Case study

Unifying a multi-site laboratory network on one LIMS.

National laboratory network

A national network standardized systems, test menus, and reporting across its laboratory sites.

Organized laboratory supplies and inventory — Editorial image representing the operating context. It is not client documentation.

Operating shift

Before

Different systems and operating practices by site

After

One shared LIMS and a common operating model

Sites used different systems, test definitions, and reporting practices. Growth increased the cost and risk of coordinating the network as one operation.

The network standardized its core LIMS model while preserving the site-level differences required for safe and effective laboratory work.

The network standardized core laboratory work across sites while keeping one shared view of test menus, samples, and results.

Leadership decision

Standardization created scale without removing the needs of each laboratory site.

One shared LIMS and a common operating model

The constraint

Sites used different systems, test definitions, and reporting practices. Growth increased the cost and risk of coordinating the network as one operation.

The decision

The network standardized its core LIMS model while preserving the site-level differences required for safe and effective laboratory work.

What followed

The network standardized core laboratory work across sites while keeping one shared view of test menus, samples, and results.

How the operation changed

One result. Three connected moves.

Design

Define the network standard.

Set the shared data, test, process, and governance model across sites.

Migrate

Move one site at a time.

Protect continuity through controlled data, configuration, and release decisions.

Operate

Govern the shared platform.

Give the network one way to manage change while supporting local needs.

What leaders can carry forward

The result depended on the operating conditions around the technology.

Standardize what creates network value.
Preserve local variation only where the operation requires it.
Treat each site release as an operating decision.

Different systems and operating practices by site

One shared LIMS and a common operating model

Standardization created scale without removing the needs of each laboratory site.

One shared LIMS and a common operating model

The constraint

The decision

What followed

Define the network standard.

Move one site at a time.

Govern the shared platform.

The result depended on the operating conditions around the technology.

Sample custody began in the field. The digital record followed it to the lab.

Modernizing regulated quality work in a pharmaceutical lab.

Facing a similar operating constraint?