• Question: What system is used to manage data?

    Asked by anon-279150 to Martin, Isabel, Amal, Alice on 2 Feb 2021.
    • Photo: Martin Ward

      Martin Ward answered on 2 Feb 2021:

      I think this is too broad a question to answer really. But for me, when it comes to storage of data, the associated metadata need to be present and correct if you (or someone else) ever want to make use of the data in the future

    • Photo: Amal Lavender

      Amal Lavender answered on 2 Feb 2021:

      Hi MelissaA – very broad question as Martin says – key is there are many different systems to manage data and then what data is key. There are global platforms such as
      ERP systems (Enterprise resource planning) refers to a type of software that organizations use to manage day-to-day business activities such as accounting, procurement, project management, risk management and compliance, and supply chain operations.
      LIMS Systems (A Laboratory Information Management System) is software that allows you to effectively manage samples, equipment and associated data. It can automate workflows, integrate instruments, and manage samples and associated information
      Then individual bespoke instrument analysis systems, chemical inventory systems to Electronic notebooks or even manual notebooks. Metadata is key to be able to get the best out of the data.

Comments

  • Photo: Amelia

    Amelia commented on :

    There a lot of different data management systems used in my lab.
    For smaller data sets, spreadsheets such as Excel can be used. For more specialised data management, graph plotting software may be used which will allow you to analyse the data in more detail. An example of this is which I use a lot is OriginLab.
    Many people also use programming packages such as python or R which are coding languages and are good for larger data sets.

  • Photo: Katie

    Katie commented on :

    Hi Mellisa, the data management system used my year in industry was excellent. They had an electronic lab notebook. Every experiment had to be recorded exactly – risk assesment, protocol, raw data, analysis. This had to be approved by two people before it could be stored. These are stored for 10+ years, its very helpful for looking up similar experiments you may want to do!