Best Lab Inventory Management Software for 2025

Lab inventory management plays a crucial role in the development of life-saving drugs, as it ensures the accurate and timely tracking of all items used in the laboratory. The best lab inventory management software automates the many tasks associated with laboratory inventory tracking, which also includes the monitoring of items that are near expiry as well as the reordering of supplies.

In 2020, the average cost to research and develop a pharmaceutical compound from discovery to launch was $2.5 billion (Mikulic, 2021). Without using an effective resource management tool such as an inventory management platform, that amount could easily climb, as inefficiency in operations could lead to higher costs. So, to help you avoid this problem, this guide presents a list of the best inventory management software for laboratories. The unique features of each software are provided, as well as information on how much it costs to use one.

Laboratory inventory management remains one of the single most effective ways to reduce costs and improve productivity. According to the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), on average, researchers identify one promising compound among 5,000-10,000 screened. After that daunting process, they extensively test the compound to ensure its efficacy and safety, which could take 10 to 15 years (IFPMA, 2021).

From this scenario, we can see the crucial role of a good laboratory inventory management system in drug discovery as well as in other scientific research processes. Securing important chemicals for various tests, however, is a major challenge among for-profit and government laboratory research facilities. In 2020, the lack of real-time information and automatic updates on the status and location of needed chemicals was identified as a top challenge (C & EN BrandLab, 2021).

These types of challenges significantly impact productivity, as the lack of materials often prevents laboratory personnel from conducting critical tests and procedures. Without proper inventory control and management, laboratory processes might be put at risk in terms of compliance, results, accuracy, and safety (C & EN BrandLab, 2021).

One event that added to the current challenges of research labs on sample procurement is the COVID-19 pandemic. The limited availability of samples and the prioritization of crucial research items meant that only a few research on the funnel will be continued. In January 2021 alone, clinical laboratory improvement amendments (CLIA)-certified labs reported non-COVID-19 supply shortages ASM, 2021.

When this happens, a large portion of the population suffers from inadequate provision of proper healthcare due to the shortage of supplies. While this may be an isolated case due to the shortages having been brought about by the pandemic, it also shows that shortages of drugs and biologics pose a significant public health threat, as brought by the delay in providing critical care for patients.

The problems cited above are just some of the reasons why efficient laboratory inventory management is crucial as part of research data management. With lockdown rules being relaxed, however, a large percentage of laboratory workers still find sample procurement slow and limited (Enago, 2021).

Since sample procurement is still a challenge for most laboratories, this will have a huge impact on scientific discoveries (Pemberton, 2021).

Using the laboratory software can help you plan and forecast material requirements and secure the availability of supplies so as not to interrupt scientific processes and crucial discoveries. In choosing your platform, identify all items that need to be tracked. Here is a laboratory inventory management software list of the best products on the market, specifically those that can help you reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve the overall efficiency of your laboratory.

While lab inventory management software offers numerous benefits, there are some challenges associated with its implementation:

• Integration with existing systems: Many laboratories already use systems such as ELNs (Electronic Lab Notebooks) and LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), and integrating new inventory management software with these tools can be complex and time-consuming.
• User adoption: Staff may be resistant to change or find it difficult to adapt to a new system. Comprehensive training and support are essential to ensure smooth adoption and usage across the laboratory team.
• Data accuracy: Successful implementation of lab inventory management software relies on accurate input data. Laboratories need to ensure that the data entered into the system is correct, which may require time and effort to maintain.
• Customization requirements: Labs often have unique needs depending on their research or industry focus. The software may need to be customized to meet specific workflows, adding complexity to the implementation process.
• Cost and resource allocation: While the software can lead to long-term savings, the initial cost of acquisition, setup, and training can be significant, especially for smaller labs with limited resources.

Addressing these challenges through careful planning and support can help ensure the successful deployment of inventory management systems.

Best Laboratory Inventory Management Software

1. LANEXO: Efficient Inventory Management for Better Productivity

LANEXO is a software solution for the management of lab inventory, safety, and compliance. It helps create more productive, efficient, and compliant laboratories, which result in high-standard testing processes, products that offer consistent quality, and improved scientific processes. One powerful feature of LANEXO is that it alerts the system of storage non-compliance, which ensures that all inventory items are properly stored based on industry regulations.

Features:

• Rapid consumables registration with Smart Seal Labels
• Easy storage compliance checks
• Automatic expiry date calculations
• Easily create records of new reagents
• Receive alerts when the stock rule is broken
• SDS online availability
• Inventory count to synchronize physical and digital inventory
• Audit trail
• Approval and user management
• Materials registration via mobile app

Price Range:

• The vendor provides a quote based on your specific laboratory requirements.

2. DxOne Inventory Manager: For Lab Consumable Automation

DxOne Inventory Manager is an innovative solution from Beckam Coulter for optimizing laboratory resources. It is an automated, end-to-end software solution that increases operational efficiency by automatically recording, tracking, and monitoring the consumables in your laboratory. DxOne Inventory Manager takes care of stock management, including reordering and reagent consumption monitoring. As a result, laboratory staff can focus more on research rather than doing administrative tasks.

Features:

• Tracks status of all consumables from a single dashboard
• Intuitive stock level indicators
• Quality check status indicator
• Tracks inventory by date of use
• Consumption-based stock replenishment
• System-tracked expiration dates
• Update stock levels with one click
• Scan to use consumables
• Confirm automated reorders with one click

Price Range:

• DxOne provides laboratories with a quote upon request.

3. Quartzy: The Fully-Customizable Lab Inventory Platform

Quartzy improves operational efficiency by digitizing laboratory workflow and reducing time to market. It has a fully customizable platform that meets the needs of organizations such as labs, academic institutions, early-stage biotechs, and public companies. The Quartzy platform streamlines and centralizes laboratory operations and keeps laboratory staff focused on research and other non-administrative tasks. It lets you track and monitor stocks, and effectively manage inventory.

Features:

• Lab inventory management
• Requests tool for requesting supplies
• Custom request fields
• Quartz Shop for one-stop shopping for over 10 million products
• Multi-level approval flows
• Onboarding support, including personalized training
• Integrates with your financial apps such as QuickBooks Online and Oracle NetSuite
• Dedicated onboarding specialist
• Customizable terms of service
• Data import services
• Customized reporting and analytics

Price Range:

• Quartzy is free of charge for individual labs and researchers, for non-profit, academic, and government. Billed annually, the standard pricing for biotechs and pharmaceuticals is $69 per month for the first three seats and $29 for each additional seat. For larger research and development organizations, Quartzy provides a quote upon request.
• Offers a 30-day free trial.

4. Labguru Inventory Management System: Organizes Your Lab Using Lab Informatics

Labguru Inventory Management System is a platform that organizes your lab by using QR codes and barcode labels so laboratory staff can easily locate supplies. It also enables the management of shopping lists in one place. From a single dashboard, you can easily see your inventory status and receive notifications before stocks expire. Labguru combines ELN software functions with inventory management and lab informatics, allowing you to add specific supplies to experiments.

Features:

• Fits any screen
• API integration
• Label wizard
• Digitized shopping list
• Calendar for optimizing equipment utilization
• Visualized reports
• Connects with ELN entries
• Tracks storage locations

Price Range:

• For the pricing information of Labguru IMS, you may contact the vendor.

5. Lockbox LIMS Inventory Management: Automates Processes From Creation to Consumption

Lockbox LIMS Inventory Management provides a 360-degree inventory management system that utilizes the Lockbox Item Master to easily manage the inventory process. It enables you to maintain real-time visibility into your inventory of kits, reagents, chemicals, media, and supplies. Using the protocol functionality, you can automatically perform inventory creation and monitor consumption. Lockbox LIMS Inventory Management tracks both single-use and multi-use inventory items.

Features:

• 360-degree Inventory Management System
• Track available, reserved, and consumed inventory
• Automated alerts when inventory falls below specified thresholds
• Automatically decrement inventory upon protocol completion
• Import new inventory via a CSV, or using a single-click update feature
• Customize inventory status to match your existing process

Price Range:

• Subscription cost is based on the module required and the number of users. Contact the vendor to request a quote based on your specific requirements.

6. CrelioHealth Inventory: Real-Time Consumption Analytics

CrelioHealth Inventory is a laboratory inventory management platform that offers an all-in-one solution with real-time consumption analytics. The inventory planning and ledger tool plans purchases based on past consumption. It also has a multi-view dashboard for monitoring supplies and also identifies which items are nearing expiry. CrelioHealth Inventory provides a SWOT analysis of all your inventory, which aids optimization efforts.

Features:

• Centralized procurement
• Manage all B2B stocks from one location
• Organization level consumption analytics
• Works with any LIMS and HIS
• Manual and automatic consumption
• Automated purchase management
• Supplier master list with pricing details
• Inventory with brand and variant
• Multiple purchase workflows

Price Range:

• Billed quarterly, the Essential plan costs $150 per month while the Advance Plan costs $300 per month.

7. ChemInventory: Cloud-Based Chemical Inventory Tool

ChemInventory is a cloud-based chemical inventory software that allows you to manage all the chemicals in your laboratory. It lets you search instantly for compounds by chemical abstracts service (CAS) registry number, structure, or any name based on your custom fields. Unique barcodes are assigned to each container for simple and fast stock-taking procedures. Based on CAS and name, chemical structures are automatically assigned to containers.

Features:

• Up-to-date snapshot of a chemical’s known hazards
• Search for compounds by chemical structure
• Manage your stock on any device
• Platform independent
• Watchlist tool for regulatory reporting
• Three levels of inventory sharing
• Container barcoding
• AES-256 algorithm encryption
• Browser-based SSL encryption
• Large storage allocation
• Link files to substances

Price Range:

• ChemInventory is free for up to 15 users with no API access.
• Paid plans start at $56 per year for 30 users.
• ChemInventory offers a 30-day free trial.

8. CryoTrack IMS: Laboratory Records Management Using Graphics

CryoTrack IMS is a platform for managing laboratory records. It manages inventory by providing a graphical representation of storage containers. It maximizes storage space by providing the status of all storage containers and facilitates easy data entry for transferring files. Depending on your specific requirements, you can customize fields to specify what you want to see in spreadsheets and search tabs. CryoTrack meets 21 CFR Part 11 guidelines.

Features:

• View data in graphical or spreadsheet format
• Real-time container status and location
• View containers by locations, shelves, racks, or users
• Import data from existing files
• Custom pull-down lists and fields
• Replicate samples
• Export data to other files and programs
• Define up to seven datasets for multiple functions
• Client/server application allows for a multi-user environment
• Share assays, protocols, and reagents
• Assign co-ownerships
• Control access to records

Price Range:

• CryoTrack IMS provides a quote upon request.

9. BSI Systems: For The Management of Specimen Inventory

BSI Systems is a biological specimen inventory management software that tracks the full specimen life cycle encompassing receipt, assessment, storage, processing, shipping, and destruction. When partnered with the best clinical trial management software, it also processes specimens per task, tracks derivative creation and lineage, and imports delimited files. BSI Systems easily integrates with other systems through the BSI Hub. It offers end-to-end specimen inventory, from small biobanks to large repository networks. Each product offers a unique set of tools to support the operations of biospecimen networks and biorepositories.

Features:

• Specimen tracking with an unlimited number of repository sites
• Scalable database
• Custom reports and display fields
• BSI Engage web-based portal
• Centralized tracking with the BSI Hub
• Barcode printing and scanning
• API and BSI Connect enable connectivity between BSI and external systems
• Customizable three-tiered data quality control processes
• Configurable and scalable storage containers
• History reports

Price Range:

• You may contact the vendor for a quote based on your laboratory requirements.
• BSI Systems provides a 60-day free trial.

10. BxInventory: Online Lab Inventory System

BxInventory is an inventory system that tracks spending and funds, automates ordering procedures, and helps locate inventory items quickly. It tracks orders and items online and creates a virtual image of your lab for easier management. With BxInventory, you can track your orders and items online. Designed for principal investigators, lab managers, post-doc, and research students, BxInventory improves the productivity of your laboratory.

Features:

• Intuitive drag-and-drop to relocate items in boxes
• Store and re-organize items easily
• Expiration, low quantity, and overstock warnings
• Advanced filter and search functions
• Complete traceability for item usage and relocation
• Automatically assigns a unique ID for every container or item
• Compatible with 1D, 2D barcodes, and RFID
• Supports batch operations with barcode for Check In, Check out, or Relocate
• Use QR code to access container or item information quickly on a mobile device

Price Range:

• Pricing for BxInventory is provided upon request from the vendor.

11. eLabInventory: Flexible Sample Management

eLabInventory is a laboratory inventory management software that optimizes your storage processes, maintains a full audit trail of all samples, and visualizes your entire laboratory. It lets you easily locate samples and specimens in your laboratory and automatically record all events following GLP/GMP guidelines.

Features:

• Real-time backups
• User roles and permissions
• Centralized group settings
• Mobile apps
• Add ons and integrations
• eLab SDK and API
• Two-step verification
• Intuitive user interface
• Program notifications
• Full audit trail
• Sample barcoding
• Product catalog
• Order lists

Price Range:

• For commercial companies and organizations, pricing starts at €25.95/user/month.
• For academic research purposes, the subscription starts at €9.95/user/month.

12. iLab Inventory Management: For Efficient Ordering System

iLab Inventory Management is a software for organizing inventory in research laboratories. It easily identifies sample locations and tracks inventory through barcoding capabilities. The system of tracking samples is based on the specific date each sample was added, type, location, name, label, and amount. Through barcoding, specific sample metadata can be called up, which contributes to significant time savings. This also keeps the ordering system more efficient.

Features:

• Tracks sample location
• Simplifies procurement process
• Increased transparency through automation
• Single system to review and approve orders
• Spending analysis
• Budget tracking
• Multivendor-hosted catalog management tool
• API and integrations

Price Range:

• Pricing is provided upon request from the vendor.

13. BrightLab: For Mobile Inventory Tracking and Ordering

BrightLab is a cloud-based research platform designed to simplify inventory management processes using mobile and cloud-based tracking and ordering. It offers full integration with the Sigma-Aldrich catalog and brings projects, people, and consumables together to accelerate discovery and optimize workflow. BrightLab can cut down the time spent on inventory review by automating the location, consumption, and ordering of materials.

Features:

• Search, filter, and sort your lab catalog
• Print and scan barcode labels
• Assign custom locations to materials
• Inventory auto-update
• Single click reordering
• “Flag," “Urgent," and “Do Not Substitute" material requests
• Track spending against a cost center or grant
• Keep track of expiration dates and quantities used
• Seamlessly order any of the 300,000+ products from the Sigma-Aldrich catalog
• Instantly incorporate SDS files and CAS numbers

Price Range:

• BrightLab pricing is provided upon request.

14. LANEXO: The Inventory System for Regulated Labs

LANEXO is a lab inventory software that also manages laboratory safety and compliance records. It helps create more productive, efficient, and compliant laboratories, which result in high-standard testing processes, products that offer consistent quality, and improved scientific processes. One powerful feature of LANEXO is that it alerts the system of storage non-compliance, which ensures that all inventory items are properly stored based on industry regulations.

Features:

• Rapid consumables registration with Smart Seal Labels
• Easy storage compliance checks
• Automatic expiry date calculations
• Easily create records of new reagents
• Receive alerts when the stock rule is broken
• SDS online availability
• Inventory count to synchronize physical and digital inventory
• Audit trail
• Approval and user management
• Materials registration via mobile app

Price Range:

• The vendor provides a quote based on your specific laboratory requirements.

15. ATGC Labs Lab Inventory: For Science and Engineering Research Laboratories

ATGC Labs Lab Inventory is a lab inventory management system for Science and Engineering laboratories for inventory monitoring, including the setting and assessing of stock levels, real-time inventory management, and forecasting. It is an on-premise solution that helps you run your laboratory processes efficiently by giving you complete control of operations by tracking all laboratory materials and equipment. ATGC Labs is ideal for all types of industries, including education, biotechnology, chemistry, medicine, and more.

Features:

• RFID tag systems integration
• Physical inventory counting
• Kit Builder to record kit information
• MRP module to avoid product shortages
• Lab Inventory Reservations supports various billing rates
• Supports multiple independent data sets and laboratories
• Maintain a complete vendor database, including PO and contract
• Calculate the inventory valuation
• Forecast an estimate of future demand
• Update items’ locations and track the movement of items between users

Price Range:

• ATGC Labs provide a free 60-day demo version.
• You may request a quote from the vendor.

16. Benchling: Inventory System That Connects With R&D Data

Benchling is a laboratory sample inventory management system that intelligently connects with your R&D data. It optimizes space usage by keeping track of the real-time status of each item in your laboratory. By connecting each physical sample to its experimental context, assay requests are automatically submitted directly from input samples. Samples are automatically updated by integrating instruments to ensure data integrity.

Features:

• Track container and sample locations
• Configure custom storage types and locations
• Barcode generation, scanning, and label printing
• Customizable worklists for organizing samples and reagents
• Media and formulation mixture component and lot tracking
• Aliquot lineage tracking and linking with experiment results

Price Range:

• Professional and Enterprise pricing are available upon request.

17. LabSuit: The Customizable Inventory System

LabSuit lab inventory management software solution maps your lab location hierarchy to facilitate easier tracking of inventory. It lets you customize the substance type that you are using in your research, making custom inventory possible. LabSuit keeps your inventory sheets backed up by automatically sending copies of your spreadsheets to your email on a weekly or monthly basis. LabSuit accommodates any type of data, and you can also upload them while on the fly.

Features:

• Map your lab locations hierarchy
• Create custom inventory types
• Get inventory backups by email
• Upload your existing inventory spreadsheet
• Accommodates any type of data
• Powerful search filters
• Easy start for new lab

Price Range:

• Free

18. Genemod: Collaborative Research and Lab Management Platform

Genemod is a collaborative research and lab management platform that optimizes life sciences professionals' workflows. Genemod improves the efficiency and accuracy of research by consolidating inventory tracking, data administration, and project collaboration into a single platform. It fosters a more collaborative and productive research environment by enabling scientists to manage experiments, track samples, and communicate findings seamlessly through its user-friendly interface.

Features:

• Data Management
• Tracking Inventory
• Project Collaboration
• Digitized sample storage
• Consumables management
• Version control
• Equipment management
• AI-powered lab notebook

Price Range:

• For the pricing information on Genemod, you may contact the vendor and book a demo.

19. Vertére Inventory Manager: Chemical and Lab Inventory in One Platform

Vertére Inventory Manager is a lab inventory solution that also doubles as a chemical inventory management software. This uses barcodes to facilitate the easy tracking, transfer, and disposal of containers. It is compliant with the Globally Harmonized System classification data for chemicals and identifies inventory status by using registration lists for regulatory reporting. Moreover, you can conveniently access your inventory from your mobile device and monitor low inventory, including chemicals nearing expiry with email alerts. Vertére Inventory Manager offers different modules for chemical inventory, biological inventory equipment tracking, and stockroom management.

Features:

• Chemical Inventory module
• Biological Inventory module
• Stockroom Management module
• Equipment Management module
• SDS management
• Shared UI for chemical, biological, equipment, and stockroom management
• Real-time regulatory and fire code reporting
• Mobile access
• Barcode enabled
• GHS compliant labels

Price Range:

• Vertére Inventory Manager provides a quote upon request.

20. Atellica Inventory Manager: Cloud-Based Software That Uses RFID Technology

Atellica Inventory Manager is a laboratory inventory management software that helps you get the right materials at the right time by providing automated and real-time control of reagents and consumables across multiple locations. The result is reduced costs, improved lab output, and increased efficiency. Using cloud-based software and RFID technology, Atellica simplifies inventory check-in, check-out, consumption tracking, and ordering. Order processes are automatically triggered by stock usage and custom criteria. All consumables and reagents in the lab are tracked by the system.

Features:

• Inventory analysis to inform planning
• No-touch RFID tracking of reagents and consumables
• Real-time, multi-lab inventory control
• At-a-glance dashboard
• Automated alerts on stock levels, ordering, expiry, and hardware conditions
• One-click check-in of orders through RFID
• Discard-and-done feature for reconciling stocks
• Ordering rules

Price Range:

• Pricing for Atellica Inventory Manager is provided on a by-quote basis.

21. Labstep: The Modern R&D Platform

Labstep is a modern cloud R&D platform that offers full-featured inventory management that keeps track of all reagents and samples down to the batch or aliquot level. It creates categories with customizable metadata templates, as well as creates and manages order requests. In addition, Labstep provides an all-in-one research environment by including an electronic lab notebook, LIMS, LES, and order management in one solution.

Features:

• API and integrations
• In-app support and guides
• Unlimited storage
• Order management
• Project management
• Dedicated account manager
• Basic security features
• Organizational dashboard

Price Range:

• You may contact the vendor for the pricing of Labstep Pro and Labstep Enterprise.
• Labstep is provided free of charge to individual academics and small academic labs.
• The vendor offers a 30-day free trial.

22. Lab Symplified: Inventory Management Simplified

Lab Symplified is a specialized software designed specifically for laboratory professionals with the aim of streamlining inventory management. It acts as a centralized platform for monitoring and managing inventory across diverse laboratory departments, including clinical, HLA, molecular, and anatomic and pathology labs. By tracking reagents from acquisition to expiry, this tool simplifies the inventory process, reducing wastage, saving time, and preventing costly last-minute purchases. Lab Symplified provides various functionalities, such as generating inventory usage reports, personalized notifications, and measures to ensure the precise utilization of reagents, thereby improving patient care and compliance with regulations.

Features:

• Inventory Management
• Inventory Analytics
• Lot Tracking and Verification Module

Price Range:

• Lab Symplified provides provides a quote upon request.

The Importance of Integrating Lab Inventory and Workforce Management Systems

A fully optimized laboratory does not stop at managing inventory alone. Behind the efficient operation of a lab lies a dynamic workforce whose planning, scheduling, and performance require careful orchestration. Integrating lab inventory management systems with robust workforce management tools can streamline processes, minimize errors, and foster collaboration.

By adopting solutions that synergize inventory tracking with workforce management, labs can ensure that the right personnel are available when critical tasks are scheduled. These systems also help labs allocate human and material resources effectively, which is particularly crucial during high-demand periods. Furthermore, integration enables seamless reporting and analytics, offering greater visibility into both inventory consumption and workforce productivity.

For instance, laboratories could benefit significantly from implementing complementary tools like HR software to manage staffing needs alongside inventory oversight. Such integration ensures that lab operations remain uninterrupted, resources are fully utilized, and compliance is maintained across all levels of workforce and inventory management.

The benefits of integrated solutions extend beyond efficiency, helping labs maintain a well-balanced operational ecosystem that supports innovation and agility. By combining inventory and workforce management, research facilities can amplify both their technological capabilities and their ability to deliver accurate and impactful outcomes.

How Do Laboratory Inventory Management Systems Ensure Regulatory Compliance and Data Security?

Laboratory inventory management systems now incorporate advanced compliance features that secure sensitive data while meeting stringent regulatory standards. These systems implement robust access controls, encryption protocols, and comprehensive audit trails to verify that every transaction, from chemical usage to equipment allocation, complies with industry regulations. Automation in compliance reporting minimizes manual errors by providing real-time logs and data integrity checks, ensuring that laboratories remain audit-ready. Additionally, integration with complementary solutions, such as marketing automation tools, fosters an ecosystem where data security and regulatory standards are maintained across all connected platforms without compromising operational efficiency.

Improve Your Lab Efficiency With Lab Inventory Management Software

Lab inventory management software organizes overall lab processes, which enhances accuracy and data integrity. Whether you choose a fully-online system like BxInventory, a custom platform like Quartzy, a real-time analytics tool like Creliohealth Inventory, or a mobile sample management system like FLUICS CONNECT, there’s a lab organization software out there that will help you improve the way you manage your laboratory. The automatic capture of inventory data leads to better insights. Meanwhile, the sophisticated search mechanisms for tracking thousands of reagents and compounds highlight the crucial role of lab inventory management solutions, which eliminates the need for separate lab tracking software. Often offered as part of laboratory information management systems software, the lab inventory management platform is an indispensable tool in every research facility.

In using lab inventory management software, you are assured that materials can be stored and used efficiently. The traceability provided by the platform keeps you informed of what is being used when, and by whom. It frees up valuable time and reduces the margin for error. With proper inventory management, your lab compliance, research accuracy, and safety will never be compromised. And, paired with the best ELN software tools, you would also up the quality of collaboration.

Key Insights

• Cost Efficiency: Effective lab inventory management can significantly reduce costs associated with research and development, preventing inefficiencies that can increase expenses, such as the average $2.5 billion cost to develop a pharmaceutical compound.
• Operational Efficiency: Automated inventory management systems streamline the tracking and reordering of supplies, ensuring timely availability and reducing administrative burdens on laboratory staff.
• Supply Chain Challenges: Real-time information on chemical status and location is crucial to prevent disruptions in laboratory operations. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of efficient supply chain management in laboratories.
• Regulatory Compliance: Inventory management software ensures compliance with industry regulations by providing features like storage compliance checks and automatic expiry date calculations.
• Productivity: Proper inventory control and management enhance laboratory productivity by preventing delays due to lack of materials and reducing time spent on administrative tasks.
• Integration with Research: Inventory management systems often integrate with other lab management tools like ELN and LIMS, providing a comprehensive solution for managing laboratory operations.
• Customization: Many lab inventory management platforms offer customizable features to meet the specific needs of different types of laboratories, from academic research to commercial biotech labs.

FAQ

1. What is lab inventory management software? Lab inventory management software is a tool designed to automate the tracking, ordering, and management of laboratory supplies. It helps ensure that all necessary materials are available when needed and that they are stored and used efficiently.
2. Why is lab inventory management important? Efficient inventory management is crucial for reducing costs, improving productivity, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. It helps prevent interruptions in laboratory operations due to supply shortages and reduces administrative burdens on staff.
3. How does lab inventory management software improve cost efficiency? By automating tasks such as tracking and reordering supplies, lab inventory management software minimizes waste and prevents overstocking or stockouts. This helps laboratories manage their budgets more effectively and avoid unnecessary expenses.
4. What features should I look for in lab inventory management software? Key features to look for include automated reordering, expiry date tracking, storage compliance checks, integration with other lab management tools (like ELN and LIMS), customizable reports, and real-time inventory updates.
5. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted lab inventory management? The pandemic has highlighted the importance of efficient supply chain management in laboratories. Shortages of critical supplies during the pandemic underscored the need for real-time inventory tracking and automated reordering to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
6. Can lab inventory management software integrate with other lab systems? Yes, many lab inventory management systems offer integration with other laboratory tools such as Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), providing a comprehensive solution for managing lab operations.
7. What are some examples of lab inventory management software? Examples of lab inventory management software include LANEXO, DxOne Inventory Manager, Quartzy, Labguru Inventory Management System, Lockbox LIMS Inventory Management, and CrelioHealth Inventory. Each of these platforms offers unique features to meet the specific needs of different laboratory environments.
8. How do lab inventory management systems ensure regulatory compliance? These systems ensure compliance by providing features such as automated storage compliance checks, expiry date calculations, and audit trails. They help laboratories adhere to industry regulations and maintain high standards of safety and accuracy.

References:

• Americal Society for Microbiology (2021), Supply Shortages Impacting COVID-19 and Non-COVID Testing. Retrieved from https://asm.org/Articles/2020/September/Clinical-Microbiology-Supply-Shortage-Collecti-1 
• C & EN BrandLab (2021), Chemical Waste: The True Cost of Inefficient Laboratory Inventory Management. Retrieved from https://connect.acspubs.org/lanexo-chemical-waste-report?partnerref=ConnectedLabYMAL 
• Enago (2021), Global Survey Report on Research Labs. Retrieved from https://www.enago.com/academy/global-survey-report-on-health-research-labs/
• International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (2021), The Pharmaceutical Industry and Global Health. Retrieved from https://www.ifpma.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IFPMA-Facts-And-Figures-2021.pdf 
• Mikulic, M. (2021), Pharmaceutical Research and Development (R&D) Statistics and Facts, Statista. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/topics/6755/pharmaceutical-research-and-development-randd/
• Pemberton, R. (2021), Corralling the Costs of R&D: How unmasking asset utilization unlocks ROI, Lab Manager. Retrieved from https://www.labmanager.com/in-focus/corralling-the-costs-of-rd-27239