Ask LigoLab: Data Analytics, Laboratory Informatics, and Inventory Management Software Explained

Laboratory technology extends well beyond the laboratory information system (LIS).

Modern laboratories rely on a growing ecosystem of diagnostic lab software to analyze data, manage specimens and samples, automate workflows, monitor inventory, connect instruments, maintain compliance, and turn laboratory activity into actionable operational and financial intelligence.

That expanding technology landscape also creates questions. Which tools are best for laboratory data analysis? Who are the major laboratory informatics providers? And what software should laboratories consider for inventory management?

In this edition of Ask LigoLab, we step beyond traditional laboratory information system software to examine three common questions about the broader laboratory technology market.

Discover More: Ask LigoLab - Answering Your Questions About LIMS, Laboratory Project Tracking, and Histopathology Software

Question 1: What Tools Are Available for Data Analysis in Laboratory Settings?

Laboratories generate enormous amounts of information, but collecting data and extracting value from it are two different things.

Depending on the laboratory environment and its objectives, data analysis can involve everything from reviewing individual test results to identifying workflow bottlenecks, monitoring quality trends, measuring turnaround times, evaluating staff productivity, tracking reimbursement, and applying artificial intelligence (AI) to complex datasets.

Several tools and applications support these activities.

LIS and LIMS Analytics

For many laboratories, the most valuable analytics begin with the software already managing their workflows.

Modern laboratory information system (LIS) and laboratory information management system (LIMS) platforms can provide dashboards, configurable reports, statistical queries, quality metrics, and operational analytics without requiring users to export data into separate applications.

The distinction between LIS and LIMS is important. LIS platforms are generally patient-centered and designed for clinical diagnostic and pathology laboratories. LIMS platforms are traditionally sample-centered and widely used in research, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, manufacturing, environmental, and other laboratory environments.

For clinical and pathology laboratories, analyzing data directly within the source system offers significant advantages. With real-time access to current operational data, laboratory leaders can continuously monitor performance without relying on periodic data transfers to separate analytics platforms.

LigoLab takes this approach further by bringing lab information system and laboratory revenue cycle management (RCM) data together in a single informatics environment. Its configurable dashboards can use standardized reports, custom scripting, and SQL queries to monitor laboratory workflow, productivity, turnaround time, lab billing, reimbursement, and other key performance indicators.

This creates a broader view of laboratory performance because operational and financial information doesn’t have to be analyzed in separate silos.

Business Intelligence and Visualization Tools

General-purpose business intelligence (BI) platforms can also play an important role in laboratory analytics.

Tools such as Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, and similar applications enable organizations to aggregate information from multiple sources and create dashboards, visualizations, and executive-level reports.

These platforms are especially useful when laboratory information needs to be combined with enterprise-wide financial, staffing, supply chain, or organizational data.

The tradeoff is integration. A standalone BI platform is only as useful as the quality, timeliness, and accessibility of the information feeding it. Laboratories should consider how data will move from the LIS, LIMS, RCM system, instruments, and other sources into the analytics environment and how those connections will need to be maintained.

Statistical and Scientific Analysis Tools

Research and highly specialized laboratories may also use statistical programming environments and scientific analysis applications.

Programming languages such as Python and R support advanced statistical modeling, data analysis, machine learning, and visualization. Laboratories can also use specialized scientific software for genomics, bioinformatics, image analysis, assay development, and other discipline-specific workflows.

These tools provide tremendous flexibility, but they generally require greater technical expertise than built-in laboratory dashboards and reporting tools.

AI-Powered Laboratory Analytics

Artificial intelligence is adding another layer to laboratory data analysis.

AI and machine learning can help laboratories uncover patterns that may be difficult to identify manually, anticipate operational issues, analyze images, prioritize workloads, identify reimbursement risks, and interact with laboratory data using natural language.

The greater opportunity, however, extends beyond adding standalone AI tools. By integrating AI directly with the data, systems, and workflows that power daily laboratory operations, labs can turn insights into meaningful actions and measurable improvements.

That’s driving LigoLab’s evolution from a traditional LIS system of record to a modern LIS system of action. Rather than simply documenting what has already occurred, the platform uses laboratory data to identify what needs attention, initiate appropriate workflows, and support more proactive decision-making.

What Should a Lab Look for in a Data Analysis Solution?

Regardless of the specific technology, laboratories should consider whether an analytics solution provides:

• Real-time or near-real-time access to relevant data
• Configurable dashboards and reports
• Operational and quality metrics
• Strong data visualization
• Ad hoc querying
• Role-specific views
• Integration with laboratory systems and instruments
• Appropriate security and access controls
• Auditability and data integrity
• Scalability as testing volume and data complexity increase

Clinical laboratories and pathology groups should also consider financial visibility. Operational performance and financial performance are closely connected, so analyzing them separately can leave important gaps.

An integrated platform enables laboratories to analyze operational and financial performance using a shared data infrastructure.

White Paper: Bridging the Gap in Modern Laboratories - Why a Comprehensive Digital Platform Outperforms a Traditional Lab Information System

Question 2: Which Companies Are Leading in Laboratory Informatics Solutions?

There is no universal answer because laboratory informatics covers several different markets.

A medical laboratory has very different requirements from a pharmaceutical research facility, environmental testing laboratory, academic research center, or manufacturing quality-control laboratory.

For that reason, laboratories should first determine whether they need an LIS, LIMS, ELN, SDMS, RCM solution, inventory platform, or a combination of these technologies.

Several established providers illustrate the breadth of today's laboratory informatics market.

LigoLab

For independent clinical laboratories and pathology groups, LigoLab provides an all-in-one laboratory informatics platform that unifies medical LIS and lab RCM workflows.

Rather than limiting the system to specimen processing and results reporting, the LigoLab platform supports anatomic pathology, clinical laboratory operations, molecular diagnostics, microbiology and specialty testing, laboratory billing, business intelligence, and direct-to-consumer lab testing workflows.

A key differentiator is LigoLab’s shared laboratory informatics infrastructure, which brings technical, operational, and financial workflows into one environment. Data captured at order entry remains accessible throughout testing, reporting, coding, claim submission, and reimbursement.

The platform also includes a configurable workflow designer, rules and automation engines, an interface engine, reporting and distribution capabilities, dashboards, data-mining tools, and integrations with instruments, EHRs, digital pathology systems, and third-party services.

For medical laboratories seeking to reduce the number of disconnected applications they maintain, an all-in-one approach can provide an important alternative to assembling multiple point solutions.

LabVantage

LabVantage is a major provider in the LIMS market and serves a broad range of industries.

Its informatics platform combines LIMS capabilities with electronic laboratory notebook (ELN), laboratory execution system (LES), scientific data management system (SDMS), and analytics functionality.

Its broad industry coverage makes it particularly relevant to organizations operating in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, manufacturing, biobanking, food and beverage, environmental, and other sample-centric environments.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers SampleManager LIMS Software as part of its laboratory informatics portfolio.

SampleManager combines LIMS functionality with SDMS, ELN, and LES capabilities and supports laboratory data, workflow, process, and compliance management. Its analytics capabilities include dashboards to provide visibility into laboratory performance, resources, stock, and locations.

This type of solution is particularly relevant to organizations requiring LIMS capabilities connected to broader scientific and laboratory environments.

STARLIMS

STARLIMS provides informatics solutions across quality manufacturing, clinical, and public health laboratory environments.

Its platforms combine LIMS with technologies such as SDMS, ELN, LES, and advanced analytics, reflecting the industry's broader movement toward integrated informatics rather than isolated laboratory applications.

Clinisys

Clinisys operates across both healthcare LIS and broader LIMS markets.

Its portfolio includes established laboratory products and a newer configurable laboratory platform designed to support multiple laboratory sectors. Its offerings illustrate how traditional boundaries between LIS, LIMS, analytics, and broader laboratory informatics continue to evolve.

Choosing a Laboratory Informatics Company

The most recognizable vendor is not automatically the right vendor for every laboratory.

A better evaluation starts with the laboratory's environment and objectives.

Clinical laboratories and pathology groups should prioritize patient-centered workflow, specimen traceability, clinical reporting, interoperability, regulatory support, automation, and increasingly, integration between LIS, laboratory billing, and AI.

Research and industrial laboratories may place greater emphasis on sample management, ELN functionality, experiment documentation, formulations, inventory, instrument data, and scientific data management.

Industry Insights: Best LIS Systems - Top Laboratory Information Systems Compared for Clinical, Pathology, and Outreach Labs

Question 3: What Are the Best Software Options for Laboratory Inventory Management?

Inventory management is another area where the laboratory's setting matters.

Research laboratories may need detailed management of reagents, chemicals, antibodies, cell lines, samples, freezer locations, equipment, and purchasing. Medical laboratories may be more concerned with tracking supplies and materials within regulated diagnostic workflows.

Several approaches are available.

Quartzy

Quartzy is designed around laboratory operations, inventory, requests, and purchasing.

Its inventory functionality helps laboratories track quantities, storage locations, expiration dates, and customizable item information. Laboratories can also manage requests and purchasing in the platform, making it relevant for organizations seeking to connect inventory management with procurement.

Labguru

Labguru combines inventory management with ELN and broader laboratory informatics capabilities.

Its inventory tools track samples and supplies by physical location, monitor remaining quantities and expiration dates, use barcodes and QR codes, and connect materials with experimental work.

This integration is especially useful for research laboratories that want inventory records closely connected with experiments and protocols.

Benchling

Benchling provides inventory capabilities within a broader life-sciences research and development platform.

Its inventory application creates a digital representation of physical laboratory storage, allowing researchers to track samples, containers, boxes, plates, quantities, statuses, and locations.

eLabNext

eLabNext also provides sample and inventory management capabilities within its digital laboratory environment.

Its platform supports structured storage locations, sample tracking, barcode labeling, and other inventory functions designed to replace spreadsheets and manual stock-management processes.

Inventory Within a LIMS

A standalone inventory application may not be necessary for every laboratory. Enterprise LIMS platforms often include functionality for managing consumables, sample storage, resources, and inventory, allowing organizations to keep these processes within their primary informatics environment. This can reduce duplicate data entry and minimize the number of separate applications the laboratory must maintain.

The same principle applies to medical laboratories. Before adding another point solution, labs should determine whether their existing LIS system or informatics platform can support the required inventory workflows or integrate seamlessly with a specialized inventory management system.

How Should Laboratories Choose Inventory Management Software?

The evaluation should start with the problem the laboratory is trying to solve.

Important capabilities may include:

• Barcode or QR-code support
• Real-time quantity tracking
• Lot and expiration-date management
• Low-stock notifications
• Storage and freezer-location mapping
• Reagent and consumable tracking
• Purchasing and approval workflows
• Equipment management
• Audit trails
• Role-based access
• Integration with LIS, LIMS, ELN, ERP, or purchasing systems
• Reporting and usage analytics
• Multi-site inventory visibility

A small research laboratory replacing spreadsheets may have very different requirements from a multi-site clinical laboratory processing thousands of specimens per day.

Integration should therefore be part of the inventory discussion from the beginning. A feature-rich inventory application can still create operational friction if employees must repeatedly move between systems or manually reconcile data.

Laboratory Informatics Is Bigger Than the LIS

Today’s laboratory technology landscape extends beyond any single software category, encompassing LIS, LIMS, RCM, ELN, SDMS, inventory management, business intelligence, digital pathology, AI, automation, and specialized scientific applications that increasingly intersect across laboratory operations.

The challenge is determining which capabilities belong within the laboratory’s core informatics platform and which are better served by specialized applications. While adding a point solution may address an immediate need, each additional system can also introduce more interfaces, databases, vendor relationships, security considerations, and ongoing maintenance.

Have a Laboratory Management Question? Ask LigoLab

Have a question about lab technology? Send it to info@LigoLab.com.

The LigoLab team welcomes questions from across the laboratory community and looks forward to addressing them in future Ask LigoLab articles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laboratory Informatics

What is laboratory informatics?

Laboratory informatics is using software, data systems, automation, and digital technologies to manage laboratory information and workflows. Depending on the environment, this can include LIS, LIMS, ELN, SDMS, analytics, inventory management, instrument integration, AI, and laboratory billing systems.

What is the difference between LIS and LIMS software?

An LIS is generally patient-centered and designed for clinical diagnostic laboratories, supporting orders, specimens, testing, results, reporting, and related healthcare workflows. A LIMS is typically sample-centered and commonly used in research, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, manufacturing, environmental, and other non-clinical settings.

What tools can laboratories use for data analysis?

Laboratories can use built-in LIS or LIMS analytics, configurable dashboards, business intelligence platforms, statistical tools such as Python and R, scientific analysis applications, and increasingly AI-powered analytics. The appropriate choice depends on the laboratory's data, workflow, expertise, and objectives.

Can an LIS system provide real-time laboratory analytics?

Yes. Advanced LIS software platforms can provide real-time dashboards, statistical reports, workflow metrics, turnaround-time monitoring, quality indicators, and other operational analytics. LigoLab also integrates LIS and RCM information, enabling clinical laboratories to analyze operational and financial performance within the same environment.

Who are some established laboratory informatics providers?

The laboratory informatics market includes companies serving different segments. LigoLab focuses on clinical laboratories and pathology groups with an integrated LIS and RCM platform. Other providers include LabVantage, Thermo Fisher Scientific, STARLIMS, and Clinisys.

What is laboratory inventory management software?

Laboratory inventory management software helps laboratories track supplies, reagents, samples, chemicals, consumables, storage locations, quantities, lot numbers, and expiration dates. More advanced systems may also support purchasing, barcode scanning, equipment management, audit trails, and usage analytics.

What are some laboratory inventory management software options?

Examples include Quartzy, Labguru, Benchling, and eLabNext. Some enterprise LIMS platforms also include inventory and consumables management. The best fit depends on whether the laboratory operates in clinical diagnostics, research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, or another environment.

Does every laboratory need separate inventory software?

No. Some laboratories can manage their requirements within an existing LIS, LIMS, or broader informatics platform. Before adding a standalone application, laboratories should determine whether their current system supports the required functionality and whether another application would create unnecessary interfaces or data silos.

Why is integration important when choosing laboratory software?

Laboratories depend on information moving between instruments, laboratory systems, EHRs, billing platforms, digital pathology applications, inventory systems, and other technologies. Strong interoperability reduces duplicate entry, minimizes data silos, improves automation, and allows laboratories to adopt new technologies without continually replacing their core infrastructure.

What is the advantage of an all-in-one laboratory informatics platform?

An all-in-one platform can reduce the number of disconnected systems, databases, interfaces, and vendors a laboratory must manage. For clinical and pathology laboratories, LigoLab extends this concept by integrating medical LIS and lab RCM workflows on a shared infrastructure while supporting connectivity with specialized third-party technologies.