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) | $5.7K–$14.3K+ | $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 is $49/month flat — every feature, unlimited users and unlimited samples, billed monthly with no annual contract. Total cost of ownership is typically 99% lower.
Other comparisons
When your QC log lives in Excel.
When your ELN doesn't quite cover QC.
When you're weighing another cloud LIMS — but not the per-seat bill.
When the AI LIMS you're evaluating is built for R&D, not QC release.
When an environmental specialist quotes you per seat.
When the incumbent's bill scales with every sample you run.
Still deciding?
Tell us about your lab and we'll give you a straight answer on whether Aliquora is the right fit.