Ensure Compliance with LabWare's Essential Coding Standards for LIMS Operations
In the world of laboratory information management systems (LIMS), following best practices is crucial for ensuring long-term operational success. One such set of practices is the LabWare LIMS Basic Coding Standards. These guidelines focus on maintaining consistency, simplicity, and compliance within software development and system configuration.
First established in 2004, these standards aim to create a clear framework for code performance, maintaining system integrity, and ensuring consistency. One key aspect is consistency in coding practices. By following a standardized approach to naming conventions, code structure, and commenting, code readability and maintainability are improved, making it easier for multiple users to understand and work with the system over time.
Best practices indicate that variable names in LabWare LIMS should be alphanumeric and written in CamelCase, such as or . This makes them easily identifiable by future system supporters. Similarly, naming conventions for scripts, tables, fields, workflows, and other components should be clear and descriptive for improved understanding. Consistent naming conventions also make it easier to locate, reference, or modify items as the system grows.
Another important aspect is a simple and modular design. Developing scripts and configurations that are modular and reusable minimises complexity and eases future updates or troubleshooting. This design principle also supports regulatory compliance, as systems must adhere to 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records, ensuring audit trails, data integrity, and security.
Proper documentation is another essential element. Maintaining thorough documentation of design, test plans, and validation activities related to code and system configurations is vital for software lifecycle management within regulated environments.
The use of supported technologies and best practices is also crucial. Employ programming languages and tools compatible with LabWare LIMS, such as scripting in C#, JavaScript, XML where applicable, and use version control systems to manage code changes systematically.
Testing and validation are equally important. Implement comprehensive unit, integration, and system testing to verify that customizations function as intended without disrupting existing workflows. Integrate change control procedures for any coding updates to track modifications and their impact on system behaviour.
A critical tool for error handling is the Error Logging Component Template, a reusable, preconfigured template to capture, log, and manage errors. As of LabWare 7, this template was implemented to correctly facilitate error handling. It facilitates effective troubleshooting and proactive system management by capturing detailed error information in a standardized way.
Headers in LabWare LIMS code should contain a change history log, including date, name, reason for change, and subroutine or object description. Comments in LabWare LIMS code should explain why and how the code was written and what it is achieving.
Adhering to LabWare's LIMS Basic Coding Standards is critical for the sustainability and optimization of a LabWare LIMS system. For assistance with adhering to these standards, whether it is a new implementation, an upgrade, or day-to-day activities, consult LIMS experts. By following these guidelines, laboratories can ensure their LIMS systems are performant, reliable, and scalable, supporting their long-term operational success.
- In the realm of life sciences, retail, consumer products, or any industry using LabWare LIMS, consistency in coding practices is vital for ensuring sustainability and operational success.
- A key aspect of LabWare LIMS Best Practices is the application of alphanumeric variable names in CamelCase, aiding future system supporters in code identification.
- Adherence to LabWare LIMS Basic Coding Standards also emphasizes the use of supported technologies, such as scripting languages like C# and JavaScript, and tools compatible with LabWare LIMS.
- To optimize a LabWare LIMS system, expert consulting in data-and-cloud-computing technology and sustainability practices could be sought for implementation, upgrades, or daily activities.
