Semaphore Logo clickable link to home page.
Services
Services
Strategic ConsultingSystem ImplementationInformatics SupportScientific Software Development
Domains
Domains
ClinicalResearchLife Sciences
resources
resources
BlogCase StudiesWhitepapersCareers
ABOUT US
Contact
Contact
Lab Software

Strategies for Managing

Your Lab Software Stack

by

Mark, Luszniak, Field Application Scientist

NGS clinical diagnostic labs face growing complexity in their software solutions as they attempt to adapt to a market with evolving requirements and stakeholder expectations. It’s not that they want to add to their systems in a piecemeal fashion—it’s quite the opposite. Most lab managers would prefer to buy a single complete solution that meets all of their current and future needs.

A single solution or multiple components—what’s the answer?

There’s currently no single software platform that can meet every clinical lab requirement. In fact, a recent survey of molecular laboratories demonstrated that commercial laboratory information systems have significant functionality gaps which is why labs are left piecing together custom software and individual components from multiple vendors into an “end-to-end” solution. Unfortunately, this means that solutions are often built piece by piece over time with inadequate thought toward the overall system architecture.

‍

The benefit of using components from various vendors is that it allows the lab to go with “best of breed” software and be less dependent on the long-term strategy of a single vendor. However, to make this work, a lab needs to have the internal resources or an experienced partner to architect, build, and maintain the integrations.

‍

A significant problem with assembling a system of individual components in this way is that every component requires an integration bridge—and both the component and the integration need to be supported and maintained. The result is not just an increasingly complex software system, but also a multiplicity of vendor support agreements, and in some cases, gaps in support. That’s because individual software vendors are incentivized to make their own applications work well, but not necessarily to make them compatible with third-party applications or to provide integration resources or support.

But integration goes beyond just holding the system together

When something goes wrong, labs that have pieced together their software system face the daunting task of identifying which component is responsible and therefore which vendor or expert to call for assistance.

‍

Many labs don’t realize that they require the ability to do more than just assemble and integrate the components within a clinical lab’s software stack. They’ll also need access to expert insight that provides high-level system-wide consulting and support for the lab’s end-to-end workflow, and keeps the entire system running smoothly with the least amount of downtime. In effect, they need someone who can manage the set of integrations as a cohesive effort or product.

‍

The right specialist will reduce the lab’s risk by rapidly analyzing the root cause of an issue, and then solving the issue directly or working with the appropriate vendor to do so. Having a single point of contact means a lot less inconvenience for the lab, saves significant time and effort, and can greatly reduce support costs. Further, someone who “speaks software” fluently can navigate vendor support queues with ease.

‍

We highly recommend that clinical diagnostic labs relying on a software stack made up of numerous individual components choose their partners strategically. A trusted integration partner with knowledge of the entire system is motivated and capable of handling issues across the spectrum, from one end of the stack to the other—that level of support and the confidence that goes with it is priceless.

If you’d like to learn more about how we could help your lab optimize its software stack and improve its performance, check out the other posts in our blog, or contact us today.

‍

Explore our blog

All Blog Posts

The Importance of Data Integrity in the Laboratory: Adhering to FDA Standards and ALCOA Principles

In today’s highly regulated laboratory environment, maintaining data integrity is not just a matter of good practice—it’s essential for compliance, reliability, and the overall success of lab operations. For lab managers and IT support staff, ensuring data integrity means safeguarding data’s accuracy, completeness, and consistency throughout its lifecycle.

12
min read

Updating Your Lab Workflow? 4 Feature Implementation Scenarios to Consider

When updating lab workflows, not all software changes are created equal. This blog post outlines four common implementation scenarios—ranging from enabling an out-of-the-box (OOTB) feature to developing a fully custom solution—and explains how each impacts cost, effort, and timelines. Whether you’re adding a new assay or integrating an instrument, understanding these scenarios helps labs plan smarter, reduce risk, and align stakeholders. Read on to learn how to choose the right approach for your lab’s needs and how Semaphore Solutions can help guide your next move.

6
min read

Mapping Lab Systems the Right Way: Workflow vs. State Diagrams

Workflow and state diagrams play a crucial role in documenting and visualizing laboratory systems. Both are invaluable for labs implementing a laboratory information management system (LIMS) or adding automations to streamline laboratory operations, reduce errors and redundancies, and ensure regulatory compliance. However, each type of diagram serves a distinct purpose.

7
min read
Semaphore Logo
  • Services
  • Domains
  • Resources
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • 1 (844) 744-3577 ext 1
  • 200-844 Courtney St.
  • Victoria, BC V8W 1C4
  • Canada
LinkedIn Social Media Icon Linking to Semaphore Account
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
All Rights Reserved © Semaphore Solutions Inc.