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Lims Vs Sap

Analysis of SAP QM replacing LIMS

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416 views3 pages

Lims Vs Sap

Analysis of SAP QM replacing LIMS

Uploaded by

aljoe76833
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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LIMS vs. SAP QM - LABVISORY - Replace your LIMS with SAP QM!

Page 1 of 3

LIMS VERSUS SAP QM

More and more companies, especially in the pharmaceutical industry, are raising the
question whether SAP QM is able to satisfy their requirements in terms of laboratory
information management system (LIMS) processes. This question often leads to
protracted discussions, which can be costly and time consuming. Many times such
debates continue for years without any clear outcome. Why is this question so hard to
answer, and why are there such strong differing opinions regarding this topic?

Some years ago, SAP QM was unable to provide typical LIMS functionalities, which made the decision fo
fairly simple. From the beginning of SAP QMs existence, the best of breed approach was to use SAP QM
functions only. The integration into the LIMS was handled via a standardized interface (QM-IDI). A LIMS
activities, e.g. for recording results, the interfacing of test equipment, stability studies, and sample man
people still believe that SAP QM cannot capture typical LIMS functionalities and prefer the use of a LIMS
functions.

SAP QM functionalities have been enhanced by typical LIMS functionalities, and there are many success
satisfied customers using SAP QM as a LIMS. The question should not be whether SAP is able to provide
rather: What is the benefit of using SAP QM instead of using a Laboratory Information Management Syst

Former best-of-breed approach:


SAP R/3 was originally focused on
quality assurance functions. The final
usage decision for a product was either
handled inside of SAP or automatically
transferred from the LIMS to SAP via a
standardized interface (QM-IDI). The
LIMS is usually interfaced with
additional software products to cover all
required functions aside from the typical
quality control features. Trending and

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LIMS vs. SAP QM - LABVISORY - Replace your LIMS with SAP QM! Page 2 of 3

statistical reporting are usually handled


inside special trending tools. Scientific

Data Management Systems collect raw
data from advanced test equipment.
Electronic Lab Notebooks cover all the
requirements of a physical laboratory
notebook and can also be used for
reagent management.

Our best-of-breed approach:


Over the years, SAP added more and
more typical quality control functions so
that SAP ECC 6.0 is now able to cover all
typical LIMS features. Interfaces with
the trending tool and the ELN/SDMS
ensure full coverage of all required
functions. The LIMS itself is no longer
needed. Electronic Lab Notebooks and
SDMS should be highly integrated, and
ideally both software products should be
from the same provider. In addition to
typical SDMS and ELN functions, SAP is
able to handle all other requirements.

What is the benefit of using SAP QM instead of using a Laboratory Information Management S
Many pharmaceutical companies are struggling with the number of computer systems and the related co
architecture. Also, the FDA often complains about IT infrastructures being too complex with

too many interfaces,


data redundancies, and
weak overall traceability of data.

That is the reason many pharmaceutical companies are trying to reduce the complexity and the number
there are multiple LIMS platforms installed, SAP ECC 6.0 can be used as an Enterprise LIMS and all othe
Management Systems can be replaced.

It is likely that SAP is the lower cost option compared to a LIMS. Usually, the

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LIMS vs. SAP QM - LABVISORY - Replace your LIMS with SAP QM! Page 3 of 3

SAP hardware is already in place,


the system is up and running, and,
in some cases, the additional licenses for the laboratory users are already available and paid for.

In this case, the only costs would be the implementation costs, while the LIMS has additional

hardware,
software,
license,
upgrade,
hosting, and
support costs.

Recommendations

In conjunction with an ELN/SDMS, SAP QM is able to consolidate LIMS in a regulated pharma en


QA/QC laboratories.

This recommendation does not apply to R&D laboratories. These laboratories usually have ver
X and the existing LIMS are usually heavily modified. There are more suitable solutions on the ma
conjunction with ELN/SDMS in this case.

2015 LABVISORY UG (haftungsbeschrnkt) | Legal Disclosure

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