What Is an ELN (Electronic Lab Notebook)? Benefits of Implementation and Key Points When Selecting One

In recent years, many researchers have been switching from analog laboratory notebooks to electronic laboratory notebooks. This article explains electronic lab notebooks (ELN). 

 

Definition of an ELN (Electronic Lab Notebook) 

ELN stands for Electronic Lab Notebook, a system for recording and storing experimental data by digitizing traditional laboratory notebooks using notebook software customized for scientific research. It has the benefit of being easier to share and retrieve information than traditional paper research notebooks. It also offers superior visibility since the text is not handwritten and is not affected by paper deterioration. 

 

What Is a Laboratory Informatics System?

Laboratory informatics refers to technology for managing, analyzing, and sharing data, information, and knowledge in research fields such as life sciences and chemistry. 

Functions of laboratory informatics (example) 

Experimental workflow management Data management and analysis of experimental results  Creation of experimental reports Data management of experimental equipment

Laboratory informatics can be broadly categorized into the following components. 

• Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS): A system that supports the workflow of laboratory data management, analysis, and reporting.  
• Scientific Data Management System (SDMS): A system for scientific data and document management capable of analyzing a large volume of data and generating reports. 
• Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN): An electronic version of a laboratory notebook, designed specifically for researchers to record, store, visualize, analyze, and share experimental data. 
• Laboratory Execution System (LES): A system that supports the execution of laboratory experiments, standardizing experimental procedures and data input. 
• Laboratory Instrument Integration Platforms (LIIP): A system that links with a variety of scientific instruments to capture and process data. 

These components are expected to bring benefits such as increased research efficiency, improved data reliability, and data sharing and reuse. 

In this article, we focus on the “ELN” of the above five components in laboratory informatics.

 

Current Status of ELNs 

In today's research environment, where digital technology is increasingly used for data collection and analysis, the use of ELNs is essential for research to proceed smoothly. The loss of information due to lack of digital data preservation is also a major cause of research delays and setbacks, and ELNs are becoming indispensable tool in research.  

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for ELNs in research fields from various perspectives, including data accuracy, data security and portability. In particular, the market for “Cloud ELNs”, which provide ELNs in the cloud, is projected to expand rapidly, and is expected to drive the growth of the overall ELN market. Regular new application developments are also expected to fuel the growth of the ELN market. 

 

Types of ELNs

ELNs can be divided into several types depending on their intended use and implementation method. This section provides an overview and features of each ELN type. 

【Classification by Intended Use】

・Specific ELN

Specific ELN directly meets specific regulatory requirements. For example, ELN designed and operated in accordance with regulatory standards related to GxP is called a Specific-ELN. It complies with the requirements of regulatory authorities (FDA, EMA, etc.) and provides features to meet regulatory requirements such as quality control, data integrity, traceability, and electronic signatures. It is primarily used for research and quality control in a GxP environment. Specific-ELNs improve quality control, comply with regulatory requirements, and facilitate the approval process with regulatory authorities. 

・Generic ELN

It is a general ELN and does not directly meet specific regulatory requirements. It provides basic functionalities for recording, managing, sharing, and retrieving experimental data. It is used in specific industries and research fields, but is suitable where strict regulatory requirements are not required. Generic ELNs are intended to improve experimental efficiency, ensure data uniformity, and promote collaboration. 

Thus, Specific-ELNs are specifically designed to meet regulatory requirements and are used in rigorous environments. In contrast, Generic ELNs are used for general research purposes and do not need to directly meet regulatory requirements. The ELN should be appropriate for the environment and purpose for which it is used.

【Classification by Implementation Method】

・Cloud ELN

The most significant benefits of using the cloud are ease of system integration and lower initial implementation and maintenance costs. Technologies such as Web API allow for easy integration with various services provided by other vendors, enhancing the original functionality and increasing convenience. In addition, by entrusting the development and maintenance of servers and other infrastructure to the provider, costs can be reduced, and various burdens associated with system implementation can be alleviated. 

・On-premises ELN

An On-premises ELN is an ELN that is used on-site with the server installed by the user. Compared to the cloud, the key feature is that users can freely select servers and network devices to be used. In terms of system operation, Cloud ELNs can be affected by the circumstances of the service provider, such as network connection failures and periodic maintenance, whereas On-premises ELNs have the advantage of being operated at the use’s convenience. 

・Hybrid ELN

A variety of analytical instruments are used in laboratories. Each analytical instrument is connected to a PC to store and analyze its data. In order to summarize the experimental information from these instruments, it is necessary to output the information stored on the PC to paper or transcribe it in a notebook. 

A hybrid ELN is one that connects these instruments to a network and links the data to ELN services. Seamless integration between the cloud service side and the PCs connected to the instruments covers the requirements for data integrity, such as data storage, backup, and security. Although it is possible to build almost the same system for services using on-premises servers, the maintenance, installation, and cost of servers are a burden on the user side, so ELNs for cloud services are used in many cases. 

 

Benefits of ELNs

The implementation of ELNs in research and the digitization of stored data will streamline and optimize scientific research and development, leading to increased research efficiency. Here is the outline of the key benefits of implementing ELNs.

Centralized Data Management

Digitizing all research data together allows for unified management of past research data. In addition, the storage location is easier to identify and search than analog media, reducing the time spent searching for necessary past data. Not only can you check and organize your own past experimental data, but you can also view experimental data accumulated in the entire laboratory or research institute. Moreover, you can copy the status of previous experiments as they are and divert some data for use, thus saving you the time and effort of creating new files.    

Accessible from Anywhere

The ELN allows access to the database anytime and anywhere, as long as you have an Internet environment and a device such as a PC, smartphone, or tablet. This eliminates the need to visit the storage location to check data. In addition, while paper-based media may lack storage space as the volume of information increases, digitization reduces the possible risks associated with increased information volume. It also makes it easier to link photos and graphs of experiments.  

Can Eliminate Unclear Characters

If data is stored only on paper, there are cases where characters in handwritten documents are unclear and difficult to read when checked later. There is also a risk of deterioration of pasted graphics, photographs, and other materials, as well as data loss due to organic solvents. Therefore, digitizing the data with ELNs helps eliminate misreading due to unclear handwriting and keep accurate records. It also prevents reading difficulties and data loss due to deterioration over time. 

Easily Extract Information Necessary for Operations

When data is stored on paper, it takes a lot of effort to organize frequently used materials for easy retrieval and to make copies of necessary items. In contrast, materials digitized with ELNs are easier to organize than paper-based materials, and can be duplicated and sorted as needed. Therefore, it can be customized into a more user-friendly database that can easily extract the information needed for your operations. This reduces the time and effort required to search for materials, leading to more efficient operations. 

Can Analyze and Improve Operations 

Unlike paper data, data stored in ELNs can be used as an audit log to keep a history of who did what and when. This allows you to see which data has more views and importance when performing your work. Analyzing logs and data viewing trends will enable trend analysis of your company’s operations. When used in conjunction with the aforementioned database customization to suit your company’s needs, it will enable you to efficiently extract necessary materials and help maximize operational efficiency.

 

Key Points When Selecting an ELN 

This section describes key points to consider when selecting an ELN. Identify the essential requirements for your implementation and find an ELN that matches your needs. 

Meets Your Needs and Requirements

When implementing ELNs, make the following clear: 

• Why do you want to implement ELNs? 
• What are the causes of the inefficiencies you are currently experiencing?
• What features would be useful?

Then, it's important to research several ELNs and select the system that best fits your reasons for implementation. If a free trial version of a candidate system is offered, using it once will help you understand its compatibility with your company’s operations and environment, as well as requirements that you may not have been aware of.

Security Measures

Security measures are extremely important because there is no small risk of information leakage when data is digitized in ELNs. Even with a robust system or guaranteed data encryption, the possibility of leakage is not zero. However, security risks can be greatly reduced by increased database monitoring, double and triple protection, and careful attention to the security of ELNs. Therefore, when selecting an ELN, it is also important to ensure that security measures are strictly implemented.

Cost-effectiveness

Cost-effectiveness is another key factor in selecting an ELN. Keep in mind not only the price, but also the ease of use of the system. A properly designed and easy-to-use system will reduce work time and maximize research and operational efficiency. Determine whether the system is worth the effort of implementing and digitizing existing data, both in terms of price and ease of use, and select the system that best fits your needs.

 

Yokogawa helps you 

Yokogawa's OpreX Informatics Manager is a cloud-based ELN that not only digitizes research notes but also optimizes people and equipment resource management from the perspective of skills and schedule, with all functions in a single package. By combining project management and document management functions, it can also be used as an information integrated solution that connects not only R&D laboratories, but also life science production, quality control, and quality assurance departments.

Learn more about “OpreX Informatics Manager”, Yokogawa's user-friendly ELN.