what does Scimcon do? LIMS consultancy A clear strategy serves to establish the right direction for IS projects. It sets parameters to ensure that business objectives are met. But IS projects must address user requirements as well as boardroom needs. Projects will fail if organizations don't balance the needs of the business with laboratory demands. Obtaining buy-in at every level is essential whatever the task: a document management system, a multi-user Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), or any other large scale IS programme. To get the support of all stakeholders, adequate consideration must be given to all aspects of the project, its impact and likely outcome. Outsourcing agony Deciding on the right LIMS is vital. But it is not always easy to see the whole picture from inside your own lab. Scimcon's LIMS consultants know the LIMS marketplace: they know the technology, and how best to assess it. Their external perspective can help to narrow user requirements into critical or optional features. This is particularly relevant when it comes to conducting feasibility studies and generating a justification. Finding the right partner Scimcon advises its LIMS clients at all stages of the process, including vendor selection. Customers normally approach vendor selection in one of two ways; invite vendors to demonstrate their products, or commission a pilot system. In neither case is the buyer guaranteed the most suitable system. Getting behind the beauty parade Scimcon's approach to vendor selection offers customers the opportunity to level the playing field using a scenario-based selection method. Working closely with the client, consultants will develop a script which describes to a set of vendors what the client needs to be shown, but not how to show it. Vendors will then configure a demonstration which addresses the client's needs, rather than merely showing off their product's standard features. This process allows the customer to compare products evenly. Scimcon's clients agree it is a major factor in reducing risk of failure through inappropriate vendor selection. Ensuring sustainable systems Scimcon works with clients beyond product installation and delivery to manage the long-term running of the system. The real value of the system will not be realized until it is running effectively in the lab. Without a process in place to manage its long term development the LIMS will stagnate and before long become inefficient and will not address the needs of the lab. Lab IS managers need to be aware of this and plan to manage improvements and developments long after initial system launch. Scimcon delivers many sucessful LIMS consultancy projects helping organizations to find the right vendor and the right product for their lab.

Knowledge Management How to make KM pay... more>> IS Strategy Scimcon assists companies in determining the right direction for IS development to ensure business success. more>> Validation consultancy We combine expertise in validation and accreditation with a detailed knowledge of lab systems. more>> back to services page>>