LIMS: an automating or informating technology?

Abstract

The hypothesis that automation of laboratory processes through LIMS implementation is not itself sufficient to greatly benefit or provide strategic advantage to an organisation is discussed. Traditionally automation has been implemented in order to increase management control over the means of production. As a result the introduction of automation into much of the manufacturing industry has led to increased job dissatisfaction, worker alienation and industrial unrest. This is the case irrespective of the automating technology, e.g. steam-powered machines or computer controlled systems. The specifiers and implementors of LIMS have happily trodden down this well-worn path, without digesting the experiences of other industrial sectors. However, the use of Information Technology to automate business processes provides a unique, additional dimension. IT can provide information about the automated process itself. In this respect IT is an informating technology. The use of computers within an informating strategy focuses on opportunities for continual learning as new data, events and contexts characterising the automated process create chances for additional insights, improvements and innovation. LIMS must informate as well as automate in order to achieve a successful implementation.