LabWare LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) provides a platform for easy configuration using their proprietary coding language, LIMS Basic. It is critical to follow proper coding standards and naming conventions for consistency, integrity, performance, and maintenance of the system. These standards should be followed by developers, configuration specialists, system administrators, and any team members involved in configuring a LabWare LIMS to provide sustainability and optimization. In this piece, we dive deeper into the importance of adhering to LIMS Basic Coding Standards. 

Adhering to LIMS Basic Coding Standards 

Basic Guidelines 

LIMS Basic guidelines were first established in 2004 to create a clear framework for code performance, maintaining system integrity, and ensuring consistency. This incorporates best practice recommendations, including naming conventions for objects and styling guidelines to enhance code readability for users supporting the system. Additionally, these guidelines serve as a reference for conducting code reviews when used alongside the LIMS Basic Coding Standard Checklist, which consists of stating the system name, configuration package or single subroutine name, author of the review, and approver of the review, to create a standardized baseline for evaluating code quality for prolonged use.

Code review is required for high impact changes to production or validated systems. Documentation of code review should be recorded for all associated configuration packages by summarizing the impact of changes and associated code reviews and unit testing performed. A thorough code review should also be performed during a version upgrade to ensure there are no errors. 

Resolving Errors 

Within the LIMS Basic Coding Standards, there are also rules to be followed for potential errors within any code being written. By default, a debugger can be used to resolve errors and as of LabWare 7, the Error Logging Component Template was implemented to correctly facilitate error handling. The Error Logging Component Template is a reusable, preconfigured template to capture, log, and manage errors. It can be utilized in custom scripts or workflows to document errors in a standardized manner.

If an error does occur during testing, it must be addressed through one of the following activities: the data change should be rolled back and the error should be reported through a defect; the affected record should be marked with a clear “Error” status; or an entry should be added to an error log that clearly identifies the problematic record and notes that its integrity may have been compromised. By capturing detailed error information in a standardized way, the Error Logging Component Template facilitates effective troubleshooting and proactive system management. 

Naming Conventions 

Naming conventions in LabWare LIMS are another critical piece for ensuring clarity and efficiency throughout a LIMS. Clear and descriptive names help users understand the purpose of scripts, tables, fields, workflows, and other components without the need for extensive documentation. A consistent naming convention ensures all components follow the same logic making it easier to locate, reference, or modify items. As a system expands to fit organizations’ needs, this makes it easier to scale and manage while eliminating conflicting data. Determining naming conventions early on establishes a strong foundation that can support long-term system success. 

Utilizing Headers 

To clearly identify a summary of what the code is accomplishing, users should utilize headers. Headers should contain a change history log including the date, name, reason for change, and the name of the subroutine or object with a description of what it is doing. Additionally, any change history and variables used within the code should be included through comments. Comments can serve as a way to explain why and how the code was written and what it is achieving. Any variables used within written code should use descriptive names that are easily identifiable by anyone in the future who is supporting the system. Best practices indicate that variable names should be alphanumeric and written in CamelCase (i.e. sampNumber or sampNum) or they may cause complications when debugging. 

Ensuring Operational Success 

Adhering to LIMS Basic Coding Standards is essential for performance, maintaining the integrity and reliability of LabWare LIMS. These standards establish a consistent framework for coding practices, ensuring that naming conventions, error handling, and documentation are effectively followed. By implementing these guidelines and leveraging tools like the LIMS Basic Coding Standard Checklist and the Error Logging Component Template, laboratories can enhance code readability, streamline code reviews, and optimize system functionality for long-term operational success.  

To learn more about following LabWare’s LIMS Basic Coding Standards, whether it is a new implementation, an upgrade, or day-to-day activities, our LIMS experts can ensure your system is operating sufficiently.