Best Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) Software

Approximately 50 years ago, lab notebooks were primarily physical, resulting in several associated drawbacks such as the need to manually write down all information and limited storage capacity.

However, the advent of the first Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) brought about a significant change. These ELNs essentially served as digital replicas of physical lab notebooks.

In the present day, ELN has evolved into something much more expansive. It now encompasses complex software that offers extensive functionality for managing lab data and seamless integration with a great range of chemical industry software solutions.

Unfortunately, even nowadays, many research laboratories use legacy solutions, such old-fashioned notebook apps and physical notebooks, instead of relying on modern and fully-centralized ELN systems. As a result, they miss many business opportunities due to suboptimal performance. 

Whether you are running a CRO, a custom synthesis company, a chemical manufacturing SMP, a healthcare laboratory, a Research and Development organization, a biotech lab, or any other institution involving lab trials, ELN is a must-have solution. 

Today we will tell you about the best options in the market and help you find the most suitable for your needs ELN software. 

What is ELN Software?

Let’s start with a brief definition of ELN and its essentials. 

ELN stands for Electronic Lab Notebook. It is a digital tool used in scientific research and laboratory works to record, organize, and data on experiments, formulas, observations, and other essential lab procedures. 

Created as a substitution for traditional lab notebooks, ELN provides secure data storage, search functionality, collaboration capabilities, and other features that allow lab staff to create, manage, and share data entries more efficiently. 

A perfect example of successful ELN usage is Life Chemicals. It is a custom ERP system helping a German chemical company streamline its processes. 

The Life Chemicals platform includes a powerful search engine and an ELN that allows lab staff to securely create, store, manage, and collaborate on various lab notes. 

With its comprehensive range of fundamental ELN features, Life Chemicals empowers users to execute chemical laboratory processes with remarkable efficiency, surpassing what would be achievable without its utilization.

Features of ELN Software

The functionality of ELN solutions may differ drastically. Many features depend on the integrations of a specific ELN solution.

Nevertheless, here is a fundamental rundown of features that you are highly likely to encounter in the top-tier ELN solutions available in the software market.

• Note-keeping functionality
• Documentation templates
• Electronic signature support
• Secure encryption and safeguards for sensitive data
• Well-organized and structured data storage
• Integration with LIMS, ERP, and other chemical management software
• User-level access restrictions
• Compound search engine
• Collaboration tools for lab staff
• Interactive visualization for chemical formulas
• Certificate of Analysis (CoA) generation and storage

Types of ELN Software

Most of the best ELN software solutions are rather universal, which means that they will fit different industries and use cases. 

However, there are still industry-specific ELN applications. 

Let’s dive deeper into the types of the best ELN solutions. 

ELN for Chemical Industry CRO and Custom Synthesis Companies

ELN is a must-have solution for chemical industry contract research organizations (CROs) and custom synthesis companies. 

The main selling point of such applications is that they help chemical industry businesses store all the required information on experiments and lab trials. 

ELN apps also help such companies organize information in the most convenient way possible.

The above-mentioned Life Chemicals platform will serve as a perfect example of the chemical industry ELN. 

ELN for Healthcare Labs and Clinical Trials

Many healthcare organizations cannot run their operations properly without ELN software. 

Quick data access and proper organization of information are vital for companies. 

That’s why they choose healthcare industry ELN software, such as LabVantage, which helps them store and modify records with full compliance with HIPAA rules. 

General Usage SaaS ELN

There are also general usage ELN platforms that fit most industries and are provided to the users according to the SaaS principle. 

A perfect example of such an application is LabGuru. 

A user subscribes to the platform and can use its note-keeping and collaboration functionality for different purposes. 

Scientific Research ELN

ELN apps are also very useful in scientific research. 

Different scholars can use it for keeping and exchanging notes, as well as searching for relevant information that can aid in scientific research. 

A perfect example of widely applied scientific research software for ELN is SciCord. 

ELN for Students

ELN platforms also have great educational potential. 

They can help students structure their knowledge and handle their lab and practical assignments more efficiently. 

A perfect example of a lab platform that is truly helpful for students is SciNote. 

The Difference between ELN Software and a Regular Note-keeping App

Some laboratories keep using regular note-keeping apps for their trials and operations. 

By using these apps, which are some kind of old-generation ELN platforms, instead of modern ELN apps, you miss a great range of benefits.

These are just a few of the many advantages of modern ELN software over old-fashioned note-keeping apps: 

• Specialized chemical formula management functionality
• Integration with other laboratory management software
• Compound search engine
• Workflow schemas and templates
• Collaboration features
• Data organized correspondingly to workflows
• Experiment tracking features, such as version control, timestamps, and audit trails
• Analytics, often based on AI/ML engines.

How to Choose the Right ELN Software

While choosing the right ELN software that perfectly fits your needs, you should consider numerous factors. 

These are:

• The level of automation you need.
• Integrations that you need (for example, if you are running a healthcare laboratory – go for FHIR interoperability).
• Data organization and the presence of secure data storage for sensitive data.
• Cost-efficiency of your solution (for example, you can aim for a SaaS model with flexible pricing).

Then, make your decision based on your understanding of these factors. Or rely on SotfFormance, proven experts in ELN software comparison and consulting. 

Top 12 Best ELN Software in 2023

Now that you know the most important facts about ELN software development, let’s take a look at the best examples of such applications available in the market. 

Jupyter

Jupyter is a feature-packed ELN software that is primarily oriented toward chemical manufacturing and custom synthesis companies. 

The platform provides a great development environment for notebooks, code, and data. Jupyter provides rich functionality for data science, scientific computing, and even machine learning development. 

One of the most important features of Jupyter is that this platform is open for extensions and integrations. Its modular design allows the users of Jupyter to broaden its functionality on demand. 

One more important thing about this platform is that the SoftFormance team has contributed to its development. 

Labguru

Labguru is a multi-functional cloud-based Electronic Laboratory Notebook that also includes a rich laboratory management system (LIMS) functionality. It provides rich functionality tailored to the needs of life science businesses. 

Labguru allows lab staff to efficiently store and organize laboratory data and inventory. It also facilitates lab automation, offers resources for molecular and biology research, and provides valuable insights into lab data. 

Also, Labguru smoothly integrates with a variety of lab management software. 

Benchling

Benchling is a user-friendly ELN that provides a unified environment for the collaboration of lab researchers. 

The list of features provided by Benchling includes a powerful search engine, data storage, collaboration tools, electronic signature, Protocol/SOP management functionality, task management dashboards, and many more. 

LabArchives

Here’s a scalable and secure ELN platform that facilitates CROs and other scientific research organizations. 

Notable for its rich functionality, LabArchives provides lab staff with features for chemical sketching, auditing, communication and collaboration, image annotation, and template generation. 

LabArchives also puts a strong emphasis on data security. That’s why this app introduces a complex system of hierarchical user roles and permissions. 

LabWise XD

Labwise XD is a complex laboratory management system that includes the features of LIMS, ELN, ERP, and a Document Management System (DMS). 

This application seamlessly integrates with various operating systems, which allows users to create complex laboratory and research management infrastructures. 

Among the main features provided by LabWise XD, one can mention functionality for diagnostics, quality control, stability studies, and workflow management. Besides, LabWise XD has a powerful analytical engine that helps lab staff get actionable insights from their practices. 

SciCord

Here’s a powerful ELN solution that helps both solid scientific organizations, small groups of scientists, and regular students. SciCord combines the structured elements and regulatory compliance features of a LIMS solution with the flexibility of an ELN. 

The main selling point of SciCord is that the platform integrates with various smart laboratory instruments. The platform allows its users to develop complex Internet of Lab Things systems. It is all about seamless data integration and structured data storage. 

Besides, SciCord provides powerful collaboration capabilities, as well as an efficient system of roles and permissions. 

Sapio Sciences

This platform places a strong emphasis on informatics and workflow management. SAPIO Science is empowered with Jarvis, a data extraction tool that retrieves instrument and application data from their respective sources into the ELN and LIMS. 

Besides, SAPIO Science has powerful data analytics tools and creates interactive and highly-visualized reports. Other selling points of this platform are Useful DNA tools, such as a plasmid editor and CRISPER design.

eLabJournal

eLabJournal is an ELN platform notable for its strong focus on collaboration. It supports communication between different members of the lab staff and ensures smooth data exchange. 

All data entered into the system are promptly and securely stored either in servers or the cloud. 

Notably, eLabJournal offers e-signatures, enabling users to sign and countersign experiments electronically. One more great selling point of eLab Journal is its full mobile compatibility. 

eLabFTW

eLabFTW is an open-source solution that helps laboratories automate and simplify experiment management. Its main selling point is that this platform is completely free. 

eLabFTW is a platform that will fit both large groups of researchers and individual students involved in research. 

Apart from traditional ELN features, eLabFTW provides rich interactive scheduling functionality, data referencing mechanics, and cross-platform availability. 

SciNote

SciNote is an ELN platform that places a significant emphasis on time optimization. It includes rich functionality for task management and routine task automation. 

Besides, there’s nothing challenging about using SciNote. Its developers prioritize a user-friendly approach, which makes SciNote a very popular solution among students and other users without significant technology expertise. 

Chemotion

Chemotion ELN is a specialized ELN software that is widely applied by chemists and researchers in the field of chemistry. 

Chemotion offers functionality for experiment management, observations, and collaborative note-taking, data sharing, and task management.

Besides, Chemotion perfectly integrates with other chemical industry systems. Our team used it as a part of more complex laboratory management solutions. 
Besides, it provides a rich set of analytical instruments and supports robust security. 

Indigo ELN

Indigo ELN is a platform that helps scientists create, store, retrieve, and share electronic records with chemistry information. It also helps laboratories ensure robust security and comply with various regulations. 

Besides, Indigo easily integrates with other laboratory management software, electronic signature services, and databases.

One more important thing is that Indigo developers always update their product, adding new functionality and making the application even more user-centered with each update. 

When to Choose the Custom Development Approach?

There may also be situations in which no off-the-shelf solution fits your needs. In such cases, go for custom software development. It is a more complex approach, but it pays off if you have very specific business needs. 

We recommend you aim for a custom solution in the following cases:

• You are running a franchise with very specific software demands or specific business practices that are not covered by regular ELN software.
• You work on governmental or other top-tier research contracts that require special levels of security.
• You have unique requirements for your software, such as biometric authentication for lab workers.
• You have an existing custom solution that perfectly integrates with your processes but needs optimization. 

SoftFormance, as a company with strong experience in developing chemical ELN solutions, such as Life Chemicals, will guide through the entire software development lifecycle. 

With our custom templates and a great combination of skill and experience, you will receive a business-specific solution in short terms and without overspending. 

Summary

So, now you know about the main benefits of the best ELN software and understand its value for a great number of industries.

And you definitely have a freedom of choice. At least, our article shows that the list of great options is pretty big. 

Or, instead of choosing one of the many solutions available in the market, you can go for custom development. 

What really matters is that SoftFormance is ready to assist you in both cases. 

We are a company with strong market expertise ready to handle a quality ELN software comparison or guide your ELN software development project all along the software development lifecycle. 

Contact us now and get your powerful laboratory solution in the shortest terms possible. 

And remember, people need your software!

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