Originally published in 2025; updated for 2026 to reflect the latest shifts in how labs manage software, tools, and integrated procurement.
Why the right lab management tools matter
In 2026, lab management is no longer just about organizing experiments; it’s about managing a complex ecosystem of data, inventory, and spend as labs scale.
Today’s high-performing labs rely on a dual-stack approach:
- Core scientific software: Systems designed to track workflows, samples, and experimental data.
- Operational support tools: Platforms that facilitate team collaboration, continuous learning, and efficient lab supply sourcing.
One of the biggest challenges for growing labs is distinguishing between their scientific workflows and their procurement processes. To learn how these systems intersect, see our guide on Lab Procurement Platforms vs. Lab Management Software.
What’s changed since 2025?
Since 2025, the “fragmentation gap” in lab management has widened as labs manage more suppliers and higher purchasing volumes, increasing pressure for real-time spend visibility.
In 2026, the definition of a "lab management tool" has expanded. It is no longer enough for a tool to track a pipette’s location; it must now integrate seamlessly with procurement workflows, budget approvals, and supplier coordination. This guide highlights the software and tools helping modern labs bridge the gap between the bench and the back office.
1. Best lab management software (LIMS)
A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is the operational backbone of a lab, designed to centralize experiment data, sample tracking, and workflow automation.
Top lab software: 2026 comparison
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Software
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Best For
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Key Features
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Ideal User
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|---|---|---|---|
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Collaboration
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Sample tracking, ELN, workflow automation, integrations
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Biotech & pharma R&D
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Research labs
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Inventory, protocol management, data visualization
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Small to midsize labs
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Open-source flexibility
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Specimen tracking, assay integration, workflow automation
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Academic & clinical labs
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User experience
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Sample lifecycle management, ELN, reporting
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Mid-to-large pharma & CROs
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Customization
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Workflow automation, extensive configuration options
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Enterprise labs
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Compliance
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Regulatory features, mobile access, analytics
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Clinical & regulated labs
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While LIMS platforms are essential for scientific data, they traditionally lack robust procurement and spend controls. In 2026, the most effective labs are closing this gap by integrating their LIMS with digital marketplaces. This ensures that when a sample reaches a certain threshold, the reordering process is triggered automatically within a unified lab purchasing workflow.
Key takeaway: Choose a LIMS that prioritizes interoperability. A system that cannot "talk" to your procurement platform creates a manual bottleneck that slows down research.
2. Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs)
An ELN is a digital platform used by scientists to document research, protocols, and experimental results, replacing traditional paper notebooks to improve data reproducibility and team collaboration.
Leading ELNs in 2026:
- LabArchives. Widely used in academia, government, and industry. Known for collaboration features, searchable experiment records, and institutional compliance.
- Labfolder. Clean interface and strong regulatory support. Favored by labs that need to meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and GLP requirements.
- Labstep. Designed for productivity. Connects experiments directly to inventory and integrates with other lab software, making it appealing for startups or growing labs.
- LabWare ELN. Part of the larger LabWare LIMS ecosystem, ideal for enterprise-scale labs needing end-to-end integration.
- RSpace. Flexible and integration-friendly (Dropbox, GitHub, protocols.io). Fits well for multidisciplinary research teams.
- SciNote. Focused on workflow automation and project management, with strong compliance features for reproducibility.
- eLabJournal. Combines ELN, inventory, and protocol management in one package. Popular in Europe and among biotech startups.
- Signals Notebook. Enterprise-grade, cloud-based ELN. Strong adoption in pharma and biopharma with advanced chemistry/biology modules.
The limitation: While ELNs are excellent for recording what happened during an experiment, they rarely track the cost or source of the materials used. To avoid “data silos,” labs are now linking ELN protocols directly to procurement platforms to ensure every experiment is backed by a transparent supply chain.
3. Supporting lab resources
Open access research platforms
Open access research platforms help scientists discover publications, datasets, and preprints. These tools support research planning and knowledge sharing but do not manage lab operations directly.
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Platform
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What It Offers
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Insider Tip
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|---|---|---|
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Extensive biomedical literature and peer-reviewed articles
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Use the “Similar articles” filter to uncover lesser-known but relevant studies for protocol validation.
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Preprints in genomics, bioinformatics, and more
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Set up subject alerts to get notified as soon as a preprint drops in your field.
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Networking, publications, and Q&A with researchers
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Use the “Request full text” feature to connect directly with authors and spark collaborations.
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Broad-scope open-access journal with strong data sharing
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Check the data availability statements for links to raw datasets useful in benchmarking or AI/ML training.
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Rapid publishing with transparent peer review
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Follow version updates to see how reviewer feedback evolves the research in real time.
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Educational resources: Podcasts and webinars
In a fast-moving field, staying informed is part of lab management. High-performing lab managers use these resources to stay ahead of compliance changes and new automation technologies.
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Podcast/Webinar
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Why It’s Relevant
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|---|---|
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Biotech leaders on genomics, automation, and computational biology
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Founders and investors discuss challenges in scaling labs
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ASCP's podcast for all things laboratory.
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Timely scientific discoveries with lab relevance
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Broader biotech community, strong R&D insights
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Lab supply purchasing advice and strategies for scientists, procurement specialists, finance professionals, and lab operations managers
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Online lab management communities
Peer support is the "hidden" lab management tool. Joining communities allows managers to troubleshoot common issues—like navigating the differences between lab distributors and suppliers—with people who have already solved them.
Popular Subreddits:
Professional resources development
Continuous learning helps lab managers sharpen leadership and operational skills.
Top 2026 options:
- American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). Certifications and continuing education
- Association of Laboratory Managers (ALMA). Management workshops and events
- Coursera and edX. Courses in management and leadership
- Lab Innovations. UK-based event showcasing lab tech
- LabOps Unite. Community-driven platform for operational excellence
- Pittcon. Annual conference and expo on lab science with workshops and networking
Where procurement platforms fit alongside lab management
Lab management tools such as LIMS and ELNs focus on experiments and data inside the lab, while procurement platforms focus on supplier sourcing, ordering, approvals, and spend visibility. For a deeper breakdown of how these systems differ, see our comparison of LIMS vs ELN vs ZAGENO.
Lab supply procurement platforms like ZAGENO sit alongside lab management software by centralizing how labs source and purchase supplies across suppliers, while integrating with existing lab and finance systems to reduce administrative overhead as labs scale.
Bringing it all together
There is no single tool that manages every aspect of a modern lab.
The most effective lab setups combine:
- Lab management software (LIMS/ELNs) for experiments and workflows
- Supporting tools for research, learning, and collaboration
- Procurement platforms for supplier management, ordering, and spend visibility
Talking with ZAGENO can help labs understand how these systems work together, so teams can scale efficiently while keeping scientists focused on research rather than paperwork
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- What is lab management software used for?
Lab management software organizes data, tracks samples, and streamlines workflows, making labs more efficient and compliant. - Which is the best lab management software in 2026?
It depends on your lab type. Benchling is best for biotech R&D, STARLIMS for compliance-heavy labs, and Labguru for smaller research teams. - What’s the difference between LIMS and ELN?
A LIMS focuses on managing samples, workflows, and compliance. An ELN is primarily for documenting experiments and protocols. Many labs use both.
