Get to Know the Electronic Lab Notebook
Researchers generate large amounts of data which must be carefully recorded and analyzed in order to get accurate results from each experiment. Traditionally, this data has been entered into a paper lab notebook, which served as a record of each researcher’s work. If needed, that data might then later be digitized. But today, thanks to the electronic lab notebook (ELN), researchers are able to automatically digitize their data and make better use of it than ever before.
Read on to learn more about this exciting technology.
Digitized Data: Easy to Analyze and Share
Now more than ever, researchers are sharing their data with other labs in order to collaborate, or to let more people benefit from the data in different areas of the field. When data is entered directly into a digital format, such as via an electronic lab notebook, it is easier to share that data with collaborators around the globe. Many systems even allow for setting permissions on data, to ensure that it is only shared with the correct people, and that proprietary information does not leave the lab.
When data is digitized, it is easier to analyze it, whether with machine learning programs or other resources. Especially when dealing with large amounts of data from multiple sources, computers have become necessary for performing analysis, as it would simply take too much time for a human to process the same amount of information.
Keeps Everyone on the Same Page
A cloud-based ELN solution stores all of the lab’s data online, where it can be accessed by anyone with permission. Rather than having to find the right paper notebook, a lab manager, team lead, or instructor can easily review the data online to see where each researcher is in their project.
These cloud-based systems have been especially beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic, when researchers have had to limit the amount of time they spent together in the lab. Sharing data online, and working together via video conferencing (which can even be done from within some more extensive ELN software suites) has allowed researchers to continue to do their important work even during these unprecedented times.
Integrates with Other Important Systems
An electronic lab notebook will integrate with the other systems in your laboratory. Some may even be part of an all-inclusive smart laboratory software suite. Your ELN should be able to connect to your inventory system, to allow researchers to easily find and retrieve reagents or samples. The inventory will then be automatically updated to reflect the fact that these items have been removed and put to use.
It may also be able to connect directly to your lab equipment, allowing researchers to check that equipment is properly calibrated, or run calibration if necessary.
The Electronic Lab Notebook is the Way of the Future
If you haven’t already encountered an electronic lab notebook, it’s likely you will soon. More and more laboratories are adopting this technology, as it allows them to work more efficiently. We’ve only scratched the surface of the capabilities that this software offers for labs around the world.
