Top 6 Tools for Lab Managers to Enhance Operations in 2024

Navigating the complexities of modern lab management demands the right tools to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. As the leading lab supply marketplace, ZAGENO is honored to support hundreds of biotech and pharma organizations worldwide, helping lab managers stay ahead with essential resources and opportunities to enhance their operations. We've compiled a list of the top tools that lab managers need in 2024 to stay organized, productive, and ahead of the competition.

1. Lab Inventory Management Software

Top LIMS solutions in 2024

The following LIMS solutions are popular for their ability to enhance lab efficiency, ensure data integrity, and support compliance with regulatory standards.

• Benchling. Modern, cloud-based LIMS with an emphasis on collaboration and ease of use. Features include sample tracking, data management, electronic lab notebooks (ELN), workflow automation, and integration with other laboratory software.
• Labguru. An intuitive and comprehensive LIMS designed for research labs. Features include sample and inventory management, protocol management, ELN, and data visualization tools.
• LabKey. A powerful, open-source LIMS platform designed for scientific data management and collaboration. Features include specimen tracking, assay data integration, workflow automation, and secure data sharing.
• LabVantage. Offers a highly configurable and web-based LIMS solution with a strong focus on user experience. Features include sample lifecycle management, data management, ELN, and robust reporting tools
• LabWare. Known for its comprehensive and flexible solutions. Features include sample tracking, data management, workflow automation, and extensive customization options.
• STARLIMS. Offers robust data management and regulatory compliance features, as well as sample management, laboratory workflow automation, data analytics, and mobile access.

2. Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs)

Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs) are designed to replace traditional paper lab notebooks, focusing on documenting experiments, observations, protocols, and results. They enhance collaboration, improve data integrity, and streamline the management of experimental data.

Top ELN solutions in 2024

The following ELN solutions enable lab managers and researchers to document their work efficiently, collaborate seamlessly, and maintain a high level of data integrity, ultimately contributing to more effective and reliable research outcomes.

• LabArchives. An intuitive and secure ELN designed for academic, industry, and government labs. Features include protocol management, data entry and storage, collaboration tools, and a searchable database of experiments and notes.
• Labfolder. An ELN that focuses on improving documentation and collaboration. Features include experiment documentation, data management, team collaboration tools, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Labstep. A versatile ELN designed to improve research productivity. Features include experiment documentation, protocol management, inventory tracking, and integration with other laboratory software.
• LabWare ELN. Part of the LabWare suite, this ELN offers comprehensive documentation and data management features. It includes experiment tracking, protocol management, data integration, and robust reporting tools.
• RSpace. A flexible and user-friendly ELN designed for a wide range of research environments. Features include protocol management, data entry and storage, secure data sharing, and integration with other research tools.
• SciNote. A cloud-based ELN and data management system. Features include workflow automation, project management, team collaboration, and compliance with regulatory standards.

3. Free open access research platforms

Platforms offering free access to a vast array of scientific publications enable lab managers to stay current with the latest research and advancements in their fields without legal concerns. These platforms are popular for providing free access to scholarly research, facilitating the rapid dissemination of new findings, and supporting the principles of open science. They are invaluable resources for researchers, students, and professionals seeking current information across various disciplines.

Top open access research platforms in 2024

• PubMed Central (PMC). Free digital repository that archives publicly accessible full-text scholarly articles in the biomedical and life sciences fields. Offers an extensive database of peer-reviewed articles, advanced search capabilities, and integration with other National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) resources.Key resource for accessing research on molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and related fields.
• BioRxiv. Preprint server for biology that allows researchers to share their findings before they are peer-reviewed. Facilitates rapid dissemination of research, community feedback, and does not charge subscription fees. Offers latest research in fields like synthetic biology, genomics, and bioinformatics.
• ResearchGate. Professional network for researchers to share papers, ask and answer questions, and find collaborators. Features profile pages for researchers, the ability to upload and share publications, connect with other researchers, and access a vast database of research outputs.
• PLOS ONE. Inclusive journal community working across all areas of science and medicine. Publishes peer-reviewed, open-access articles with rigorous publication standards, broad scope, and a commitment to transparency and data availability. Covers areas such as biomedical engineering, drug discovery, and cellular biology.
• F1000Research. Open research publishing platform offering immediate publication followed by transparent peer review. Supports rapid publication, open peer review, and the ability to update articles based on reviewer comments and new data. Supports a variety of biotech-related fields including bioinformatics, genomics, and systems biology.

4. Science podcasts and webinars

Podcasts and webinars are excellent sources of insights and continuing education for lab managers.

Top 2024 science podcasts and webinars

• The Bioinformatics CRO Podcast. Tailored for biotech researchers, focusing on the intersection of biology and technology. Features conversations with leaders in bioinformatics, genomics, and computational biology.
• The Biotech Startups Delves into the journey of biotech startups, featuring interviews with founders, investors, and industry experts. Covers topics such as funding, innovation, and the challenges and successes faced by emerging biotech companies.
• Biotechniques Detailed explorations of new techniques, technologies, and research findings that provide biotech researchers with practical knowledge that can be applied in their own work.
• The Future of Everything Hosted by Stanford bioengineering professor Russ Altman. Explores how technology, science and medicine are shaping our lives.
• Nature Biotechnology’s Forum Explores biotech’s latest scientific publications, found in Nature Biotechnology and elsewhere, through discussions with today’s leading researchers.
• The Scientist's podcasts (The Scientist Speaks, TS LabTalk, and Science Philosophy in a Flash). For scientists and by scientists, exploring newsworthy discoveries at the leading edge of innovative research.
• STEM-Talk. Covers a wide range of topics in science, technology, engineering, and math, featuring interviews with experts and in-depth discussions on topics such as biomedical engineering, genetics, and bioinformatics.

5. Online lab management Reddit communities

While there are many online platforms for lab managers, Reddit has emerged as a popular outlet for researchers, lab managers, and scientists to support each other as well as share knowledge, resources, and best practices.

Popular subreddits for lab managers

• r/labrats. Lab technicians and scientists share stories, advice, and humor related to working in a lab, often covering lab management, protocols, and daily challenges.
• r/labtech. Lab technicians and technologists share experiences, job tips, and discuss technical issues related to laboratory work.
• r/biology. Discussions on lab techniques, research methodologies, and lab management, with users sharing insights on experiments and asking for advice.
• r/science. Large community dedicated to sharing and discussing scientific research and news, offering a platform for researchers to engage in discussions about scientific practices and lab work.
• r/labmanager. Lab managers and those interested in lab management topics discuss best practices, equipment management, safety protocols, and leadership.
• r/chemistry. Chemists and chemistry enthusiasts discuss lab techniques, safety, and equipment relevant to chemistry labs.
• r/AskAcademia. Academics, including those involved in lab work, ask and answer questions related to academia, often discussing lab management, research practices, and career advice.

6. Professional development resources for lab managers

Investing in professional development is essential for lab managers to maintain excellence in their roles and to drive the success of their laboratories. Opportunities include professional organizations and associations, online learning platforms, industry conferences and workshops, certifications, and utilizing the best software and training techniques and platforms.

Top professional development opportunities for lab managers

• American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). Offers continuing education programs, certification courses, and professional development webinars that are essential for maintaining competency and staying informed about regulatory changes.
• Association of Laboratory Managers (ALMA). Provides workshops, webinars, and conferences tailored to lab management.
• Benchling and LabWare. Companies like Benchling and Labware offer not only tools for lab management but also training resources to help users maximize their efficiency.
• Coursera and edX. Offer courses from top universities and institutions on lab management, leadership, project management, and relevant scientific advancements.
• Lab Innovations. A UK-based event providing educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and the latest in lab technology and innovation.
• LabOps Unite. A community-driven platform offering webinars, workshops, and networking opportunities focused on operational excellence in laboratories. Provides resources and support for lab managers to enhance efficiency, safety, and innovation in their labs.
• Pittcon: An annual conference and exposition on laboratory science. Offers technical sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities that are valuable for professional growth and staying abreast of new technologies and methods.

Additional resources for lab managers

As the leading lab supply marketplace, ZAGENO offers streamlined lab operations in one simple solution, with over 40 million SKUs from over 5,300 global brands. By using ZAGENO, lab managers save on average 6.5 hours per week finding and ordering products, 3.3 hours per week communicating about order status, and 2.1 hours per week finding product alternatives for backorders.