"Why can't I use Microsoft OneNote...?"

..., Excel or something else?

I sometimes get asked?the above question and this can often be followed by why would we pay more money for an electronic lab notebook (ELN) or laboratory sample information storage system if OneNote can do it?

Yes, OneNote and Excel are solutions to some problems on a basic level, but if you would like to optimise your laboratory and ensure you are compliant as you scale and move into manufacturing then please read on and I will explain why and hopefully save you from future data migration or compliance challenges a few months or years down the line.

While Microsoft OneNote is a versatile note-taking application with various features, it may not be the most suitable option for a dedicated electronic lab notebook (ELN) in a biotech start-up, academic institution or even larger biotech, CRO or Pharmaceutical Company. Here's why you might prefer an ELN over OneNote:

1. Scientific-specific Features:

Electronic lab notebooks are designed with scientific research in mind, offering specialized features tailored to laboratory workflows. ELNs often include functionalities such as experiment templates, structured data entry, integration with other laboratory software, metadata capture, and data analysis capabilities. These features are essential for organizing and analyzing scientific data effectively, which may not be present or as comprehensive in OneNote.

2. Regulatory Compliance:

Biotech research often involves compliance with regulatory guidelines, such as Good Laboratory or Manufacturing Practices (GLP / GMP) and 21 CFR Part 11. Electronic lab notebooks are specifically developed to meet these regulatory requirements, offering features like electronic signatures, data versioning, audit trails, and controlled access permissions. These compliance-focused features are essential for ensuring data integrity and meeting regulatory standards, which might be lacking in OneNote.

3. Data Organization and Search:

ELNs provide structured data organization, allowing you to categorize and tag experiments, samples, and related information. This structured approach enables efficient data search, retrieval, and cross-referencing, making it easier to find specific experiments or data points. OneNote, while offering basic organization features, may not provide the same level of flexibility and search capabilities specific to scientific research.

4. Collaboration and Teamwork:

Biotech research often involves collaboration among team members, both within the start-up and with external partners. Electronic lab notebooks offer collaboration features that facilitate real-time collaboration, data sharing, and commenting within the context of specific experiments or projects. ELNs allow multiple users to work simultaneously, track changes, and maintain a complete record of collaboration activities. While OneNote does support collaboration, it may not provide the same level of granularity and integration with laboratory workflows as ELNs.

5. Integration with Laboratory Instruments and Software:

Electronic lab notebooks often have the ability to integrate with laboratory instruments and other scientific software tools. This integration allows direct data transfer from instruments to the ELN, eliminating manual transcription and reducing the chances of errors. It also enables seamless integration with bioinformatics tools, data analysis platforms, and research data management systems. Two great examples of this at eLabNext are with Implen SpectroPhotometer and Elemental Machines temperature (humidity, pressure and light) monitoring for your samples. OneNote, on the other hand, likely does not offer the same level of integration and interoperability with scientific instruments and software at the time of writing this article.

6. Data Security and Intellectual Property Protection:

ELNs typically provide advanced data security measures, including user authentication, access controls, encryption, and secure cloud storage options. These security features are essential for protecting sensitive research data and intellectual property. While OneNote offers some security features, ELNs are specifically designed with data protection in mind and may provide more robust security measures for scientific research data. eLabnext, with ISO 27001 Accreditation has the most secure laboratory software on the market today.

Overall, while Microsoft OneNote is a useful general-purpose note-taking application, an electronic lab notebook offers specialized features and capabilities that are specifically designed for scientific research workflows and compliance requirements. If your biotech start-up focuses on laboratory research, data management, collaboration, and regulatory compliance, an ELN would likely be a more suitable choice than OneNote.

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Together we can uncover the benefits above and many many more!