Best Laboratory Information Management System Software of 2026

Laboratory information management systems (LIMS) have become an essential technology in sample-based testing fields for clinical labs (such as immunology, and microbiology), production labs (such as biotech and pharmaceutical), food and beverage labs, and natural sciences labs (such as environmental and metallurgy).

With the wide range of laboratory information management systems available on the market, choosing the one that best meets your needs and budget is important. Use this guide to understand all the factors you need to consider when choosing your LIMS.

Here's what we'll cover:

• What is LIMS software?

• Common features of LIMS software

• What type of buyer are you?

• Benefits of LIMS software

• Key considerations when selecting LIMS software

• Market trends to understand

What is LIMS software?

LIMS software helps laboratories manage and track samples, organize workflows, and store and analyze all laboratory data. These tools make labs more efficient and productive by gathering, managing, and analyzing huge volumes of lab data in a centralized location.

An LIMS streamlines lab operations by automating repetitive and error-prone data entry tasks and alerting staff members about issues with samples or testing operations.

Manage histology requests in Exemplar LIMS (Source)

Common features of LIMS software

In the LIMS market, different vendors offer different features as part of their LIMS offerings. Selecting software with the right features for your business is easier when you know what the most common features are and what they do. Here’s a look at common features of LIMS tools:

What type of buyer are you?

Before you start evaluating LIMS options, you'll want to know which buyer category you belong to. Most buyers fall into one of the following categories:

• Small independent labs. These buyers are likely looking to deploy an LIMS to help grow their customer base. Their primary need is automating data storage and inventory management to make processes more efficient and deliver faster results to their customers.

• Medium and large-sized labs. These buyers are on the verge of upgrading their basic LIMS to get more data storage and automate lab inventory management. For these buyers, seamless integration with their existing systems is usually more important than specific or niche features.

• Specialty buyers. These buyers need specific features that suit their specialty/niche. For example, specialty-specific clinical laboratories (such as hematology, immunology, or microbiology) require an LIMS that offers a database of common terms used in their lab processes, samples, and tests.

Benefits of LIMS software

• Increased revenue. These systems allow labs to conduct efficient sample management and complete more tests in less time. Since most labs make money based on the number of samples they process, an LIMS can increase revenue by helping increase volume.

• Real-time results tracking. These systems consolidate all lab data into searchable records. With your data in one place, you can then visualize the data using tables and graphs, and set alerts for metrics if they don’t meet expectations.

Key considerations when selecting LIMS software

• Mobile app availability: Check whether the LIMS you’re planning to purchase offers mobile apps for iOS and Android devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets). A mobile app lets users input data even when offline or with limited internet access. Data collected offline will automatically sync with the system once internet connectivity is restored.

• Customer support: Ask about the type of support provided by your shortlisted software providers: 24/7, 24/5, or only during business hours. Also, verify whether they offer your preferred support channels (e.g., email, phone, live chat). Sufficient support services are crucial to address any software issues that can lead to compromised or lost confidential data.

Market trends to understand

• Cloud-based LIMS deployment will outpace on-premise systems: The adoption of cloud-based LIMS deployment is expected to grow at a faster rate than on-premise deployment, mainly due to the increased flexibility and shorter implementation time offered by cloud-based systems. Cloud-based deployment allows labs to access data remotely via web browser, thus reducing implementation costs and improving buyers' ROI.

Note: The application selected in this article is an example to show a feature in context and isn’t intended as an endorsement or a recommendation. It has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication.