LIMS Evolution: Modernizing Laboratory Management

PERN S.A. is a national leader in raw materials and fuel logistics, operating critical infrastructure and supporting energy security. Its Environmental Protection Laboratory relies on the LabOS system to manage sampling, testing, reporting, and compliance processes.

As laboratory processes evolved and requirements became more complex, the existing system struggled to keep pace.

The calculation layer, in particular, became a bottleneck due to its rigid structure and limited configurability.

Each calculation was built using static components, which had to be maintained separately, making updates time-consuming and error-prone. At the same time, the system lacked the ability to define parameters such as constants or result precision, limiting its adaptability to different use cases and user needs. This made it difficult to scale the system and respond efficiently to changing requirements.

To support modern laboratory operations, the system needed to:

• replace static calculation logic with dynamic and configurable components
• allow users to define constants and calculation parameters
• support flexible input structures for different calculation types
• improve accuracy and reliability of calculations
• simplify maintenance and reduce duplication

The goal was to create a more adaptable and manageable system that can evolve with laboratory needs.

A redesigned calculation framework was introduced, based on dynamic computational forms that allow flexible definition of inputs, constants, and formulas. Instead of maintaining separate static components, calculations are now managed through reusable and configurable structures.

The implementation leverages efficient string processing methods and the NCalc library to handle formula evaluation with improved accuracy and performance. This approach not only reduces the risk of errors but also makes it easier to present and manage calculation logic within the system.

Technology stack:

• .NET Core for backend development
• Angular for frontend interface
• MS SQL for data storage
• NCalc for dynamic formula evaluation
• Active Directory for identity management
• TOGAF for architectural approach

Users can define calculation logic through configurable forms, specifying input data, constants, and parameters such as precision. These forms act as reusable templates that can be adapted to different scenarios without requiring code changes.

The system evaluates formulas dynamically using a calculation engine, ensuring consistent and accurate results while allowing flexibility in how calculations are defined and modified.

Key capabilities:

• Dynamic calculation forms replacing static components
• User-defined constants and calculation parameters
• Configurable result precision
• Reusable templates for different calculation scenarios
• Improved accuracy through structured formula evaluation
• Centralized management of calculation logic

The modernization of the calculation layer significantly improved system flexibility and reduced the complexity of maintaining and updating calculation logic. Users can now adapt the system to their specific needs without requiring technical changes, enabling faster response to evolving requirements.

At the same time, centralized management of calculations reduced duplication and improved consistency across the system.

The solution delivered measurable improvements across key areas:

• Increased flexibility, supporting diverse laboratory use cases
• Simplified maintenance, reducing operational overhead
• Improved calculation accuracy, minimizing risk of errors
• Faster adaptation to change, through configurable logic
• Reduced duplication, with reusable calculation templates
• Scalable system foundation, supporting future development

The redesigned calculation framework provides a foundation for further system evolution, enabling additional features and extensions without increasing complexity. As laboratory processes continue to evolve, the system can adapt in a controlled and efficient way.

Can a LIMS let laboratory users change calculation formulas without code changes?

Yes. Configurable calculation forms let users specify input data, constants, and parameters such as precision, and they act as reusable templates for different scenarios. A calculation engine then evaluates the formulas dynamically. In this project, InTechHouse introduced dynamic computational forms in the LabOS system at PERN's Environmental Protection Laboratory, replacing static components that previously had to be maintained separately.

What is NCalc used for in a laboratory information management system?

NCalc handles dynamic formula evaluation. In the LabOS calculation framework, NCalc works with efficient string processing methods to evaluate user-defined formulas with improved accuracy and performance, which reduces the risk of errors. In this project, InTechHouse combined NCalc with .NET Core for the backend, Angular for the frontend, MS SQL for data storage, and Active Directory for identity management, following a TOGAF architectural approach.

How does replacing static LIMS calculations affect maintenance effort?

Replacing static LIMS calculations with centralized, reusable templates reduces duplication and simplifies maintenance. Static components each had to be maintained separately, which made updates time-consuming and error-prone. In this project, InTechHouse moved PERN's LabOS calculations to centralized management, improving consistency across the system and giving the laboratory a scalable foundation for further features without increasing complexity.