An electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) is a software program designed to act as an electronic version of a traditional paper lab notebook. Using it helps streamline documentation of lab activities by making the recorded scientific data easier to find and use. Additional features may include the creation of links between records, the ability to communicate and share data with other ELN users in a secure network and the option to program scheduling for routine instrument calibration or research-related timelines. Although ELN software can be installed independently, many are paired with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), software designed to streamline workflow and manage laboratory information.

Laboratory notebooks have always been a staple of laboratories in general, but the first electronic versions did not appear until the mid-1990s. Mostly targeted to pharmaceutical companies, they were quite expensive, and difficult to install and maintain at the time. The growing regulatory environment in the years that followed ensured the growth of the technology, particularly since it provided a means of enhanced data storage, traceability and security. As the installation of ELNs grew, they became significantly cheaper, easier to use and developed greater capabilities. While most ELNs are still designed to act as a general means of recording data and information, there are also some that exist for specific applications and techniques. The software is also not bound to a particular industry but rather exists broadly across a variety of laboratory types and end-markets, including foods, chemicals, utilities, plastics and much more.

Most ELNs are installed on-site, meaning the software is housed in the lab that uses it, or at least somewhere else in the same organization. Other ELNs exist as Software as a Service (SaaS), which means the software is centrally hosted but available to the user as a subscription. ELNs are also increasingly cloud based, although security concerns tend to hinder the adoption of this model.

The leading vendors include Agilent Technologies, BIOVIA, IDBS,LabVantage, LabWare and PerkinElmer.  IDBS released in January the E-Workbook Cloud ELN, a web-based platform with eight modules. This month, Thermo Fisher Scientific acquired Core Informatics, which also sells a ELN. The acquisition is part of the company’s efforts to adopt cloud-based laboratory and scientific data management capabilities. There are also numerous small-sized vendors offering ELN software online or to download, many of which cater to niche applications or subject areas. Aside from commercially available products, many labs opt to build custom ELN systems themselves.

The total market size for ELNs can be an ambiguous valuation since many leading systems are also bundled with LIMS or other informatics software. When isolated from such bundles, however, IBO estimates the total market to be about $160 million in 2016. Driven by rising demand from the food industry, the market is currently growing in the mid-single digits.

ELNs at a Glance:

Leading vendors:

• BIOVIA (Dassault Systèmes)
• PerkinElmer
• IDBS

Largest markets:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Biotechnology
• Chemicals

Software cost:

• $2,000–$500,000