Aliquora vs Spreadsheets
When your QC log lives in Excel.
Spreadsheets are great until two people edit the same row, a formula breaks, or an auditor asks who changed what. Aliquora gives you the same flexibility with structure, validation, and an audit trail.
Full feature comparison
| Feature | Aliquora | Spreadsheets |
|---|---|---|
| Sample tracking | Limited | |
| Auto-generated sample IDs | ||
| Out-of-spec auto-flagging | Limited | |
| Multi-user collaboration | Limited | |
| Review & approval workflow | ||
| Audit trail (who changed what) | ||
| Role-based permissions | ||
| Branded COA / PDF reports | ||
| Search & filter across history | Limited | |
| Cost | From $480/mo (unlimited users) | Free / sunk cost |
| Setup time | Same day | Already in use |
When Spreadsheets wins: Single-person labs with under ~30 samples per month and no compliance pressure.
Is Aliquora the right choice?
- You have two or more people entering or reviewing results
- You're subject to ISO, GMP, or any audit requiring traceability
- You generate COAs or release documents for clients or regulators
- You've ever lost data to a broken formula or conflicting edits
- You want auto-flagging of out-of-spec results without manual checks
- You work alone with fewer than ~30 samples per month
- You have no compliance or audit requirements now and none anticipated
- Your results are fully ad hoc — no recurring test types or spec limits
Moving your QC data out of spreadsheets
A practical sequence for labs making the switch.
- 1
Export your existing sample log as CSV. Aliquora's import tool maps standard column headers automatically.
- 2
Set up your test panels and spec limits once in Aliquora — they apply to every new sample from that point forward.
- 3
Invite your team. Each user gets a role (analyst, reviewer, admin) with appropriate permissions from day one.
- 4
Run your first sample alongside your spreadsheet for one week to validate the workflow before cutting over.
- 5
Archive the spreadsheet read-only. Aliquora's audit trail takes over from there.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I import my existing spreadsheet data?
- Yes. Aliquora accepts CSV imports with flexible column mapping. Historical results imported this way appear in the audit log with an 'imported' source flag so the record is clear.
- What happens to formulas I already use for OOS detection?
- You replace them with spec limits set once per test type. Aliquora re-evaluates every result against those limits at entry and flags OOS automatically — no formula maintenance required.
- Will my auditor accept a cloud LIMS instead of a spreadsheet?
- Typically yes — and often prefer it. Aliquora's immutable audit trail, role-based access, and e-signatures are designed to satisfy 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 17025, and GMP audit expectations that spreadsheets struggle to meet.
- How long does it take to get started?
- Most labs are logging samples on day one. A realistic full migration from spreadsheets — including historical data import and team onboarding — typically takes one to two weeks.
Other comparisons
When the LIMS RFP is bigger than your lab.
When your ELN doesn't quite cover QC.
When you're weighing another cloud LIMS — but not the per-seat bill.
When an environmental specialist quotes you per seat.
Still deciding?
Tell us about your lab and we'll give you a straight answer on whether Aliquora is the right fit.