Labware

What is labware

LabWare is an enterprise-grade laboratory information management system (LIMS) and laboratory execution system (LES) vendor that provides software to manage laboratory data, sample lifecycles, workflows, instruments, and regulatory compliance. The platform is designed for laboratories that require traceability, standardized workflows, audit-ready records, and integration with instruments and enterprise systems.

LabWare products include configurable LIMS and LES modules, instrument and automation integration tools, data reporting and analytics, and deployment options for cloud and on-premises environments. The software supports regulated industries by offering audit trails, electronic signatures, role-based access controls, and configuration features to meet 21 CFR Part 11 and other regional regulatory requirements.

Organizations use LabWare to replace paper-based processes, reduce manual entry errors, speed sample turnaround, and consolidate dispersed lab operations into a single managed platform. The vendor provides professional services for implementation, validation, and ongoing support to tailor systems for specific laboratory workflows and instrumentation.

Labware features

LabWare's platform includes a broad set of core and optional features that address sample lifecycle and laboratory operations. Features are modular and configurable so labs can implement the components they need:

• Sample tracking: End-to-end sample lifecycle management from receipt to disposal with barcode support, chain-of-custody records, and location management.
• Workflow orchestration: Graphical and script-driven workflow engines to enforce SOPs, conditional routing, and approval gates.
• Instrument integration: Direct instrument interfacing and middleware options for automated data capture, normalization, and result reconciliation.
• Electronic records and compliance: Audit trails, electronic signatures, configurable permissions, and features to support 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO standards.

LabWare also offers advanced capabilities used by larger and regulated labs:

• Analytics and reporting: Built-in and custom reporting tools, dashboards, KPI tracking, and export options for downstream systems.
• Laboratory Execution System (LES): Step-by-step task execution, recipe management, and operator instructions to ensure repeatable processes.
• Integration Manager and APIs: Tools and interfaces for integration with ERP, HIS, ELN, and scientific instruments.
• Data management and archiving: Secure storage, long-term retention policies, and export/import utilities for data portability.

Deployment and user experience features:

• Cloud and on-premises deployment: Flexible deployment models to meet security, performance, and regulatory needs.
• Mobile and barcode support: Mobile-friendly interfaces for sample receipt, inspections, and field activities with barcode scanning.
• Security and identity management: SSO, SAML, role-based access control, and encryption for data in transit and at rest.

What does labware do?

LabWare centralizes laboratory operations and data so teams can manage samples, tests, results, instruments, and compliance within a single system. It enforces standardized workflows and automates data capture to reduce manual tasks and errors.

The platform connects instruments and automation to deliver electronic results directly into the LIMS, reducing transcription work and accelerating turnaround times. LabWare also provides reporting and analytics for quality control, trend analysis, and regulatory reporting.

LabWare supports regulated documentation and audit requirements: it records who performed actions, what changes were made, and when—helping organizations maintain inspection-ready records. It also integrates with enterprise systems (ERP, MES, HIS) to synchronize sample and test data across business processes.

Labware pricing

LabWare offers flexible licensing and deployment models that are commonly structured as subscription (SaaS), perpetual license, and services-based implementation quotes. Because LabWare is primarily sold to enterprise and regulated labs, pricing is typically customized by deployment size, modules selected, number of users, and implementation scope.

Typical pricing components include:

• Software licensing or subscription fees: recurring subscription or one-time perpetual license costs depending on cloud or on-premises deployment.
• Implementation and validation services: professional services for configuration, integration, validation, and user training.
• Support and maintenance: annual maintenance or support fees that cover updates, security patches, and technical support.
• Optional modules and integrations: separate charges for LES, advanced reporting, instrument drivers, and third-party integrations.

To give practical ranges commonly seen in the LIMS market:

• Subscription starter deployments (small labs): commonly begin around $1,500/month for minimal seat counts and core LIMS features.
• Mid-size and enterprise SaaS deployments: typical monthly costs range between $5,000/month and $20,000/month depending on modules, user counts, and integrations.
• Perpetual license costs: one-time license fees for on-premises installations commonly start around $50,000 and can range up to $250,000 or more for enterprise deployments and added modules.
• Implementation and integration projects: professional services and validation can range from $20,000 for compact rollouts to $500,000+ for complex, multi-site implementations involving automation and instrument fleets.

All prices above are illustrative market ranges for planning. For definitive and current pricing, check LabWare's product portfolio and contact LabWare sales via their official site: view LabWare's product portfolio (https://www.labware.com/products) or reach out to their sales team for a tailored quote.

How much is labware per month

LabWare starts at approximately $1,500/month for small, cloud-hosted LIMS deployments with limited users and basic modules. Monthly subscription costs scale with the number of users, selected modules (LES, advanced reporting, integration manager), and the level of professional services required for implementation.

For most regulated or enterprise labs, total monthly subscription costs commonly range from $5,000/month to $20,000/month once integrations, instrument interfacing, and validation are included as part of the managed service.

How much is labware per year

LabWare costs for an enterprise deployment commonly fall in the $60,000/year to $240,000/year range for subscription-based models, depending on scale, modules, and support levels. Annual costs reflect the recurring software license, managed cloud hosting (if applicable), and annual support and maintenance fees.

Perpetual licensing models use one-time purchase fees plus annual maintenance (typically 15–25% of the license cost) rather than an annual subscription charge.

How much is labware in general

LabWare pricing ranges from roughly $1,500/month for small cloud deployments to $250,000+ one-time for large on-premises enterprise licenses and multi-site implementations. Implementation, validation, integration, and customization can significantly increase total project costs, so total cost of ownership should include both software fees and professional services.

When budgeting, labs should consider these cost buckets:

• Software licensing or subscription fees: ongoing monthly or one-time license fees.
• Implementation and validation services: configuration, integrations, and testing labor costs.
• Support and maintenance: annual fees for updates and technical support.
• Hardware and hosting: servers, networking, or managed cloud hosting fees if not using a SaaS deployment.

Check LabWare's deployment and services information for precise offerings and to request a quote: view LabWare's product portfolio (https://www.labware.com/products) and contact sales for up-to-date pricing and deployment options.

What is labware used for

LabWare is used to manage laboratory workflows, sample lifecycles, test results, and instrument data across a wide range of scientific and regulated environments. Typical uses include sample receipt and accessioning, test scheduling, result entry and validation, generation of certificates of analysis (CoA), and long-term data archiving.

Specific lab activities supported by LabWare include environmental testing, pharmaceutical QC and R&D, clinical diagnostics, biobanking, food safety testing, forensic analysis, and contract research organization (CRO) operations. It supports both batch-oriented and single-sample workflows and can orchestrate complex laboratory processes involving automation and high-throughput instruments.

LabWare is also used to ensure regulatory compliance by maintaining detailed audit trails, enforcing electronic signatures and approvals, and facilitating validation packages. Quality assurance teams use it for trend analysis, out-of-spec investigations, corrective actions, and supplier/raw material traceability.

Operational benefits include reduced manual transcription errors, improved sample throughput, standardized SOP enforcement, and consolidated reporting that links laboratory results to business systems such as ERP and quality management platforms.

Pros and cons of labware

LabWare offers a powerful, feature-rich LIMS/LES platform with deep support for regulated laboratories and complex instrument integrations. Strengths include a mature workflow engine, extensive configurability, broad instrument support, and a track record of large-scale enterprise deployments. These strengths make it a strong fit for organizations that need strict traceability, multi-site coordination, and extensive customization.

However, the platform's breadth and configurability mean implementations can be complex and resource-intensive. Typical challenges include longer implementation timelines, the need for specialized consultants for configuration and validation, and larger upfront and professional services costs compared with lightweight LIMS or SaaS-first tools.

User experience is robust but may be perceived as less modern than some newer, cloud-native laboratory platforms focused on bench scientists. Some organizations prefer a lighter-weight interface for day-to-day operators and may layer LabWare with more user-friendly ELN or bench apps.

In summary, LabWare is highly capable for regulated, enterprise labs that need deep functionality and integration; organizations seeking a quick, low-cost out-of-the-box solution for small teams may find alternative LIMS solutions simpler and faster to deploy.

Labware free trial

LabWare does not typically offer a public free trial like consumer SaaS products; instead, the vendor commonly provides product demonstrations, pilot projects, and proof-of-concept (PoC) engagements tailored to a lab's needs. These hands-on pilots let organizations validate workflows, instrument integrations, and data flows before committing to a full implementation.

Pilots are usually scoped and priced as part of the services engagement; they include sample configurations, integration tests, and user acceptance testing. For regulated environments, pilots also help identify validation requirements that will be addressed during full deployment.

To explore trial or pilot options, contact LabWare sales or request a demonstration through LabWare's customer contact channels: request a LabWare demonstration (https://www.labware.com/contact-sales) to discuss pilots and PoC engagements.

Is labware free

No. LabWare is not offered as a free product. LabWare is an enterprise-grade LIMS/LES suite sold via subscription or perpetual license and is backed by professional services for implementation and validation. Prospective customers typically engage sales for demos and scoped pilot projects rather than signing up for a free plan.

Labware API

LabWare exposes integration capabilities through APIs, web services, and proprietary integration tools designed to connect instruments, automation platforms, enterprise systems, and third-party applications. Common integration interfaces include RESTful APIs, SOAP/web services, and industry-standard communication formats such as XML, JSON, HL7, ASTM, and CSV.

The platform often includes a dedicated integration manager or middleware component that handles instrument drivers, data normalization, queuing, and bidirectional data flows. This integration layer supports direct instrument connections, RS-232/USB interfaces, file drops, and integration with laboratory automation systems.

Security and identity integration features typically include support for SSO (SAML), LDAP/Active Directory, role-based access control, and token-based authentication for API access. For regulated customers, LabWare provides guidance on secure API usage, validation of interfaces, and audit logging for integrated data flows.

For details on available API endpoints, authentication methods, and integration best practices, consult LabWare's integration documentation and professional services: LabWare integration framework documentation (https://www.labware.com/products/integration).

10 Labware alternatives

Paid alternatives to labware

• Thermo Fisher SampleManager LIMS: Comprehensive LIMS solution with strong enterprise features and instrument integration; commonly used in pharmaceutical and applied markets.
• STARLIMS: Enterprise LIMS focused on healthcare, public health, and industrial labs with broad data management and analytics features.
• LabVantage: Configurable LIMS and ELN platform with cloud and on-premises options, strong for life sciences and materials labs.
• Benchling: Modern, cloud-native R&D informatics platform combining ELN and sample management; favors research labs and biotech teams seeking collaborative tools.
• PerkinElmer Signals (and LIMS suite): Data-centric lab informatics with emphasis on analytics and connectivity across the lab data stack.
• Dotmatics: Focuses on scientific data management with chemistry- and biology-centric workflows and visualization tools.

Open source alternatives to labware

• Bika LIMS: An open source LIMS solution used in clinical and environmental labs that can be configured and extended for sample tracking and reporting.
• LabKey Server: Open-source platform for data management, particularly strong for research data integration and biobanking workflows.
• OpenSpecimen: Open-source biobanking and specimen management software for research institutions and biorepositories.
• Baobab LIMS: Open-source LIMS designed for academic and small to mid-scale labs with sample tracking and basic workflows.

Each alternative has trade-offs in features, support, scalability, and regulatory readiness; enterprise labs often prefer vendor-backed systems for validation and support, while research groups may choose open-source options for cost flexibility and customization.

Frequently asked questions about Labware

What is Labware used for?

LabWare is used for laboratory sample management, workflow execution, instrument integration, and regulatory recordkeeping. It centralizes sample lifecycle steps from accessioning through reporting, enforces SOPs with LES capabilities, and records audit trails and electronic signatures for compliance. Labs use it to automate data capture, reduce errors, and coordinate multi-site operations.

Does Labware integrate with laboratory instruments?

Yes. LabWare supports direct instrument integration through drivers, middleware, and its integration manager. The platform can connect to instruments via standard interfaces (RS-232, file drops, network APIs) and translate instrument output into structured LIMS records, enabling automated result capture and reducing manual transcription.

How much does Labware cost per user?

LabWare pricing is typically quoted per deployment and module rather than a simple per-user rate. Small deployments can start around $1,500/month, while enterprise subscriptions often range from $5,000/month to $20,000/month depending on features, integrations, and users. Contact LabWare for a tailored per-user or per-deployment quote via their product portfolio (https://www.labware.com/products).

Is there a free version or trial of Labware?

No, LabWare does not offer a public free plan. Instead, the vendor provides demonstrations, scoped pilots, and proof-of-concept engagements so labs can validate workflows and integrations prior to purchase. Contact LabWare's sales team to arrange a demo or pilot project.

Can Labware be hosted in the cloud?

Yes. LabWare can be deployed as a cloud-hosted SaaS or as an on-premises installation. The choice depends on security, regulatory, and institutional requirements; LabWare works with customers to define hosting, backup, and disaster recovery arrangements for cloud deployments.

Does Labware support regulatory compliance like 21 CFR Part 11?

Yes. LabWare includes features to support regulatory compliance such as audit trails, electronic signatures, role-based access control, and configurable data retention. The vendor also offers validation support and documentation to help customers meet industry standards and regulatory inspection requirements.

Can Labware connect to ERP and MES systems?

Yes. LabWare provides integration capabilities to connect with ERP, MES, and other enterprise systems. Integrations use APIs, middleware, or file exchange patterns to synchronize sample, product, and quality data between the lab and business systems.

What reporting and analytics capabilities does Labware offer?

LabWare provides built-in reporting, dashboards, and export facilities for analytics. Users can create custom reports, schedule reports for distribution, and export data to BI tools for deeper analysis. The platform supports traceability reports, control charts, and multi-site roll-up reporting.

How long does a typical Labware implementation take?

Implementation timelines vary widely based on scope but commonly range from several weeks for small pilots to 6–18 months for complex enterprise rollouts. Timeline factors include the number of sites, instrument integration complexity, required validation, and the degree of workflow customization.

What support and training does Labware provide?

LabWare offers professional services, training, and support contracts as part of its commercial engagement. Services typically include installation, configuration, validation support, user training, and ongoing technical support with options for priority response and dedicated customer success resources.

labware careers

LabWare employs professionals in software development, implementation consulting, validation services, product management, support, and domain specialists with laboratory science backgrounds. Career opportunities typically include roles for LIMS consultants, integration engineers, QA/validation specialists, and customer support staff. Check LabWare's corporate site and careers page for current openings and application details.

labware affiliate

LabWare works with regional partners, system integrators, and resellers who provide localized implementation and support services. Affiliates often help with instrument connectivity, local validation requirements, and language-specific deployments. For information about authorized partners and reseller programs, consult LabWare's partner information or contact their sales team.

Where to find labware reviews

Independent reviews and user feedback can be found on industry review sites and forums where laboratory informatics are discussed. For customer case studies, implementation examples, and official testimonials, review LabWare's customer case studies and resources on their website: LabWare customer stories and resources (https://www.labware.com/resources). Additionally, professional networks and industry conferences are useful sources for peer feedback and references.