality data, which can be used to statistically evaluate processes in production technology.
• Risk management with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is of particular interest or even mandatory in a regulated environment. By assigning system and process elements, functions, characteristics, failures, and measures to the individual FMEAs and creating links between failures, causes and effects, a meaningful failure network is produced. The user can identify failures with the FMEA application before they occur and improve product quality in the run-up to production.

Source

• Laboratory Information and Management System: Wikipedia, 30.12.2023 [online] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laboratory_information_management_system (requested on 14. 03.2024).

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