Is SampleManager cloud-based?
Thermo Fisher offers it in three ways: on-premises, in a customer-managed cloud, or as Thermo Fisher-managed cloud services hosted on AWS.
Comparison
FreshLIMS vs Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS
SampleManager is an enterprise LIMS from Thermo Fisher Scientific. FreshLIMS is a cloud LIMS built for independent diagnostic labs and the clinics that refer to them. This page compares them fairly, using what Thermo Fisher publishes, and says where SampleManager is the stronger choice.
The short version.
Thermo Fisher describes SampleManager as combining laboratory management, scientific data management and procedural execution (a laboratory execution system) in one solution, for life-science and industrial laboratories. It can be installed on-premises, run in a customer-managed cloud, or contracted as Thermo Fisher-managed cloud services on AWS.
FreshLIMS is narrower by design: a UK-hosted cloud platform for diagnostic labs with a clinic ordering portal, live Westgard QC and a validation pack, at published prices from £495 a month.
If you need a broad enterprise informatics platform or an on-premise deployment, SampleManager is built for that. If you're an independent diagnostic lab that wants to be running quickly at a known price, FreshLIMS is.
Side by side
SampleManager and FreshLIMS compared.
| SampleManager LIMS | FreshLIMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Life-science and industrial laboratories; supports GxP and CAP/CLIA regulated labs | Independent UK diagnostic labs and the clinics that refer to them |
| Deployment | On-premises, customer-managed cloud, or Thermo Fisher-managed cloud services on AWS | Cloud, UK-hosted |
| Pricing | Not published on the pages we reviewed | Published tiers, from £495/month; first month free |
| Scope | Laboratory management, scientific data management and procedural execution in one solution | Diagnostic LIMS: chemistry, microbiology with AST, molecular/PCR, serology, genetics and sequencing; clinic ordering portal |
| Setup | Not detailed on the pages we reviewed; ask for an estimate | Same day; work on real samples immediately |
| Compliance referenced | 21 CFR Part 11, GDPR, GxP, CAP/CLIA | Built around ISO 15189 / UKAS workflows; validation pack included |
| Exit | Ask the vendor | Full data export at no extra cost |
SampleManager information is taken from Thermo Fisher's public blog post on its cloud services (published 31 July 2020) and may have changed since; confirm details with Thermo Fisher. Thermo Scientific and SampleManager are trademarks of their owner. FreshLIMS is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thermo Fisher Scientific. If anything here is out of date or wrong, tell us and we'll correct it.
SampleManager is likely the better fit if…
- You need a broad informatics platform that combines LIMS, data management and procedural execution.
- You work in a GxP-regulated or industrial setting, or under CAP/CLIA.
- You need an on-premise or customer-managed cloud deployment.
- You're part of a larger organisation with the budget and timeline for a larger-scale informatics project.
FreshLIMS is likely the better fit if…
- You're an independent or growing diagnostic lab working towards or holding ISO 15189 / UKAS accreditation.
- You want to be running this quarter, at a price you can see up front.
- You take referrals from clinics and want them ordering directly into your queue.
- You want UK hosting, full data export and no lock-in.
What to ask whichever you're considering.
- What is the total first-year cost, including implementation, validation and support?
- Which deployment applies to us, and where will our data be hosted?
- How long to our first real sample, and who does the configuration?
- What is the availability commitment, in writing, and the remedy if it's missed?
- Can we export everything, in a usable form, and at what cost?
- Can we speak to a UK lab of our size and type that uses it?
See also: FreshLIMS vs an enterprise LIMS, FreshLIMS vs LabWare and the LIMS pricing guide.
FAQs
FreshLIMS vs SampleManager questions.
Does Thermo Fisher publish SampleManager pricing?
Not on the pages we reviewed. FreshLIMS publishes its tiers on the pricing page.
Is FreshLIMS a replacement for a full enterprise informatics platform?
No. It is a diagnostic LIMS with a clinic portal, not a combined LIMS, data-management and execution platform for every laboratory type.
Can I try FreshLIMS alongside my current system?
Yes. The first month is free with no card, so you can run it in parallel and compare on your own work.