1. Introduction

This whitepaper provides a guide for laboratories and organizations seeking to leverage PowerBI to develop reports and dashboards using data from the LabLynx ELabLIMS platform by way of examples. ELabLIMS is an industry-leading laboratory information management system (LIMS) that streamlines and optimizes laboratory operations across healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, forensics, and analytical testing. The platform offers robust tools for sample management, workflow automation, regulatory compliance, reporting, and data integrity, within a secure, web-based environment.

With the addition of SciForge, a modern GraphQL API layer for ELabLIMS, laboratories can unlock advanced data access and integration capabilities. This enables seamless connectivity between ELabLIMS and business intelligence tools like PowerBI, allowing organizations to build custom reports, visualize laboratory metrics, and drive data-informed decision-making.

This document describes the essential features of ELabLIMS and SciForge, explains how to connect PowerBI to the GraphQL API, and provides best practices for building effective laboratory reports and dashboards. Laboratory managers, IT professionals, and developers will find practical guidance for harnessing the full potential of laboratory data with PowerBI and ELabLIMS.

The guide assumes familiarity with GraphQL APIs and PowerBI. The detailed steps within the guide can be followed to reproduce the examples provided. Familiarity with these technologies makes the examples a straightforward starting point.

LabLynx LIMS: Core Features and Benefits

·         Comprehensive Sample Management: Tracks samples from intake to disposal, ensuring full chain-of-custody and traceability.

·         Workflow Automation: Provides customizable workflows to match specific lab processes, improving efficiency and reducing errors.

·         Regulatory Compliance: Includes built-in support for standards such as CLIA, HIPAA, ISO, and more, with audit trails and data security.

·         Reporting & Analytics: Generates detailed reports and dashboards to support decision-making and compliance.

·         Customizable & Scalable: Adapts to unique operational challenges, high data volumes, and complex workflows.

·         Integration & Automation: Connects with instruments, external systems, and business intelligence platforms.

LabLynx LIMS is built on a modular architecture, allowing laboratories to select and configure the features that best fit their needs. The system supports both cloud-based and on-premises deployments, ensuring flexibility and scalability for organizations of any size.

ELabLIMS: The Foundation of LabLynx LIMS

At the heart of the LabLynx LIMS Suite is ELabLIMS, a robust and flexible platform for managing laboratory data, processes, and user access. ELabLIMS provides the core database and application logic, integrating with other LabLynx modules and external systems to deliver a unified laboratory management experience. The ELabLIMS database is built on Microsoft SQL Server, supporting high performance and reliability for mission-critical laboratory operations.

SciForge: Modern Data Access with GraphQL

To enable advanced data access, integration, and analytics, LabLynx offers SciForge — a modern GraphQL API layer for ELabLIMS. SciForge empowers clients and developers to query and interact with ELabLIMS data using GraphQL, a flexible and efficient API technology. This API connects directly to the SQL Server database, exposing laboratory data in a secure, structured, and extensible manner.

Key features of SciForge include:

·         GraphQL Endpoints: Access laboratory data with precise, customizable queries.

·         User-Managed Application Keys: Control API access and permissions through the ELabLIMS user interface.

·         Integration with BI Tools: Seamlessly connect to platforms like PowerBI for advanced reporting and dashboarding.

·         Extensibility: Enable developers to build and extend endpoints to meet evolving business needs.

Who Benefits from LabLynx LIMS and SciForge?

LabLynx LIMS and SciForge are ideal for organizations that require:

·         Seamless coordination of complex laboratory workflows

·         Advanced data management and analytics

·         Flexibility to adapt to unique operational challenges

·         Compliance with industry regulations

·         Integration with external systems and business intelligence platforms

Infrastructure Overview

The LabLynx LIMS Suite is delivered as a web-based application, accessible from anywhere with secure authentication and role-based access controls. ELabLIMS manages the core laboratory data and processes, while SciForge provides a modern API layer for data access and integration. Application Keys are managed within ELabLIMS, allowing organizations to control access to SciForge endpoints and ensure data security.

Together, these components enable laboratories to unlock the full potential of their data, streamline operations, and build powerful analytics solutions tailored to their needs.