And so it begins

Everything seems to be about social networking these days. One would think, as a software developer and computer geek galore, I would be the first to create a Facebook account, a Twitter account, a LinkedIn account, a Flickr account, a MySpace account, a YouTube account and a blog.
I was quite offended when a friend pointed out that my lack of social networking is ludicrous because I exist, as she so delicately put it, "exclusively for my computer". I tried to retort with a clever remark about my raging and legendary social life, but then I realised she had a point.
I am proud to report that this blog is the final step in an aggressive social networking campaign. My beloved laboratory information management system (LIMS), Lab-i, can now be found on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. I know there's about a thousand more social networking applications that I should get involved in, but Rome wasn't built in a day.
Lab-i is an awesome programme. I should know, I wrote it and I work on it all day, every day. The trick, I realised in the week past, is to convince others that this programme is much more than my passion project. Lab-i is a business tool. It can double turnaround time in a laboratory, it can increase profit and generally boost business for a laboratory.
I hope to spread the gospel of Lab-i through social networking.
Here's to Lab-i, and to the future!

Why should my laboratory invest in a LIMS?

Your current system is not as effective today as it was 20 years ago.

Outdated systems can cost your laboratory thousands in paper and labour. With a traditional system skilled staff often spend hours entering data instead of applying their very expensive skills. LIMS software enables laboratory staff to spend less time capturing data, as most of the data capturing is automated. Analysts can spend more time analysing, leading to increased productivity. With automated data capturing, there is very little room for human error.

With a good LIMS system you can keep track of the progress of each sample in a batch. LIMS software can generate detailed reports in a flash, allowing you instant access to important data needed for responsible decision-making. By drawing reports, you can identify and address delays in the testing process, thus increasing productivity.