Considerations in selecting a LIMS for Cannabis Testing

In today’s busy Cannabis laboratory environment, users are faced with increasing laboratory analysis and management challenges, regulatory pressures, evolving customer needs and demands.  For the rapidly evolving cannabis industry, it can be a challenge just navigating the regulatory landscape. In the US, Cannabis laboratories are required to be certified to the ISO 17025 standard. As the amount of data continues to grow, better Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) software solutions are required to mange and maintain not only the laboratory analytical data, but also all the ancillary data that includes managing the supplies, reagents and standards, quantity on hand, the amount, lot number, expiration dates, vendor, safety sheets, and more. In addition, laboratories must also mange their employee credentials, their training and certifications, as well as instrument calibrations, repair and maintenance. The International Standards Organization is continually updating their requirements, providing updates to the standard that laboratories are audited against. The latest updates ISO 17025:2017 require compliance by 2020 and had an increased focus on traceability, information technology (electronic records and electronic signatures) and risk-based thinking. Primary considerations for LIMS selection reviewed will include cost of ownership, deployment (SaaS or premise), technology, features, usability, and security. This presentation will review the key market drivers for laboratories to acquire a LIMS.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain key considerations for procuring a new Laboratory Information Management System for a Cannabis Laboratory

2. Understanding automation tools that can be leveraged to maximize resources and increase data quality

3. Learning about regulatory requirements for Cannabis Testing Laboratories.