LIMS DIY: Is a home-grown or a purchased LIMS right for your laboratory?

Most laboratories today have some form of LIMS to help manage their workflow. There are many types of LIMS, ranging in complexity from spreadsheets to intelligent programs that manage nearly every lab function. Whether a laboratory is in need of a LIMS, or is using a home-grown LIMS and considering implementing a purchased one, there are several factors to consider. Here, STARLIMS discusses the needs of laboratories and their employees, the role of LIMS in meeting these needs, and some advantages and disadvantages of home-grown and purchased LIMS to help decide which would be best for specific laboratories.