1. Executive Summary
Off-the-shelf LIMS solutions are powerful, but they rarely fit every unique laboratory process perfectly. A pharmaceutical client in India was struggling with a generic LIMS that couldn’t handle their complex Stability Testing workflows. NRV Lab Informatics stepped in to design and develop a Custom LIMS Module, seamlessly integrating it with their existing infrastructure to automate sample scheduling and reporting.
2. The Client & The Challenge
The client, a mid-sized pharmaceutical manufacturer, was using a top-tier global LIMS. However, the standard “out-of-the-box” features were too rigid for their specific stability study protocols.
The Pain Points:
- Manual Workarounds: Scientists were using Excel spreadsheets alongside the LIMS because the software lacked specific time-point tracking features.
- Compliance Gaps: Managing data outside the LIMS created a “shadow data” problem, raising red flags for FDA/MHRA compliance.
- Wasted Time: The IT team estimated that 15 hours per week were lost to manual data reconciliation.
They didn’t need a new LIMS; they needed their current LIMS to be smarter.
3. The NRV Solution
As experts in Custom LIMS Development, we analyzed the gap between the software’s capabilities and the lab’s reality.
Phase 1: Requirements Gathering We sat down with the Quality Control (QC) analysts to map out exactly how stability samples moved through the lab. We identified the exact friction points that the standard software missed.
Phase 2: Agile Development Our team developed a bespoke Stability Management Module.
- Custom Coding: We utilized the LIMS API to build a user-friendly interface that mirrored the scientists’ actual workflow.
- Automation: We wrote scripts to automatically trigger alerts when samples were due for testing, eliminating manual tracking.
Phase 3: Seamless Integration The most critical part was ensuring this new module “talked” to the core database. We ensured full data integrity, meaning the custom module felt like a native part of the original system.
4. The Results
The custom solution transformed the lab’s efficiency without the cost of buying new software.
Key Metrics:
- 100% LIMS Adoption: The lab completely stopped using Excel for stability tracking.
- 15 Hours Saved Weekly: The automated alerts and scheduling freed up significant time for the scientists.
- Zero Compliance Risks: All data was now captured securely within the audited LIMS environment.
5. Why Customization Matters
“Many labs think they are stuck with whatever features their software vendor gives them,” says the NRV Technical Lead. “Our job is to unlock the hidden potential of your LIMS through intelligent, custom development.”
Need a LIMS That Fits Your Lab?
If your current software is forcing you to use workarounds, it might be time for a custom solution. Contact NRV Lab Informatics to discuss your specific development needs.