In recent years, more industries have adopted a hybrid working model. However, while the aim isn't to create a virtual laboratory, scientists have found it challenging to work outside of the lab environment. In fact, many scientists' roles remain fully on-site.
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For starters, all of their research and tests are conducted at their institutes and stored on an on-premises server.
This implies that scientists cannot frequently access their lab notebooks from home, limiting their productive work hours to days when they are in the office. As an alternative, they must rely on their colleagues to email them images of instrument readings because such machines cannot be accessed outside of the laboratory.
While most people can now operate in hybrid mode, the amount of digital data generated in scientific studies has increased dramatically.
From genomic sequences to digital pathology, scientists handle massive datasets requiring advanced computing power and data analysis tools. While these capabilities drive significant advancements in life sciences, they also present a challenge for remote working.
Additionally, effective collaboration is a third obstacle for scientists trying to embrace remote work practices. Scientific discoveries rely heavily on teamwork, and having disparate spreadsheets, notebooks, and email conversations hinders true collaboration.
Currently, the main barrier to remote working for scientists is the absence of suitable lab informatics, LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), and ELN (Electronic Lab Notebook) software. So, what key features should you look for in LIMS or ELN software to facilitate remote work?
Lab software for remotely working scientists
Sapio is significantly accelerating scientific discoveries by demonstrating to the scientific community the potential of a science-aware approach to Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) software.
A key differentiator is that Sapio is the only completely cloud-based lab informatics platform. This global accessibility means that as long as there is an internet connection, all data in the cloud-based LIMS and ELN can be accessed from anywhere. This feature supports scientists in becoming remote workers.
Additionally, Sapio's platform seamlessly integrates with laboratory instruments, feeding data directly into the system. This integration allows for real-time data uploads from different instruments across multiple global locations. Consequently, scientists can review their research remotely, whether attending conferences or working in other laboratories.
Sapio ELN enables scientists to design experiments and evaluate data from any location, including their home office, a serviced office, or a neighborhood coffee shop. This means that scientists can collaborate efficiently and successfully with colleagues all over the world without having to spend all of their time in the lab office.
Sapio's Electronic Lab Notebook also supports full cloud-based collaboration, enabling real-time collaboration with peers all over the world. Sapio ELN can serve as the foundation for remote scientific collaboration by providing internal notifications and messaging.
Sapio ELN allows scientists from all around the world to collaborate on groundbreaking research initiatives, share discoveries, and brainstorm new ideas. It can even be used to identify which team members have accessed each document or message.
In the evolving landscape of remote work, the importance of system integration capabilities in cloud software cannot be overstated. As businesses manage the complexities of distributed teams, seamlessly integrating various tools and systems becomes crucial for operational efficiency.
Integration capabilities ensure that diverse platforms—such as project management, CRM, communication, and HR systems—work harmoniously, creating a unified workflow that bridges gaps between different departments and functions. This synergy enhances collaboration, streamlines processes, and supports the smooth functioning of remote and hybrid work environments.
In the world of remote work, where digital innovation is critical, ELain stands out as a disruptive artificial intelligence solution designed to change the way businesses operate.
ELain, which represents the pinnacle of AI technology, provides a set of features designed to boost productivity, automate mundane operations, and promote more accurate decision-making.
Its incorporation into remote work environments empowers teams by automating administrative activities, analyzing massive datasets to unearth important insights, and even forecasting future trends that may be used in strategic planning.
By leveraging the capabilities of ELain, remote teams can easily navigate the challenges of distributed work, ensuring that workflow efficiency and innovation stay uninterrupted despite physical distances.
What is the future of remote working for scientists?
While most other knowledge workers have been able to embrace remote and hybrid working, it has proven to be much harder for scientists. Although scientific research requires in-person, hands-on lab time, there are always opportunities to work from home, whether that involves data analysis, writing reports, or planning experiments.
Scientists should also be able to enjoy the better work-life balance that comes with hybrid work—whether it is reduced commuting time, improved well-being and mental health, or simply better access to coffee and snacks.
AS previously mentioned, the primary barrier to remote working for scientists is the lack of appropriate lab informatics, LIMS, and ELN software. However, if a laboratory adopts the right platform—one that is cloud-based and designed for scientists—it can unlock the potential for remote work previously unavailable to scientists.
For the scientific community, integrating technology, virtual collaboration tools, and remote access with real-time data is essential. This integration transforms the home office from a mere place for paperwork into a hub of innovation where scientific breakthroughs can occur.
About Sapio Sciences
Sapio Sciences' mission is to improve lives by accelerating discovery, and because science is complex, Sapio makes technology simple. Sapio is a global business offering an all-in-one science-aware (TM) lab informatics platform combining cloud-based LIMS, ELN, and Jarvis data solutions.
Sapio serves some of the largest global and specialist brands, including biopharma, CRO/CDMOs and clinical diagnostic labs across NGS genomic sequencing, bioanalysis, bioprocessing, stability, clinical, histopathology, drug research, and in vivo studies. Customers love Sapio's platform because it is robust, scalable, and with no-code configuration, can quickly adapt to meet unique needs.
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