Allow users (lab technicians, scientists, administrators, clients) to create and manage accounts with role-based access control.
Implement secure authentication methods, including password recovery and multi-factor authentication.
Sample Management:
Enable users to register, track, and manage samples, including sample collection, storage, and disposal.
Provide features for labeling and barcoding samples for easy identification and tracking.
Test and Experiment Management:
Allow users to define and schedule tests and experiments, including protocols, reagents, and procedures.
Track the status and progress of tests and experiments, including start and completion times.
Equipment Management:
Manage laboratory equipment, including tracking usage, maintenance schedules, and calibration.
Provide tools for logging equipment issues, repairs, and servicing.
Result Entry and Reporting:
Enable users to enter and record test results, including numerical data, images, and observations.
Generate and manage reports of test results, including detailed analysis and summary reports.
Client and Order Management:
Manage client information, including contact details, service requests, and billing information.
Allow clients to submit sample requests, track the status of their samples, and view results online.
Inventory Management:
Track laboratory inventory, including reagents, consumables, and other supplies.
Provide notifications for low inventory levels and support ordering and restocking processes.
Billing and Invoicing:
Generate and manage invoices for laboratory services, including billing for tests, experiments, and other services.
Provide options for online payment and integrate with payment gateways.
Quality Control and Compliance:
Implement quality control measures and track compliance with laboratory standards and regulations.
Maintain records of quality control tests, audits, and certifications.
Data Export and Import:
Support exporting data, including sample information, test results, and reports, in various formats (e.g., CSV, Excel, PDF).
Allow importing data from other systems or files for initial setup or data migration.
Reporting and Analytics:
Provide tools for generating reports and analytics on laboratory performance, test results, inventory, and client activity.
Include dashboards for tracking key metrics and performance indicators.
Admin Panel and Management:
Provide administrators with tools to manage user accounts, configure system settings, and oversee laboratory operations.
Allow administrators to handle system-wide configurations, manage roles, and review logs.
Integration with External Systems:
Integrate with external systems, such as Electronic Health Records (EHR) or Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), for seamless data exchange and synchronization.
Provide APIs and connectors for integration with other tools and services used by the laboratory.
Non-Functional Requirements
Scalability:
The system should handle increasing numbers of users, samples, tests, and data without performance degradation.
Support for scaling infrastructure to accommodate growth and peak usage periods.
Performance:
Ensure fast and responsive interactions, with quick data retrieval, result entry, and report generation.
Optimize performance to handle large datasets and concurrent users efficiently.
Reliability and Availability:
Ensure high availability with minimal downtime, supported by redundancy, load balancing, and failover mechanisms.
Implement regular backups and disaster recovery procedures to maintain service continuity.
Usability:
The user interface should be intuitive and user-friendly, accommodating users with varying levels of technical expertise.
Provide a consistent and seamless experience across different devices and platforms.
Security:
Implement robust security measures to protect user data, test results, and sensitive laboratory information, including encryption, secure authentication, and access controls.
Protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyber threats.
Maintainability:
Ensure the system is easy to maintain, with clear documentation, modular design, and support for regular updates and bug fixes.
Implement automated monitoring and logging to identify and address issues promptly.
Compliance:
Ensure the system complies with relevant regulations and standards, such as data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and laboratory regulations.
Provide features to support auditing, data retention, and regulatory reporting requirements.
Data Integrity and Accuracy:
Ensure that all data collected and processed by the system is accurate, consistent, and up-to-date.
Implement validation checks and data integrity mechanisms to prevent errors and data corruption.
Localization and Internationalization:
Support multiple languages and regional settings to cater to a diverse user base.
Allow easy adaptation of the system to meet local regulations and practices.
Accessibility:
Ensure that the system is accessible to users with disabilities, following web accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
Provide features such as screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and adjustable text sizes.
Privacy and Data Ownership:
Ensure that users retain ownership of their data and can easily control, access, and delete their information.
Provide transparency regarding data usage, sharing, and storage practices, with clear consent mechanisms.
