Thermo Scientific™ SampleManager LIMS™ and Thermo Scientific™ Chromeleon™ CDS Link

Importance of the Topic

The integration of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and chromatography data systems (CDS) is critical for modern analytical laboratories seeking to improve data integrity, streamline workflows and reduce manual errors. By combining SampleManager LIMS and Chromeleon CDS on a single platform, laboratories can achieve a paperless environment, enhance compliance and optimize instrument utilization across diverse analytical techniques.

Objectives and Overview

This technical bulletin presents the seamless linkage between Thermo Scientific™ SampleManager LIMS™ and Chromeleon™ CDS. The primary objectives are to demonstrate how integrated workflows:

• Eliminate redundant manual steps
• Provide centralized control of chromatography and mass spectrometry instruments
• Enable secure, validated data processing within a single user environment

The article outlines the key features, workflow orchestration and multi-vendor support realized through this integration.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The integration relies on built-in workflow engines in both systems to automate handover points from sample receipt to report generation. Key methodological elements include:

• Automated sequence creation and submission of runs from LIMS to CDS
• Two-way communication for instrument health and queue monitoring
• Validation of automated calculations using Chromeleon’s engine

Used Instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS (v latest)
• Thermo Scientific Chromeleon CDS (v 7.2)
• Thermo Scientific GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS systems
• Ion Chromatography (IC) modules
• Multi-vendor GC, LC and IC instruments (Agilent, Waters, PerkinElmer, Shimadzu)

Main Results and Discussion

Integration of LIMS and CDS on one platform delivered the following outcomes:

• Removal of eight manual processes, leaving only sample loading and “Go” command
• Real-time monitoring of instrument calibration, maintenance schedules and queue status
• Consolidation of chromatography and mass spectrometry data in a unified repository
• Advanced search, trend analysis and data mining across batches, lots and instruments

These capabilities reduce the risk of transcription errors, accelerate decision-making and improve overall laboratory productivity.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The integrated solution offers multiple advantages:

• Significant time savings by eliminating spreadsheets and manual result transfers
• Enhanced data integrity through validated automated calculations
• Improved instrument uptime via proactive service notifications
• Paperless workflows that support regulatory compliance and audit readiness
• Centralized dashboards and interactive charts for quality control and trend monitoring

Future Trends and Applications

Looking ahead, laboratories will increasingly adopt cloud-enabled LIMS-CDS integrations, AI-driven analytics and real-time collaboration across global sites. Advances may include:

• Predictive maintenance using machine learning on instrument health data
• Automated anomaly detection and adaptive workflow adjustments
• Extended interoperability with electronic lab notebooks and enterprise resource planning systems
• Enhanced mobile access for remote monitoring and approval processes

Conclusion

The integration of SampleManager LIMS and Chromeleon CDS represents a significant step toward fully automated, paperless laboratories. By bridging data silos, automating critical processes and supporting multi-vendor instrumentation, this solution drives efficiency, ensures compliance and maximizes the return on instrument and software investments.