eLabNext

Pros: Cost, feature content, feature addition request fulfillment, customer service, universal capability, and plenty more.

Cons: The only cons would be things I would only expect from a 100% custom software package integrating with our test software and servers.

Overall: We have gotten an incredible amount of use out of a program that really wasn't designed for our use. I think with all the additions over the years it has become even more applicable to us, but even in the beginning eLabJournal was well-equipped to handle what we need.

Pros: I converted to an electronic lab notebook system with my MS in Biotechnology students several years ago and researched a variety of platforms. I selected eLabJournal because of its ease of use, compatibility in a teaching situation, and excellent customer service and support.

Cons: While there was a learning curve for using the platform, it was relatively easy and my students adjusted to it quite well.

Overall: My overall experience with eLabJournal has been excellent. The transition from paper to electronic format has been much easier than I expected, primarily due to the outstanding customer support.

Pros: I enjoy that the product is web based, allowing me to access is from numerous devices. I also enjoy the compatibility of excel online, allowing me to have consistent backups.

Cons: Excel online functionality isn't 1 to 1 with regular Excel.

Overall: Overall the product has made data documentation dramatically easier, allowing me to save time in the lab and progress my projects more rapidly.

Pros: - User Friendly
- Highly flexible and customisable Inventory (including printing barcode labels, scan operation, and full integration with ELN)
- Every user action is audit-trailed
- Data/sample info is never deleted (only archived)
- Each research group has a separate ELN environment, with cross-group collaborations being easy to set up
- Quick and cyber-secure private cloud installation

Cons: - Sometimes the number of mouse clicks can be redundant for some functions, but the vendor is always taking new feature requests and is more than happy to consider implementing them where feasible.

Overall: Having been the lead for implementing eLabNext, I have noticed how flexible the system can be made to meet various user needs while remaining to compliant with regulatory and legal requirements. The support provided by the vendor is superb and a newly appointed Australian hire ensures that support is provided with a reasonable turnaround time.