With so many specialized software tools for modern life science labs, finding solutions that manage operations, automate daily workflows, and streamline data analysis has become pretty simple.
However, the benefits of tools like a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) are only realized if they actually get used in your lab!
A solid implementation strategy is the best way to secure lab- or organization-wide adoption of your new LIMS.
This involves:
- consulting with your team and other stakeholders to get buy-in,
- ensuring integration with your instruments and other software,
- and so much more.
A critical piece of the LIMS implementation puzzle is providing all current and future users with the proper training. In this blog, we dive into what happens without user training on a new LIMS and provide a framework for proper LIMS training.
Why LIMS Training is Necessary in Your Lab
Without proper training, you’re bound to encounter low adoption rates with lab personnel, underutilized features, fallback on old and inefficient systems, errors, mistakes, extra support costs, and ultimately, a significant unrealized return on investment for your new LIMS.
Your lab could then be in a position where you risk serious short- and long-term consequences:
- Difficulties with Data: If lab personnel don’t know how to use a new LIMS interface or functionalities, data may not be input correctly, inconsistently formatted, lost, or, worse- manipulated accidentally. This introduces data errors and threatens data integrity across an entire lab or organization. While it may only seem like a problem in the short term, this can lead to a slowdown in progress and missed milestones. If these problems aren’t recognized early, scientific and business decisions could be made based on inaccurate or wrong data.
- Regulatory, Legal, and Security Troubles: In the life sciences, there are numerous regulatory frameworks that you may need to comply with. You might also be subject to audits by regulatory bodies. Misusing a LIMS can put you at risk of non-compliance or audit failure. Additionally, you may accidentally share proprietary information or confidential data with unauthorized users or leave your organization open to a cyberattack. The regulatory, financial, and legal fallout from these issues can be significant.
- Continued or Worsening Inefficiency: Your lab is implementing a new LIMS because you want more streamlined operations. Without proper training, workflows may become inefficient with old systems and outdated processes. As a result, productivity and morale can decline, with dissatisfaction and resentment about the new system creeping in. This can make the lab even less efficient than before your new LIMS came along. Untrained users may also need more frequent technical support, increasing costs and requiring additional resources.
How to Perform a LIMS Software Training the Right Way
For all the reasons listed above, planning your LIMS implementation, with an effective training plan is critical. Training must be effectively organized to educate and reach all relevant personnel throughout the LIMS lifecycle, from before first use in the lab to software updates.
Here are a few tips for your laboratory’s training.
Plan Ahead
For a successful LIMS implementation, plan to train the end user before deployment of the LIMS software in the lab. As part of this planning, identify:
- Skill and knowledge gaps in your end users, taking into account past LIMS experience
- A set schedule for when, where, and how training will occur, including continued support, updates, and refresher programs
- Objectives and methods for training each type of end user in the lab
Train at All Levels
There are three levels of LIMS users in most labs and each will need to be trained on the intended use of the LIMS:
- Core Training: For everyday users using the LIMS to accelerate laboratory productivity, training will need to include the platform’s core capabilities.
- “Power’ Training: For any lab or organization, identify “power” users to be trained to understand the full capacity of the LIMS platform, which can serve as an in-house resource and troubleshooter for all other users. “Power” users can be identified during the pre-purchase discussions with your team to get buy-in for the new LIMS. These should be willing volunteers, not personnel forced into a position no one else would take.
- IT Team Training: Some LIMS are highly configurable and require IT support to resolve connectivity or interface issues. Identify a few system administrators who can be trained to configure and maintain the LIMS should any issues arise.
Multimodal Training
Emphasizing multimodal training – using visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading-focused approaches – can help meet the needs of personnel with different learning styles. Training can include interactive workshops, group discussion and problem-solving, hands-on practice using the LIMS, video tutorials, and eLearning modules to support learning at any pace or location.
Continued Learning Across the LIMS Lifecycle
As LIMS platforms are updated and new features are rolled out, training becomes essential across the entire LIMS lifecycle. Initial onboarding and ongoing education can be customized to suit the lab’s unique needs.
- On-Site Training: Customized for the specific requirements of the target users, this in-person training allows participants to learn daily LIMS processes and workflows hands-on.
- Remote Training: This flexible option allows multiple users to attend training from different locations, ensuring team members can access training from anywhere.
- eLearning Modules: Accessible anytime, anywhere, these modules allow users to learn at their own pace. Interactive quizzes, simulations, and scenarios provide practice in a virtual environment, reinforcing new skills as users progress through the material.
- Customizable Training Curriculum: Tailored to the user’s role or specific LIMS functions, this approach lets users focus on mastering the features most relevant to their work.
- Refresher Courses: Periodic refreshers, delivered either on-site, remotely, or through eLearning modules, ensure users stay up to date on the latest system functionalities. Quarterly or annual sessions can reinforce knowledge as LIMS evolves.
Integrating eLearning with multimodal training provides a comprehensive learning ecosystem, empowering LIMS users to adapt to new functionalities and maintain proficiency throughout the system’s lifecycle.
A practical training and implementation plan is vital if you want your LIMS to accelerate your lab’s progress. The more robust the training provided to the users, the better your lab is poised to benefit from using your new LIMS.
Reach out to the LabVantage team to learn more about how the LabVantage team provides support for different training needs.
