Leveraging LIMS Automation for Productivity, Profitability and Regulatory Compliance

In today’s modern Cannabis laboratory, automation is critical for business success and sustainably. A LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is essential, enabling laboratories to provide reliable data, meet regulatory compliance goals (ISO 17025), and remain competitive/profitable.  In addition to the LIMS software, many integrated features facilitate high throughput for sample analysis. These include positive ID, (1D barcoding, 2D barcoding, and RFID), and integration with instrumentation, (such as HPLCs for potency testing, ICP-MS for heavy metals, LC-MS-MS for pesticides).. In addition to instrument integration LIMS offers integration with enterprise systems, seed to sale, METRC, financial packages, ERP systems, client portals, ELNs, and more.  it is important that the solution has the ability to seamlessly integrate and share information to promote accelerated communication. Data consumers, whether internal or external, expect results quickly, accurately, and affordably. They often require 24/7 access, and look for simple, easy to understand final analysis reports, automatically delivered to them or accessible through a portal. Laboratories that can deliver automation will be in a leadership role. Sensors that track laboratory conditions (temperature, light, humidity) will also play a key role in the future of automation; these can all be integrated with the LIMS for a total automation solution. With increased labor costs, unreliable supply chains, and inflation, automation is playing an increasingly important role in business success.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the effects of using a relational database to securely manage, store, and analyze data, versus relying on Excel or partial solutions that often have a larger financial burden.

2. Explain the role that LIMS play in the Cannabis laboratory, together with the integration of other systems.

3. Discuss the role of data security and integrity in ensuring regulatory compliance.