LIMS

AIS LIMS is a generic, highly configurable Laboratory Information Management System designed to help laboratories of all types operate more efficiently and manage their processes with greater accuracy. Suitable for a wide range of organisations, AIS LIMS can be tailored to meet virtually any laboratory's specific needs, enabling teams to save time and reduce costs through task automation, equipment integration, and streamlined workflows.

The system is built around a modular architecture, meaning laboratories can adopt the capabilities most relevant to their operations, including optional add-ons such as Analytical Quality Control (AQC). AIS LIMS is used across diverse settings, from agricultural and public analyst laboratories to university research facilities and commercial contract analysis labs.

Security and Access Control

• 64-bit encrypted password security ensures only authorised users can access sample data
• User profiles can be configured to restrict access to specific areas of the system
• Different security levels and accessibility rights can be assigned per user
• The system can be set to automatically log users out after a defined period of inactivity

Navigation and User Interface

• Accessed via user-configured menus and toolbars controlled by security levels or user profiles
• A "Control Centre" hub provides views and actions relevant to a wide range of user activities
• User profiles manage access to restricted activities such as sample and results approval

Sample Registration

• Samples can be registered individually or in groups quickly and efficiently
• Every sample is assigned a unique sample number for full traceability
• All actions performed against a sample are recorded to support regulatory compliance
• Samples can be registered from files generated by sampling programs, stability profiles, or external systems such as AIS labPortal
• Registration screens are highly configurable to capture information relevant to each operation
• Barcode labels displaying sample numbers and relevant information can be designed and produced
• Sample receipts and confirmations including pricing can be emailed directly to clients before analysis begins

Sample Tracking

• Barcode-based tracking of sample containers and aliquots throughout the laboratory process
• Enables both laboratory staff and clients to monitor sample locations at every stage of the lab life cycle
• Supports regulatory compliance requirements for full sample traceability

Scheduling and Workflow Automation

• Worksheets can be generated for use as result entry forms
• Worklists can be produced for daily laboratory workloads and instrument loading
• Designed to be simple enough for inexperienced users to enter data quickly and accurately, minimising errors

Results Entry

• Results can be entered manually via keyboard or automatically from instrument files
• Keyboard capture system supports simpler instrument interfaces such as balances
• Direct data capture from laboratory instruments improves accuracy and speed of data entry
• User training records, instrument records, and AQC targets are used to validate entered results for accuracy and precision
• Supports user-defined calculations within worksheets with automatic recalculation of derived values when input data changes
• Automation of calculations removes manual errors and reduces the need for costly retesting

Validation and Approval

• Designated users with appropriate permissions can assign statuses including validated, approved, failed, or withdrawn to individual samples or groups
• The approval process can be automated or performed manually
• During approval, users can review all associated data including documents, audit trail, AQC data, and historical results
• General, specific, and statistical limits can be displayed, with limit infringements highlighted before results are approved

Reporting

• Includes a proprietary report designer allowing trained users to create any number of report templates
• Supports third-party reporting tools including Microsoft Excel
• Results can be delivered to customers in multiple formats, including hard copy and electronic output
• Multiple report styles are available for both individual and multi-sample reports, which users can select and customise

Views and Data Visualisation

• Supports any number of user-defined views of LIMS data displayed as tables or graphs
• Views are built using SQL queries and can be associated with specific user profiles
• Many actions can be launched directly from views
• View contents can be automatically refreshed on a timed basis or upon completion of certain actions

Analytical Quality Control (AQC)

• Optional AQC module available as an add-on to the core LIMS
• Provides a framework for interactively scheduling, recording, and checking analytical results against known quality standards
• Supports measurement of multiple standards and reference materials, duplicate sample analyses, and recovery in spiked samples
• AQC warnings and actions are audited and displayed during result entry and approval processes
• Results can be reported as statistical summaries and control charts can be generated to monitor trends
• Automated processes can generate series of AQC charts for selected determinations
• AQC breaches are automatically logged as part of the audit trail to support traceability
• Helps demonstrate compliance with accreditation scheme requirements including UKAS, MCERTS, and INAB

AIS LIMS is an established solution with a long track record across sectors including agricultural science, public analysis, university research, and commercial contract laboratories. The system supports integration with external platforms such as AIS labPortal and third-party tools including Microsoft Excel, making it adaptable to a broad range of laboratory environments and compliance requirements.