Automating Cannabis Testing with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) Software systems automate not only key aspects of laboratory testing, but provide a comprehensive data management solution including data on raw material testing, finished product analysis, analysis of growers, strain variation, and edible analysis. LIMS can facilitate workflow creation, internal chain of custody leveraging positive ID (1D, 2D, RFID), shelf life studies, automated reporting, instrument integration, achieving regulatory compliance (ISO 17025), increasing communication across the organization, secure data sharing, secure web portals for client access for achieving operational excellence. LIMS also manage employee permissions in the system, as well as access and privileges to various aspects of the software, maintaining an electronic record of instrument calibrations, repairs and maintenance, employee training, laboratory certifications, inventory management, along with vendor information, expiration dates, electronic data management from direct instrument import, to automated reporting, automated limit and email alerts. In addition to saving time automation enables seamless regulatory compliance and reporting with METRC integration. With a secure LIMS and an integrated web portal, users can access sample testing status and results in real-time, 24/7. Users can also access final COA’s, and other reports from the web portal in pdf form as well as an electronic data deliverable. Primary reasons for implementing LIMS and automation are to ensure high quality manufactured products, higher data quality via the elimination of transcription errors, increased productivity and communication, maximizing resources, achieving regulatory compliance and increasing profitability. 

Learning Objectives:

1. The role that LIMS and Laboratory automation plays in improving analysis turnaround, efficiency, enhanced data quality and regulatory compliance. 
2. Understanding METRC Integration
3. Understanding the impact of automation on laboratory operations, from positive ID to instrument integration through final reporting