Why the right tools matter for lab managers
We see how many hats lab managers wear today: scientist, project manager, procurement lead, compliance officer. That’s why the right lab management tools in 2025 aren’t just nice-to-have, they’re essential. But with so many platforms and resources available, which ones are truly worth your time and budget?
As the leading biotech procurement platform, ZAGENO supports hundreds of biotech and pharma organizations worldwide, helping lab managers streamline sourcing and keep research moving forward.
We’ve rounded up the top tools every lab manager should know in 2025, from LIMS and ELNs to open-access platforms and professional development resources, so you can stay organized, productive, and confident while balancing all of those hats.
1. Best lab management software in 2025
Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and related platforms are at the core of efficient lab operations. Interest in solutions like lab management software and lab inventory management software continues to grow, as more managers look for ways to upgrade systems and improve efficiency.
Top lab software: Quick 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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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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Why it matters: Choosing the right lab management software is critical for reducing administrative workload. Pairing it with ZAGENO’s procurement platform saves lab managers an average of 6.5 hours per week on ordering and supplier communication.
2. Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs)
Electronic Lab Notebooks replace paper notebooks with digital documentation for experiments, protocols, and results. They’re now standard in both academic and commercial labs, but the best choice depends on your lab’s size, workflows, and compliance needs.
Leading ELNs in 2025
- 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.
Why it matters: ELNs do more than digitize notebooks. They improve compliance, streamline workflows, and reduce audit stress. The right ELN can help teams work faster and collaborate more effectively.
3. Open access research platforms
Keeping up with new science is easier when barriers are removed. Open-access research platforms let lab managers and their teams stay current without subscription costs. But simply knowing where to look isn’t enough, the real value comes from how you use them.
Top platforms in 2025
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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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Why it matters: Open research helps labs adapt faster, but the key is filtering signal from noise. Lab managers who set up alerts, leverage data availability, and build author connections can stay months ahead. When it comes time to source supplies for new experiments, ZAGENO’s AI-driven metasearch makes it simple to match protocols with available products.
4. Science podcasts and webinars
On-demand learning keeps lab managers connected to new methods and strategies. Listen on your commute or in the gym.
Recommended in 2025:
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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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Why it matters: Podcasts and webinars give lab managers direct access to thought leaders and peers without leaving the lab. Choosing a few high-value channels helps managers bring fresh ideas into operations and procurement strategies.
5. Online lab management communities
Like gathering around the water cooler in the old days, Reddit and other forums provide informal spaces where lab managers troubleshoot, share experiences, and trade advice.
Popular Subreddits:
Why it matters: Sometimes it can be lonely in the lab, so online forums are great for sharing experiences and lessons learned.
6. Professional development resources
Continuous learning helps lab managers sharpen leadership and operational skills.
Top 2025 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
Why it matters: Training makes managers more effective leaders, but first you need the time to be able to attend. Procurement efficiency is a tool to free up time for people and strategy. For example, ZAGENO customers save up to 70% of time on 3-way matching, freeing managers to focus on higher-value work.
Bringing it all together with ZAGENO
The right combination of lab management tools can make the difference between a lab that struggles to keep up and one that runs smoothly, efficiently, and with fewer bottlenecks. Every lab manager needs to decide which tools are worth their time and budget in 2025.
As the leading lab supply marketplace, ZAGENO helps ensure that procurement doesn’t hold you back. By consolidating sourcing across 40M+ SKUs from 5,000+ suppliers, automating approvals and tracking, and saving hours each week on supply management, ZAGENO frees lab managers to get the most out of every other tool they rely on, while integrating seamlessly with the platforms most labs already use.
Request a demo of ZAGENO and see how leading labs are simplifying procurement and accelerating research.
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 2025?
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.
