Part 1 of our Sample Informatics and LIMS Workshop Series, “How Informatics Can Revolutionize Your Biosample Management” brought together industry experts to discuss the vital role of informatics in the world of biotech and pharma. The panel featured John Conway, Chief Visioneer Officer at 20/15 Visioneers, along with Azenta experts Rajeev Sehgal, Senior Director of Informatics, Ashley Herman, Director of Customer Data and Site Sample Management, and Melissa Soe, Solution Analyst. Each panelist offered their unique expert perspectives and insights to shed light on the challenges and opportunities in the field and explore the ways informatics solutions are revolutionizing biosample management, bringing therapies to market faster. We have summarized some of the key takeaways from this event below.
The Growing Importance of Informatics in Biosample Management
Informatics solutions are crucial for automating processes and streamlining biosample management and require hardware and software automation to enhance efficiency and reduce errors. These solutions play a pivotal role in sample and data handling by minimizing human interaction and optimizing operations across the board.
Improving Sample Quality and Compliance
Informatics systems improve sample quality by offering detailed data on a sample’s origin, conditions, and usage history. They facilitate consent management, making sample access easier while ensuring ethical and regulatory compliance. Ideal for streamlining sample workflow and data management, they minimize the time samples spend outside of appropriate storage conditions, consistently preserving sample quality.
Tailored Workflows and Standardization
Achieving a balance between standardization and flexibility is crucial. Standardized modules enhance efficiency in routine tasks, while flexibility enables tailored solutions for specific research requirements. It’s essential to have an experienced informatics partner who questions existing practices and fosters continuous process enhancement.
Data Integration Challenges
The integration of data from partner sites with varying LIMS systems and metadata formats presents a significant challenge. Informatics solutions must deliver flexible data models, leverage generative AI for translation, and incorporate human checks to maintain data consistency and accuracy.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Informatics solutions play a vital role in enhancing sustainability within biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Through automated data management and tracking, these solutions facilitate accurate sample inventory and disposal, enabling organizations to optimize storage, minimize energy consumption, and reduce waste. They aim to significantly minimize a lab’s carbon footprint, contributing to overall sustainability efforts.
This workshop takes a deep dive into the role of informatics in biosample management, as it not only enhances efficiency and accuracy in managing samples and data but also addresses important ethical, regulatory, and environmental concerns. As the industry continues to evolve, the reliance on informatics solutions will undoubtedly increase.
To learn more and dive deeper into these topics, watch the workshop on demand.
Azenta Sample Informatics & LIMS Offerings:
- Limfinity® Biobanking LIMS is a comprehensive biobanking LIMS solution designed to support enterprise storage and sample management across different lab workflows. It seamlessly integrates with instruments, automated storage systems, and software systems, providing audit trails and regulatory compliance. Limfinity offers standard capabilities with the option to customize as needed, ultimately helping to improve sample utility and development efficiency.
- FreezerPro® Sample Management System is an off-the-shelf freezer management solution with comprehensive storage management capabilities. It is known for its simplicity and quick installation process. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with Ziath scanners, automated storage systems, and cryogenic freezers, providing a convenient solution for managing laboratory freezer inventories.