What is an ELN (Electronic Laboratory Notebook)?
An Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) is an electronic version of a paper lab notebook with many more features than just a paper notebook. It is generally used for the documentation of protocols, experiments and procedures performed in R&D.
An ELN makes searching, analyzing and storing data quick, easy and secure.
It can include a chemistry suite for designing chemical structures and reactions.
An ELN can also manage biology activities such as experiments on complex large molecules, cell lines, antibodies and proteins.
Data.
An ELN stores all scientific data in one place replacing many laboratory notebooks kept in numerous locations.
The data stored within the database (MySQL, MS-SQL, Oracle, etc.) are secure and timestamped (protecting Intellectual Property) and searchable.
Storing all data in one place makes for better collaboration, sharing notes, projects and protocols.
Storing data on an ELN enables the data to be organized and legible.
Archived data can be easily found in the future.
Metadata can be added to enrich dynamic data collected within the system.
Compliance.
Implementing a fully validated ELN system will demonstrate compliance with regulations such as ISO 17025 & 21 CFR Part 11 and Good Practices (GXP) such as Good Laboratory Practices.
The ELN has full audit trails of all actions.
Access control to data and functionalities can be fully defined and regulated thanks to groups and roles definition.
Electronic signatures can be set up for any action in the system.
