Aliquora vs Enterprise LIMS (LabWare, LabVantage, STARLIMS)
When the LIMS RFP is bigger than your lab.
Enterprise LIMS platforms are powerful but designed for 50+ user labs with months of implementation budget. Aliquora delivers the core QC workflow — sample tracking, results, OOS, approvals, COAs — without the six-month rollout or six-figure invoice.
Full feature comparison
| Feature | Aliquora | Enterprise LIMS |
|---|---|---|
| Sample tracking | ||
| Results entry (manual + CSV) | ||
| OOS detection | ||
| Review & approval workflow | ||
| Audit trail | ||
| COA / PDF generation | ||
| Self-service setup | ||
| Sign up & start same day | ||
| Implementation timeline | Days | 6–18 months |
| Annual cost (small lab) | $4.8K–$30K+ | $80K–$500K+ |
| Custom validation packages | Limited | |
| On-prem deployment |
When Enterprise LIMS wins: Pharma manufacturing sites and contract labs over ~100 users with deep ERP integration needs.
Is Aliquora the right choice?
- Your lab has under ~100 users and doesn't need deep ERP or instrument integration
- You need to be running within weeks, not months
- Your annual budget for LIMS is under $30,000
- You want a self-service setup without a VAR or implementation partner
- You need the core QC workflow: samples, results, OOS, approvals, COAs
- You're a pharma manufacturing site requiring on-prem deployment or 21 CFR Part 11 IQ/OQ/PQ validation packages
- You have over 100 users with complex ERP (SAP, Oracle) or instrument integrations
- Your IT policy mandates locally hosted software with custom security hardening
Switching from an enterprise LIMS
A practical sequence for labs making the switch.
- 1
Identify which modules you actually use today — most small labs use fewer than 30% of enterprise LIMS features. Aliquora covers the core QC workflow out of the box.
- 2
Export your sample history and reference data (methods, spec limits, client list) from your current system as CSV.
- 3
Map your existing test panels and limits into Aliquora's configuration — this typically takes one to three days.
- 4
Run a two-week parallel period: log new samples in both systems and compare outputs before cutting over.
- 5
Migrate historical data. Work with your Aliquora account manager to import archived records.
- 6
Decommission your old LIMS. Aliquora's export tools ensure your data is never locked in.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Aliquora validated for GMP use?
- Aliquora is designed with GMP-aware workflows — electronic signatures, immutable audit trails, role-based access, and controlled document handling. Full IQ/OQ/PQ validation packages, as required by some pharma manufacturing sites, are on the roadmap. Contact us to discuss your specific validation requirements.
- Can Aliquora replace all the modules we use in LabWare or LabVantage?
- For QC-focused labs, yes in most cases. Aliquora covers sample tracking, results entry, OOS detection, review and approval, COA generation, client portal, and audit trails. Highly custom instrument interfacing, LIMS-ERP integration, or regulatory submission modules typical in pharma manufacturing are outside Aliquora's current scope.
- What does implementation actually look like?
- Most labs complete configuration and team onboarding within one to two weeks without an implementation partner. We provide guided setup, a dedicated onboarding call, and documentation. There is no statement of work or professional-services contract required.
- How does the cost compare long-term?
- Enterprise LIMS platforms typically run $80,000–$500,000 per year inclusive of licenses, maintenance, and support. Aliquora starts at $480/month for unlimited users, billed monthly with no annual contract. Even at higher tiers, total cost of ownership is typically 90–95% lower.
Other comparisons
Still deciding?
Tell us about your lab and we'll give you a straight answer on whether Aliquora is the right fit.