Month: November 2025

The Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) has become an essential tool for modern laboratories. While paper lab notebooks were the standard for decades, the digitalization of research data is transforming the way scientists record, share, and leverage their results.

In this article, we explore what an electronic lab notebook is, its practical uses in different contexts, and how it has evolved to become a cornerstone of the laboratory of the future.

📖 What is a paper lab notebook?

Before digital solutions emerged, the paper lab notebook was the central tool of scientific research.

It is a bound notebook, often numbered and dated, in which researchers recorded:

• Experimental protocols
• Observations and results
• Diagrams, sketches, or attached photos
• Dates and signatures of experimenters

Advantages of the paper notebook

• Easy to use: no training needed
• Very low cost
• Freeform annotation, including drawings
• Legal and evidentiary value (if properly maintained, signed, and dated)

Limitations of the paper notebook

• Risk of loss, deterioration, or falsification
• Difficult to share
• Slow and tedious information retrieval
• No integration with other tools
• Low security and no backup

Electronic lab notebooks emerged precisely to overcome these limitations.

📌 What is an Electronic Lab Notebook?

An ELN is software that replaces the traditional paper notebook used by researchers to record their experiments, protocols, results, and observations.

It is a digital platform providing:

• Centralized scientific data
• Full traceability of experiments
• Real-time collaboration between researchers
• Secure storage and backup of sensitive information
• Regulatory compliance (ISO, GLP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11)

In other words, an ELN is far more than a digital notepad — it is a true scientific activity management tool.

🔎 Why use an Electronic Lab Notebook?

Switching to digital brings significant advantages compared to paper notebooks or scattered files (Word, Excel).

1. Time savings and efficiency

• Instant search for protocols or results
• No duplicates or multiple versions
• Standardization of workflows

2. Enhanced collaboration

• Data sharing across researchers, teams, or sites
• Real-time co-editing and commenting
• Remote access for multi-site projects

3. Security and compliance

• Automatic backups and strong data protection
• Electronic signatures and timestamps
• Compliance with international regulations

4. Research data valorization

• Tracking protocol evolution
• Improved reproducibility
• Protection of intellectual property

⏳ The evolution of lab notebooks: from paper to digital

The history of lab notebooks mirrors the evolution of scientific research.

Traditional paper lab notebook

• Long the reference tool: handwritten, numbered, dated
• Simple and low cost
• But hard to share, fragile, and not secure

Digital files (Word, Excel, PDF)

• First step towards digitalization
• Easy to create and duplicate
• But multiple versions, poor traceability, limited collaboration

Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)

• Centralized and secure data
• Multi-user and multi-site collaboration
• Integration with lab tools (LIMS, analysis software)

Today, the ELN is becoming the new standard — just like project management or CRM software in other industries.

⚖️ Paper vs Electronic Lab Notebook: comparison

👉 In summary:
The paper notebook is still suitable for small teams or simple academic use, while the ELN is now the standard for modern labs—especially when collaboration, compliance, or data valorization are needed.

🧪 Concrete uses of the Electronic Lab Notebook

The ELN is not reserved for big pharmaceutical companies. Its uses cover many types of organizations.

🔬 For researchers

• Quickly record protocols and results
• Retrieve past experiments in seconds
• Access data from the lab or remotely

✅ For quality managers

• Ensure regulatory compliance
• Simplify internal and external audits
• Track every step and modification

📊 For R&D management

• Gain a global view of ongoing projects
• Optimize planning and resource allocation
• Leverage research data for better decision-making

🏫 In academia

• Standardize team practices
• Improve reproducibility of publications
• Train students in modern digital tools

🔬 ELN vs LIMS: differences and complementarity

Two digital tools frequently appear in lab environments:
ELN (Electronic Lab Notebook) and LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System).
They are often confused but serve different purposes.

🎯 Primary role

• ELN: documents scientific experiments. Replaces paper notebooks; stores protocols, results, notes.
• LIMS: manages laboratory workflows, samples, and logistics. Tracks samples, organizes resources, ensures compliance reporting.

👉 In short:
The ELN supports scientific work; the LIMS supports operational management.

⚖️ Key differences

🔗 Natural complementarity

Many labs use both:

• The ELN centralizes scientific knowledge and improves reproducibility
• The LIMS ensures operational rigor and compliance

Together, they provide a powerful ecosystem that boosts overall lab efficiency.

🚀 Current and future trends in ELNs

The ELN market is evolving quickly. Key trends include:

• Cloud computing: secure remote access
• Artificial intelligence: auto-suggested protocols, error detection, predictive analysis
• Software integration: connectivity with LIMS, ERP, scientific databases
• Advanced customization: solutions tailored to specific workflows
• Enhanced security: encryption, multi-factor authentication, regulatory-grade storage

🔎 Discover Olympeis, our Electronic Lab Notebook designed for modern laboratories

🌐 A platform built for today’s research challenges

Olympeis is not just an ELN — it is a platform designed to adapt to the realities of modern science: skyrocketing data volumes, remote collaboration, and increasingly complex workflows.

⚡ Easy to use and fast to adopt

Many ELNs are too complex.
Olympeis was designed to be intuitive and accessible, even for users unfamiliar with digital tools.
Its clear interface organized by projects, experiments, and samples ensures a smooth onboarding.

🔒 Security and compliance at the core

In regulated environments (biotech, pharma, chemistry, healthcare), compliance is essential.
Olympeis includes:

• Timestamps
• Electronic signatures
• Full audit trail

Guaranteeing integrity and compliance with GLP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

🤝 Unlimited collaboration

With Olympeis, teams can:

• Work simultaneously on the same protocol
• Share results easily
• Annotate experiments directly

Whether in the same facility or spread across several sites.

🛠️ A customizable solution

Unlike rigid platforms, Olympeis is highly flexible:

• Custom protocol templates
• Integrations with your existing tools
• Adjustable workflows

This makes it suitable for small teams and large organizations alike.

🚀 Toward a more efficient and sustainable laboratory

By reducing reliance on paper, Olympeis helps labs:

• Save time
• Reduce errors
• Improve sustainability

Digitalization improves both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.

✅ Conclusion: an essential tool for the modern laboratory

The Electronic Lab Notebook is no longer optional — it is an essential step for any lab seeking efficiency, reliability, and compliance.

Whether improving researcher productivity, strengthening quality traceability, or delivering better strategic insights for R&D, the ELN is now a central pillar of the laboratory of the future.

👉 By choosing a solution like Olympeis, you gain a modern, intuitive, customizable ELN designed to meet your scientific needs and accelerate your research projects.

Discover Olympeis, a new generation of ELN designed for demanding laboratories

In a rapidly evolving scientific world—where data volumes are exploding, collaboration spans across countries, and traceability has become a major challenge—more and more laboratories are asking themselves a simple question: Is it finally time to leave paper behind and go for an ELN ?

At Informatics for Bio-Companies, we designed Olympeis, a digital lab notebook (ELN) built to meet the needs of today’s laboratories. It is now available and ready to transform your daily work.

📉 The limitations of paper notebooks

Paper lab notebooks are still widely used, often out of habit or because they seem simple. But they come with major drawbacks:

• Data loss: a forgotten, torn, lost, or misplaced notebook… and weeks of work can disappear.
• Lack of clarity and standardization: handwritten notes, personal abbreviations, and inconsistent layouts make data difficult to exploit.
• Tedious searching: finding a specific piece of information in a 300-page notebook takes time—a lot of time.
• Zero connectivity: impossible to link data across projects, generate exports, or collaborate efficiently.

🚀 Why switch to a digital lab notebook?

An ELN like Olympeis is far more than a digital version of paper. It enables:

✅ Better organization of experiments, projects, and results
🔍 Instant searching across all your historical data
🧠 Long-term knowledge retention for the whole laboratory
🔒 Full traceability: versioning, electronic signatures, activity logs
🤝 Seamless collaboration with multi-user, real-time work

🧪 Integration into everyday lab workflows

A common concern when going digital is the fear of disrupting habits.
With Olympeis, we focused on an intuitive interface that feels natural to scientists:

📂 Experiments are organized by project and by day—just like a real notebook.
⏱ You can write faster and attach files, images, analysis results, and more.
🔄 Reusable templates avoid retyping recurring procedures.
🔧 Experiment planning, equipment booking (in development!), and stock tracking are centralized in one tool.

Result: smooth adoption with no steep learning curve.

🔐 What about data security?

Digitalization naturally raises questions about data protection.
With Olympeis:

• Your data is stored in a secure environment, with regular backups.
• Access rights can be precisely controlled—who can view, edit, or validate each item.
• A full modification history is maintained to guarantee traceability.

This allows you to stay compliant with regulatory requirements—while gaining peace of mind.

🌱 A progressive and supported adoption

We know that changing tools requires guidance. That’s why we provide:

• Hands-on onboarding
• A responsive team available for your questions and suggestions

And since Olympeis is still being rolled out, your feedback is incredibly valuable.
You can actively contribute to shaping the tool according to your real needs.

⚙️ An ELN that goes further: project management, planning, stocks, and instruments

Unlike most solutions on the market, Olympeis doesn’t stop at experiment recording. It allows you to:

• Manage research projects, milestones, and priorities
• Plan upcoming experiments in a shared visual calendar
• Track reagent, consumable, and sample inventory
• Reserve and monitor equipment usage (in development!)

🧬 A response to strategic challenges in life sciences

The digital lab notebook is now a strategic asset to:

• Protect and enhance your intellectual property
• Secure collaborations with public or private partners
• Prepare for quality upgrades or certifications
• Better steer R&D, clinical, or industrial projects

It is also a major advantage for biotech leaders, CROs, deeptech startups, and academic platforms upgrading their structure.

📣 Discover Olympeis today

We are opening Olympeis to new pilot users to gather maximum real-world feedback.

👉 Contact us now to book a personalized demo
👉 Use the Olympeis link to sign up and start your free trial

🎯 In summary

Switching to a digital lab notebook like Olympeis means:

• Structuring your data
• Gaining rigor, speed, and clarity
• Collaborating better
• Preparing for the future

Ready to transform the way you work in the lab?

As scientific data grows exponentially and documentation rigor becomes more crucial than ever, the digital lab notebook—or ELN (Electronic Lab Notebook)—is becoming an essential tool for biologists.
But why switch to digital? And more importantly, how do you choose an ELN suited to your biological research needs?
This article guides you step by step.

🔍 Why Should Biologists Adopt a Digital Lab Notebook?

For years, the paper notebook has been the go-to tool in laboratories. Yet it quickly shows its limits in modern research environments that are collaborative, multi-instrument, and data-driven.
Here are a few key reasons to migrate to an ELN:

• Enhanced traceability: every modification is recorded, timestamped, and linked to a specific user.
• Data security: no more lost or damaged notebooks.
• Simplified search: quickly retrieve past experiments using keywords or filters.
• Improved collaboration: share experiments and results with colleagues, even remotely.
• Regulatory compliance: many standards now require digital, traceable, and secure documentation (GxP, ISO, FDA 21 CFR Part 11).

In biology—where protocols often evolve, results must be meticulously tracked, and data can be sensitive—these advantages quickly become essential needs.
(We also recommend reading this insightful article from the Institut Pasteur on the topic!)

🧾 The Limits of Paper Lab Notebooks

Despite their apparent simplicity, paper notebooks raise multiple challenges in modern biological environments:

• Risk of loss or damage (spilled liquids, torn pages, unsafe storage)
• Lack of traceability: difficult to know who modified what and when
• Limited sharing: notebooks are usually accessible to one person only
• Poor analytical capabilities: no search engine, no link between data and results
• Compliance difficulties: audits often require documentation levels that paper cannot guarantee

Switching to digital ensures your scientific work is secured, structured, and better valorized.

📊 Comparison: Paper Lab Notebook vs. Digital ELN

🧪 In Biology R&D: An ELN as a Catalyst for Innovation

Research and Development (R&D) teams in biology handle complex experimental protocols, documentation of results, and collaborative projects.
An ELN helps them:

• Track project progress in real time
• Easily reuse protocols or scripts
• Centralize multi-omics data and analyses
• Speed up report and publication generation

It becomes a knowledge management and monitoring tool for scientific leaders.

✅ In Quality Control: Digitalization to Reduce Errors

In quality control, documentation rigor is non-negotiable.
An ELN provides:

• Standardized and structured documentation
• Validated and reproducible processes
• Electronic signatures for validation
• Simplified audits through automatic traceability

This drastically reduces human errors and non-conformities.

🏭 In Production: Using ELNs to Track Batches and Standardize Procedures

In biological production environments (recombinant proteins, fermentation, cell culture, etc.), an ELN makes it possible to:

• Track production batches with exact conditions
• Compare reproducibility between runs
• Facilitate technology transfer
• Ensure documentation compliance with regulatory requirements

It becomes a key ally for operational quality and industrial scalability.

✅ Essential Features for a Biology-Oriented ELN

Not all ELNs are created equal.
If you’re a biologist, here’s what to look for:

• Ease of use: intuitive interface, even for non-technical users
• Support for scientific formats: tables, microscopy images, sequencing files, curves, annotated PDFs, etc.
• Integration with other tools: compatibility with your instruments or software (LIMS, bioinformatics tools, data storage systems)
• Collaborative features: comments, notifications, validation workflows, project management
• Security and compliance: secure hosting, access control, audit trail, versioning, electronic signature
• Adaptability: ability to add modules for specific needs (e.g., animal tracking, cell culture, biobank management, etc.)

🧠 How to Choose the Right ELN: Key Steps

Here’s a structured approach to selecting your digital lab notebook:

1. Identify your use cases: Are you in academic, clinical, or biotech research? Do you need to track only protocols, or also results, metadata, and materials?
2. Involve users: Biologists, engineers, and quality managers all have different expectations.
3. Compare solutions: Open-source, proprietary, off-the-shelf, or custom-built? Try demos of several options.
4. Check compliance: Ensure your ELN meets your field’s legal and ethical standards.
5. Consider scalability: Your ELN should grow with you—more data, users, or modules.

💡 Olympeis: An ELN Designed for Demanding Biologists

At Informatics for Bio-Companies, we developed Olympeis, a digital lab notebook designed by and for biologists.
Our goal? To combine simplicity, compliance, and adaptability.

With Olympeis, you can:

• Easily document your experiments, results, and observations
• Centralize your data, files, images, and scripts
• Collaborate in teams with differentiated access rights
• Save time with a clear and fluid interface
• Ensure compliance without compromising usability

Have specific needs? Our team can tailor Olympeis to your protocols, workflows, and existing tools.

👉 You can already try Olympeis for free right here.

📩 Want to Learn More?

Whether you’re exploring options or ready to take the next step, contact us for a personalized Olympeis demo.
See how the right ELN can truly transform the way you work in the lab.