Efficient lab management is essential for ensuring accuracy, compliance, and streamlined workflows in research, academic, clinical, and industrial laboratories. As the demand for digital transformation grows, many institutions are turning to free and open-source lab management systems (LMS) as cost-effective solutions. These platforms offer flexibility, transparency, and customization without the high price tag of proprietary software. In this 2025 guide, we explore the top 10 open-source LMS tools that can help modern labs manage samples, track inventory, generate reports, and automate routine processes.
1. SENAITE
Senaite is a robust web-based LIMS/LIS built upon the Plone CMS infrastructure in Python. It is in active development with a lot of customization room for developers e.g. its excellent implementation of RESTful JSON API and Modularity.
It features a beautiful, responsive GUI with a customizable and colorful dashboard. Senaite can also run on Linux servers and it is easy to learn to use.
2. Open-LIMS [Discontinued]
Open LIMS was registered in 2010 and has not been updated since 2016 but since its download count continues to increase, the developers must have done some things right.
It was developed using PHP and PostgreSQL to run on Linux servers and in any modern web browser and it features a friendly GUI. You can extend its features using free extensions for different types of projects.
3. Baobab LIMS
Baobab LIMS is a web-based, community-driven, completely customizable, and user-friendly system that was built by African and European researchers for the purpose of managing biospecimens.
Like Senaite, its code is written in Python with its code based on Plone CMS. It has comprehensive documentation and a community always ready to help users find their way around it.
4. MetaLIMS [Discontinued]
MetaLIMS is an easy-to-setup web-based LIMS that focuses on genome processing and metadata collection. It is built using PHP and MySQL and it features a responsive GUI.
MetaLIMS makes it easy for users, whether tech-savvy or not, to create new fields for storing data appropriately. It has comprehensive documentation and can be used with AWS Lightsail among other services.
5. Bika LIMS
Bika LIMS tags itself the “best professionally supported OS LIMS by far” and given its large user base, it is difficult to doubt its reliability.
It is the oldest and most popular open-source LIMS with several derivatives under its belt such as Bika Water, Bika Cannabis LIMS, Bika Health, Bika Fire Assay and Bika Tribology.
Bika Health is web-based with a responsive UI for use on mobile and tablet devices and a focus on tools needed for lab inventory, cataloging, reporting, etc.
6. C4G Basic Laboratory Information System (BLIS)
C4G BLIS was developed by the joint effort of Computing for Good (C4G) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Ministries of Health of several countries in Africa, and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
It is mainly used for tracking patients, lab results, and specimens and all research work on the system can be found via the links on its website.
7. ERPNext – Lab Management Module
ERPNext is an Enterprise Resource software that gives users complete control of their businesses and it features several modules. The ERPNext Lab Management Module is what we are interested in.
ERPNext Lab Management Module is built in Python, MySQL, and NodeJS and it features a responsive GUI. It also features integrated modules for inventory management, patient billing, consultations, appointments, etc.
8. eLabFTW
eLabFTW is a web-based LIMS with a focus on inventory management, security, and flexibility. It is built using PHP and MySQL and it features a responsive GUI for use on mobile and tablet devices.
Also, unlike other titles in this list, eLabFTW offers users a SAML2 authentication, a scheduler, a file manager, and a molecules drawing.
9. Clover
Clover is a simple lab information management system (LIMS) designed for the purpose of providing a means for easily making biological documentation as well as managing and searching lab resources.
Built by a plant biologist for biology laboratories, especially plant labs, Clover excels at managing order requests, creating reports, cataloging, etc.
10. Occhiolino – The GNU LIMS
GNU LIMS, also known as Occhiolino, is listed last but is definitely not the least. It is a modern, scalable, and flexible LIMS with automatic interfacing with lab analyzers, real-time lab test processing, and full integration with GNU Health built to serve in the biomedical sciences.
It features functionality for accounting, managing stock, working with digital signatures, reporting, invoicing, auditing, managing workflows, etc. It also supports multiple languages, and plugins to extend its feature list, and is powered by the open-source community.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lab management system can dramatically enhance the efficiency and integrity of lab operations. The open-source solutions listed above provide powerful features while allowing full control over customization and data privacy. Whether you’re running a small academic lab or a large industrial facility, these tools offer scalable and reliable options without the cost burden. Evaluate your specific needs, test a few platforms, and embrace the future of digital lab management in 2025.
We do not support or promote any form of piracy, copyright infringement, or illegal use of software, video content, or digital resources.
Any mention of third-party sites, tools, or platforms is purely for informational purposes. It is the responsibility of each reader to comply with the laws in their country, as well as the terms of use of the services mentioned.
We strongly encourage the use of legal, open-source, or official solutions in a responsible manner.
Comments